How to Look Cute and Dress Nicely for Middle School (Girls)

Co-authored by Natalie Tincher and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 1, 2021 References Approved

Heading into middle school is both nerve wracking and exciting. Since you're a little older now, you might be thinking more about your clothes, your hair, and your makeup. While this can sound like a lot of work, it can be fun, too!

Here are 20 different ways you can look cute and dress nicely in middle school.

Method 1

Method 1 of 20:
Try a T-shirt and jeans for an everyday, casual look.

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You can never go wrong with this simple, timeless look! Throw on your favorite pair of jeans and match them with a T-shirt of your choice. Light wash jeans usually go best with darker tops, and they’re more casual. Dark wash jeans work well with light tops, and they’re a little more formal. Finish off your look with a pair of sneakers before you head out the door.^{[1]
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- To jazz this outfit up a bit, try accessorizing with a few chunky bracelets or a long necklace.
- Tuck your shirt into the front of your jeans for a cute, sporty look.

Method 2

Method 2 of 20:
Wear a tank top over a T-shirt for a colorful, modern vibe.

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You can create tons of outfits with this simple fashion hack. Put on a plain T-shirt, then throw a printed tank top over it. You just made a whole new shirt out of clothes you already had!^{[2]
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- For instance, you could pair a white T-shirt with a black floral tank top.
- Or, try a black T-shirt with a striped tank top.

Method 3

Method 3 of 20:
Look sporty in some athleisure wear.

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This outfit leaves you looking both cool and casual. Pop on some athletic shorts or a pair of leggings and add a track jacket on top. Pair your look with some sneakers and a pair of stud earrings to keep things simple.^{[3]
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- If you’re going for shorts, make sure they’re long enough so they follow the dress code!
- This is the perfect outfit for a lazy day or when you have gym class later.

Method 4

Method 4 of 20:
Go vintage with some bermuda shorts.

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These long shorts are perfect for following dress code. Pop on a pair of bermuda or walking shorts that fall just above your knees. Pair them with a button-down and some sneakers or sandals for the perfect summer look.^{[4]
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- Try wearing a few necklaces and bracelets to top off this outfit.

Method 5

Method 5 of 20:
Try a punk look with a mesh shirt.

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Channel your inner goth girl with this outfit. Put on a black tank top and then throw on a long sleeve mesh shirt. Pair it with ripped jeans and a few studded bracelets to really go for the punk look. Add your favorite pair of lace up boots to make this outfit look perfect.^{[5]
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- To really rock this look, throw a few brightly colored extensions in your hair, like blue, pink, or green.

Method 6

Method 6 of 20:
Get preppy with a polo and a skirt.

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This timeless outfit never goes out of style. Throw on a skirt that’s long enough to reach past your fingertips, then pair it with a polo shirt that has a collar. Add your favorite pair of clogs or sneakers to finish off this outfit.^{[6]
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- Pair your look with simple stud earrings and a few chain necklaces to keep things low key.

Method 7

Method 7 of 20:
Channel the 90s with a pair of overalls.

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Denim overalls are all the rage right now. Put on a plain T-shirt and then throw a pair of overalls on top. If you’re wearing overall shorts, put on some sandals; for full overalls, try boots or sneakers. Pair your outfit with some dangly earrings and a few bracelets.^{[7]
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- To really channel the 90s, try a striped T-shirt underneath your overalls.

Method 8

Method 8 of 20:
Get a little fancier with a skirt and a shirt.

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Want to dress to impress? Throw on a simple T-shirt and tuck it into a flowy skirt. If it’s chilly out, add a pair of sheer black tights to cover up your legs. Wear flats or booties to complete your look, and throw on some stud earrings for a stylish accessory.^{[8]
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- If skirts aren’t your thing, try a skort instead.
- Denim skirts look great with bright, solid colors, while neutral skirts pair well with patterns.

Method 9

Method 9 of 20:
Throw on a dress for a fun, summery look.

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If it’s still warm out, you might be able to wear a flowy dress to school. Make sure it complies with your dress code, and throw on a cardigan if your arms are cold. Pair it with some sandals if it’s warm out or flats if it’s a little chilly.^{[9]
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- If your ears are pierced, try wearing some simple studs to complete this look. If they aren’t, throw on a few bracelets or a thin necklace instead.
- Try mixing up the length of your dress—midi dresses, or ones that hit below your knees, are super comfy and flowy (plus, they’ll always comply with the dress code).

Method 10

Method 10 of 20:
Grab a sweatshirt or crewneck for a sporty look.

