ROFL at ((((Mary)))) -- You DO put a wicked grin on my face, woman!!!!
My kids wore uniforms to their parochial schools. Uniforms weren't cheap and the pants and "school plaid" parts WERE required to be purchased from the same supplier. In grammar school, grades k-5 had a choice of white polos, short- or long-sleeved, white oxfords, also short- or long-sleeved, or white turtlenecks. Girls wore the school plaid jumper, skirt or skort, and either sex could wear navy blue khakis. In middle school, no jumpers for the girls, and red knit shirts or turtlenecks were allowed for both sexes, who could also wear white tops at any time. I think white oxfords were required on mass days, but really can't recall. Sweaters had to be white or navy in all grades.
In high school, again, a school-chosen supplier was the only approved uniform source. The young women had a choice of two different plaids and a solid green skirt, in two different styles. Girls could wear khaki Dockers as well. Navy or Green sweaters over white or yellow oxford blouses were required on mass days. The gentlemen could wear white or light blue oxford shirts with tie and blazer required on mass days with Dockers pants. Ties were not daily requirements. Vests were also allowed, and the boys had navy, green or gray pullovers, as choices. Sweaters for both sexes came in v- or crew-necks. Also allowed for both sexes were knit shirts in navy, green, white, or gray, short- or long-sleeved.
So there was a variety of combinations available. And yes, uniforms did stifle individuality, but my kids also appreciated that they always knew what they were going to wear in the morning (My daughter, now in college, was just telling one of her college friends this the other day). The girls even self-censored themselves on skirt length. I hemmed them to about 1-1/2 shorter than knee length, and they only rolled them as high as they could without getting detention! LOL I never fought with them over that, because I saw what the other girls were doing and hell, I wore hot pants and mini-skirts to my public high school!
I definitely spent less on uniforms over four years of high school than I would have on regular clothes, but my kids did have stylish casual clothes to wear on non-uniform days which were [at least] once a month all twelve years to give the kids a breather.
I appreciated that the school wanted the kids to look decent and have a sense of belonging without being tied to the same slacks/skirt, top and blazer for each and every day.
