At first glance, the hallway of Ransom Everglades might look like a blur of polos and jeans, as if individuality has been erased by the dress code. But a closer look reveals a deeper meaning: small deliberate choices that showcase each girl’s personality. One tote bag, necklace, or pair of sneakers at a time.  

Individuality shines quietly in girls’ school outfits. While most lean on staples and the rare Isabel Marant or Madhappy hoodie, style still finds a way. Whether it’s the bright color of their shoes, the choice of tote bag, a stack of bracelets, or a hairstyle, self-expression remains possible.  

For students like Tova Katz ’28, Paulina Duenas ’28 and Jordan Posner ’28, an everyday tote bag has become a signal of individuality.   

“At first my bag was white and basic, the same Longchamp one all the Ransom girls have. This inspired me to buy a new, pink, floral tote bag from a small shop on Miami Beach, to make myself stand out more,” said Katz.  

Whether it is minimalistic beige with a colorful labubu charm, bright pink, or a fringe detail, bags are a great way for students to distinguish themselves in the hallway.   

Another key source of individuality lies under the desks: shoes. Girls use footwear to express mood, follow recent trends, or showcase personal style.  

“I’d have to say my favorite accessory is definitely my shoes because it’s the one thing I can change every day,” said Posner. “The colors and patterns help me be unique.”  

Posner leans towards soft, neutral tones, like brown, beige, and grey. She enjoys incorporating trendy brands while still choosing pieces that cater to her personal style.   

Though small, jewelry is one of the most personal ways students can express themselves within the dress code. Whether it’s a stack of gold bangles, a grandma’s emerald ring, or a trendy new watch, these small pieces often carry a lot of meaning.  

Faculty at Ransom notice and appreciate the subtle ways in which students adapt the dress code to personal style. As Assistant Dean of Students Ms. Elisabeth Anderson explained, “I think there are tons of ways to maintain your individualism. What jewelry do you wear? Do you paint your nails? What sneakers are you wearing? Are you a tote bag person or a backpack person? As long as you’re not dressing for the beach or a festival, there’s so much leeway in how you can maintain that sense of self.”  

The dress code at RE keeps things simple, but hair remains entirely up to the student. Some girls wear sleek back ponytails or braids, while others embrace their natural texture, or add fun clips. For example, Katz explained how hairstyle reflects her mindset: “I choose a clean, sleek back ponytail as my go to on a day I have a major test where I need to be locked in, and I enjoy curling Thursday night to add to my good mood on Friday.” For Katz and many others, hair is a reflection of confidence and personality.  

After all, there is no single “right” way to express individuality. As Ms. Anderson put it, “If you feel limited by the dress code, there are so many easy touch points for inspiration. Sometimes, when you ask someone who’s always in dress code, you realize they don’t feel squelched in their individualism after all.” 

Self-expression is not just a simple matter of adding accessories to an outfit. With new trends constantly circulating social media, there’s pressure to keep up — while still staying unique. “I feel it’s a constant competition of finding ways to individualize ourselves every day at school,” said Paulina Duenas (’28).  There is a constant desire to keep up with new brands, stand out in the hallways, or wear something no one else has.  

 After all, there is no single “right” way to express individuality. As Ms. Anderson explained in her interview: