Year 12/13 who have to wear "smart/casual" clothing - what do they wear?

[RedskyAtnight]

Vaguely (because who knows what will happen by September) thinking of what to buy DS to wear for Y12/13. At the moment he only owns joggers and jeans. The dress code is probably encapsulated by "smart/casual" clothing. DS doesn't like tight fitting things round his arms so reckons he will wear a polo shirt or short sleeved shirt and chinos. This is fine, but I think he will get too cold in winter - certainly on the way too and from school.

What do others wear/suggest?

Well he might want a coat of some dirt! Parka? Then a sweatshirt or pullover. Would he wear them? Long sleeve shirt in winter.

Some sort!

I think the issue is he doesn't want to wear a coat (with some justification - there isn't really anywhere to leave them). So need some sort of smart jacket, which so far he's not keen on.

Would they accept a bomber jacket? Why don’t they have coat hooks or lockers? What on Earth do other boys wear?

There’s good guidance to smart casual on the Esquire web site. Basically a decent shirt, chinos, low tech minimalist trainers, unstructured blazer, pea coat, fine knit, draw-string trousers and suede lace ups. There are some pictures that give a clue too. Never too young to start being fashionable.

And if he gets that cold, put thermals underneath!

Put his jacket/coat on the back of his chair in lesson? Then carry it?

I'll get him to look at Esquire :) Thanks for the tip.

They do have lockers but they are too small to store all their stuff and a coat (and they are not allowed bags in corridors). Though actually there is talk that they may be temporarily losing the lockers in September to (a) provide more space in corridors and (b) reduce risk of too many people crowding round them at once. So if that does happen then I guess they'll have to allow bags
There's also a coat storage room but it is social suicide to use it after Year 7 (apparently). Most Y7-Y11 don't wear coats.

I don't know what the other boys wear and when I asked DS he said "why would you think I notice stuff like that!?" (you may gather he is not of the fashion conscious ilk!). And of course it's not something I thought to ask him to actually look out for back in March!! Though I guess it's likely to be warm enough in September to not need another layer straight away, so maybe I can push this problem to a bit further in the year!

Is there a school website with pictures of 6th formers on it?

ooh good thought!!

Having had two go through this, but as little as possible for the start of term, keeping to basics that will go with a lot of things. Then they can see what the other students are wearing and add to their wardrobe slowly.

Website has lots of pictures of boys wearing shirts (which at least was useful from the point of view that it looks like anything that can be described as "shirt" is acceptable). Two wearing jumpers (DS has not worn a jumper since he was 2). No jackets or coats. But then they were mostly taken indoors (not counting the sports one as clearly they are wearing sports clothes in those).

Whilst I was there I checked the dress code. The pertinent bits are "no outside clothing to be worn inside building" and "no hooded tops".

(6th Form tutor here) Black trousers and jacket and five tops -job done..

Boys here can get away with dark black jeans (before they fade). In winter, most wear a t-shirt with a smart long sleeve shirt buttoned over. No jumpers or jackets - far too uncool. I would get the thickest shirts you can find!