PRINTHow to update your scout uniform
Scout’s honor: You’ll love these new looks
April 19, 2007 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Reinventing your look has never been more functional and cheap. “It is taking something that already has an element of beauty and expanding it in a contemporary way,” says Laura Wilson, owner of Blackberry Exchange. “It is recycling at its highest form.” So, break open that chest, shake out your old uniform, and follow these tips.
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PHOTOS BY JAMIE KANKIShirt: The classic polo or button-down shirt is the uniform for family portraits on the beach or the reappearing shirt on each page of a J. Crew catalog. It is also the slightly unnoticed staple to the traditional Girl Scout uniform. Take these badge-worthy fashion tips, and let your shirt stand alone.
Women
How to get the look: Pair it with jeans rolled at the cuff; this will allow you to show off those great espadrilles. Before throwing on the shirt, put a long bright-colored camisole underneath. The cami should peek out at the bottom showing a hint of a bold color and detail. Finish the look off with a cropped fitted jacket to prepare for cool nights and accessorize with a chunky beaded necklace.
Men
How to get the look: Treat your collared shirt like it came from Hollister by wearing laid-back jeans and layering a few tees underneath. Button the shirt and add a belt to achieve a more sophisticated look or keep it casual by letting the shirt hang loose.
A hem above the rest
Skirt: Skirts can easily go from grandma to hot mama depending on length. So, pull out that old Girl Scout pleated skirt or any skirt that needs an upgrade. With the help of a few dramatic pieces, you can now transform it into being the first thing you grab when getting dressed.
Women
How to get the look: Gather fabric an inch down from the waistband at the back of the skirt and fasten with a brooch. This will create an unexpected bit of glitz as you walk away. Take the same camisole used with the polo and wear as your first layer. Next, follow the camisole with a neutral and sheer tank that is a bit shorter. Finally, layer gold and rhinestone necklaces to achieve an understated elegance.
Men
How to get the look: No advice necessary unless you are wearing blue face paint and rocking it William Wallace style in Braveheart.
InVested
Vest: The vest is best known as part of the three-piece suit. Its exposure is limited, but its look is timeless. So forget pairing it with that pleated skirt and white polo and step outside the uniform into a new way of styling.
Women
How to get the look: First step: Turn it inside out. Think bohemian chic when you pair the vest with a flowy skirt on top of a basic white T-shirt. Belt the top ensemble at your waistline using a neutral belt if your skirt is loud.
Men
How to get the look: If your vest is adorned with badges, wear them proudly. This will give you an updated grunge look. Sport a white or gray tee underneath, jeans and layer with a jacket. The vest will add a rocker look to a comfy style.
Slimming effect
Sash: In Girl Scout world a sash is a wearable trophy case highlighting achievements and countless hours of volunteering. Take the sash from the shoulder to the waist and you will go from selling cookies to giving fashion advice. Silk scarves are also great substitutes to the sash.
Women
How to get the look: Slip the sash/scarf over your head and position it at your natural waistline or a bit higher to achieve a more defined waistline. Fold the excess material over and secure with a fashionable brooch.
Men
How to get the look: Slip the sash over your forehead and tie in the back. You’ll be giving Sylvester Stallone a run for his money with this Rambo look.
No tacky khakis
Khakis: They don’t have to scream country club. Your golf-playing shorts or old Boy Scout staple could definitely benefit from a few new style tips.
Men only
How to get the look: Give these stiff shorts a relaxed look with a few layered tees. A brown belt and brown sandals will pull it together and give you a rumpled look that is freshly unique.
Shirt of honor
Shirt: Decorated shirts are no longer just for women and men of the armed forces. Show off your merits by sporting an old Boy Scout uniform shirt. You can also purchase badges and sew them on an old collared shirt to achieve the same look.
Men only
How to get the look (shirt): The badges will give you an unexpected bad boy edge when you’re confident enough to gloat about your campfire days. Pair with some faded jeans, a white tee and throw on a hat. You will look effortlessly cool.
Yes, I would like to update my Girl Scout Uniform as a full standard Girl Scout long-sleeved dress Uniform and a full standard Khaki Girl Scout Uniform Pants and shirt. Badges sewn on the sleeves and the matching green/khaki badge sash. The neckerchief with the Girl Scout Emblem will come in dark green, yellow, blue, red, and orange. This is my Girl Scout Hobbie. Girl Scout Knee Socks and crew socks. Thank you very much for letting me do this.
Cordially,
Valerie Klaassen
Posted by Valerie Klaassen on Oct 3, 2007 at 3:03 p.m. (Report Comment)