My niece had a basketball game last month at my old middle school. I know a lot of people say middle school was terrible for them, but I honestly LOVED middle school. In my 7th grade year, however, one thing was implemented that I was NOT a fan of: a dreaded dress code. We had to wear solid colored polos (they had to have buttons, no snaps) , solid sweatshirts, and khakis or navy pants. We had to have closed-toe shoes. As a middle schooler, it was torture.

As an adult, this style is no longer torture for me. I wear outfits like this (maybe with a few modifications) to work, or to events. I LOVE collared shirts (flannel is definitely my style) like this cozy black and white flannel, and throwing on a solid sweater like this black one (shock, I’m wearing black) over it makes it a little more dressy. For this outfit, I chose jeans (y’all, these jeans from Kohl’s are AMAZING), but for work I usually pair it with a dressier pair of pants (like these from Old Navy).

This outfit is a modified version of my middle school dress code. I thought since I’d already be watching my niece, it would be fun to shoot some pictures in my old hallways. Granted, these aren’t my exact hallways. I never attended classes in this hall – they updated the school after I left (I’ve been gone a LONG time, y’all), and they’ve added some halls.

I probably wouldn’t have used a clutch like this one in middle school. I usually just used my backpack or a small crossbody purse. I didn’t really have a lot to carry back then (no keys, no lipstick – usually just a gloss or chapstick, no phone). But I think this clutch is gorgeous! I found it on clearance for $7 at Target, and it’s so pretty.

I did wear glasses in middle school. I was absolutely a nerd. I’d never heard of a hair straightener, I wore glasses and had braces, and I was definitely a bookworm. But I loved it. These glasses from Zenni Optical are so affordable. I always get my glasses there, because they’re so cheap! I like having different fashionable options, as well as backups in case something happens to a pair I love.

I went with a pair of basic rose gold studs. They were a Christmas gift, so I’m not sure where they’re from, but I do know they’re Kate Spade.

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry palette has a shade called Rose Gold. I loved pairing this eye look with the clutch! I also used the color “rose all day” from LipSense on my lips.

As I said, we had to wear closed-toe shoes in middle school. I wish we’d had cute options like these loafers when I was in middle school! I always wanted to be in only flip flops, so having to wear closed-toe shoes was a pain in the tail for me.

How was your middle school experience? Did you hate it or love it? Let me know in the comments!

Some links on Kentucky Girl Ramblings accounts may be affiliate links for which I receive a commission for your click-through and/or purchase. Links that are provided throughout my website may be affiliate links without being expressed.
Kentucky Girl Ramblings is occasionally gifted items to try and/or compensated in exchange for a post. Any collaborative post will be disclosed as a “collaboration” or “partnership”, or a “sponsored post.” Regardless of receiving a gifted item and/or compensation, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I will only feature products I truly love and choose to endorse.
All material, including photographs and written content, is owned by Kentucky Girl Ramblings unless otherwise stated and may be subject to copyright laws.