accessorizing the dreaded uniform.

"I love your blog!I was wondering if you could help me. I'm going to a new school in the fall, and we have uniforms. I'm not really sure how to make it my own. We are allowed to wear shoes with the heel height under 2 inches, and we wear a white shirt, with a vest and tie, and a pleated skirt. The colours are navy and white. PLZ HELP!! I need to be original!"

-Anonymous

First off, lucky you! Perhaps it was the gazillion books I read about boarding school, where preteens went off to school, lived in dorms and wore uniforms that I hoped I too could go to a school with uniforms. However, as I grew out of my preteen stage, I realized how important individuality actually is. Who really wants to look like everyone else in their school? That's where accessorizing comes in. Although I must say your description is rather vague, I will attempt my best to give you some options in order to set yourself apart from the other students.

Let's start off with some looks to study and hopefully master. Of course remember, if you are on a tight budget, check out the looks, and score your local stores for cheaper versions.

Kirtsen Dunst in London avec boyfriend Johnny Borrell, july 2007.

Kirsten Dunst, one of my many style admirers, pulls off an adorable number. Although she is not wearing the look with a school uniform, imagine it okay? Let's break it down.

Sunglasses,Fred Flare, $9

I re-post them a lot, but I love them! And who can beat THAT price?

Brown blazer (used as a jacket),Anthropologie, $78 If your uniform has full length sleeves, opt for a longer sleeved jacket, rather than this, which is short sleeved.

Silver bag, Fendi, $2205 Perhaps the ultimate splurge this season, but if you can, go for it. Otherwise, look for something similar.

Black flats, Jimmy Choo, $340 These ones are patent black leather with black studs, but you can choose to go for a more simple matte black leather flat if you so want.

Red charm necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane, $115
Plain Jayne says they are a staple this fall, and they are going to be everywhere.

Kate Bosworth, Annual Art Party 2007, New York

The thing I am emphasizing in this look especially, is the importance of jewelry, while the previous look was about pulling a look together. Here, Kate pairs a super long necklace, and a bangle high upon the arm, and nothing else. Well, unless you count a clutch as something else, but instead of a clutch, you can pair a giant bag with it.

Necklace,Alex & Chloe, $54

Although Kate wears what appears to be a locket, remember length of the chain is key, this particular necklace has a 24 inch chain.

Bangle, Urban Outfitters, $18
The rest of this post, is more a mix and match guide to inspire you to create a look. Mostly because, well, I am much too lazy to write a paragraph for each item.

Head scarf, Urban Outfitters, $9.99

A splash of colour in your hair is a super easy way to look different.

Boot, Urban Outiftters, $298 I love the look of a tough boot with something more sweet like a uniform. However, Check to see if they are within the rules of your school.

Wedges, Urban Outfitters, $19.99 Sometimes an open toed shoe is frowned upon, but look for the new wedges (with a smaller heel) in a closed toe variety.

Head band, Urban Outfitters, $12
Bag, Urban Outfitters, $58
Bag, Urban Outfitters, $58
Bag, Urban Outfitters, $38
Blazer, Freedom of Choice, $168 This is jean, and short skeeved, but you get the picture: Longer sleeved if needed, and look for colours, textures and styles.

Necklace, Urban Outfitters, $9.99
Necklace, Urban Outfitters, $4.99

Things not pictured, but to consider.

Tights. Although I have not posted a picture or a price, this season the hottest colour is grey, and not the typical sheer fabric. Think more of a heavier weight fabric, and crochet. Think Tommy Hilfiger Fall/Winter 2007 (pictured below). However, if you are not allowed to wear such tights, I guess you'll have to do the switcheroo from pants once you arrive at school.

Another thing not pictured but to consider are coats. Think colour, and style. Opt for peacoats in an intersting colour like bright red or kelly green over a ski jacket.

Also consider gloves. Length, colour, texture, fabric, there are tons of possiblities. This season we are seeing more of a longer suff, think black patent leather to-the-elbow gloves like Burberry's from Fall/Winter 2007 and mid-arm lengthed fur mittens like the ones from Marni Fall Winter 2007 (pictured below). Although you might have to choose a coat with thinner arms to compensate for the length of the gloves, they are well worth it.

Last and certainly not least, consider scooping up a Proenza Schouler like hat. Keep those ears warm!

Celebrity photos from Justjared.buzznet.com and Popsugar.com

Runway photo from Style.com