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Sometimes school can get a little chilly. If you’re heading out for the day in just a T-shirt, take a plain crewneck or comfy sweatshirt with you. It’s a classic outer layer that goes well with almost anything.^{[10]
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- Go for a neutral-colored crewneck or sweatshirt, like gray, white, or black.
- If sweatshirts aren’t your thing (or you’re wearing a dress), try putting on a cardigan or a comfy sweater instead.

Method 11

Method 11 of 20:
Keep your hair loose and flowy for an everyday look.

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Most days, you can probably just wear your hair down. If your hair is straight, run a brush through it before you head out the door to make sure it’s shiny and frizz-free. If your hair is curly, spritz a little water into your curls to tamp down frizz and look fantastic.^{[11]
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- If you have long hair, consider getting a trim before you head back to school. It will help your hair grow faster, and your haircut will look fresh and stylish on the first day of school.
- If you have short hair, use some water to tamp down any bedhead before you go to school.

Method 12

Method 12 of 20:
Pin down your side part for a chic hair style.

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This look is perfect when you want to dress up a little. Use the pointed edge of a comb to part your hair onto one side, and use some water to tamp down any frizz. Grab 2 big barrettes and use them to hold down your part for an elegant, fashionable look.^{[12]
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- You could wear this look to a school dance or even when you’re wearing a skirt or a dress to school.

Method 13

Method 13 of 20:
Throw your hair into French braids for an easy hairstyle.

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If you’re having a bad hair day, don’t sweat it! Part your hair directly down the middle and brush out any knots or tangles. Grab one side of your hair and separate it into 3 pieces. Start braiding from the front of your head all the way back, grabbing more hair as you go. Secure that side with a hair tie, then do the other side!^{[13]
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- French braiding can be tricky at first, but it gets easier as you do it more. Try practicing on your friends until you get the hang of it.

Method 14

Method 14 of 20:
Try a slick ponytail for a sporty look.

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If you have gym class later, you might want to put your hair up now. Brush your hair back to the crown of your head and smooth down any flyaways. Wrap a hair tie around your hair to keep it in place, and use a light layer of hairspray to tamp down any frizz.^{[14]
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- If you notice any flyaways, use a barrette to keep your hair flattened down.
- If you have short hair, use a pea-sized amount of gel and a comb to slick your hair back and keep it out of your face.

Method 15

Method 15 of 20:
Do a ballet bun for a sophisticated look.

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It’s an easy hairstyle that’s both fun and stylish. Brush your hair and put it into a high ponytail, then wrap your ponytail around itself. Use bobby pins at the base of the bun to hold it into place. When you’re done, use a thin layer of hairspray to slick down your hair and keep flyaways in place all day.^{[15]
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- This hairstyle is perfect when you’re wearing a flowy dress to school.

Method 16

Method 16 of 20:
Try beachy waves for an effortless hairstyle.

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If your hair is straight, give it a little wave. After you take a shower, put your hair into 2 French braids on either side of your head. When you wake up, take your hair down to reveal your beautiful, wavy locks.^{[16]
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- Since you aren’t using heat to do beach waves, this hairstyle isn’t damaging at all!

Method 17

Method 17 of 20:
Accessorize with a bandana or a headband.

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You can add these to almost any hair style! Throw on a chunky headband or wrap your hair in a bandana to instantly elevate your look. Match the color of your accessory to the color of your outfit to stay cohesive and cute.^{[17]
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- You can also turn your bandana into a headband. Fold it in half to make a triangle, then roll from the bottom up until it creates a straight line. Wrap the bandana around your head and tie it into place.

Method 18

Method 18 of 20:
Throw it back to the 90s with a scrunchie.

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Keep your hair out of your face and stay on trend. If you want to throw your hair up at school, bring a scrunchie on your wrist to throw it into a bun. Gather all of your hair at the nape of your neck, then wrap a scrunchie around it a few times. Now it’s out of your face and you still look awesome!^{[18]
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- Plus, scrunchies are less likely to leave creases in your hair, so you can take it down later and still look fabulous.

Method 19

Method 19 of 20:
Wear some light makeup for an everyday look.

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While you don’t have to wear makeup in middle school, it is an option if you want it. Try putting on concealer and/or foundation, a light layer of mascara and a little bit of lip gloss/stick for an everyday look. Remember, with makeup, less is more!^{[19]
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- Check in with your parents before you start wearing makeup. They might have some product recommendations or some old makeup you could use!

Method 20

Method 20 of 20:
Dress up with eyeshadow and eyeliner.

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For school dances or formals, play up your eyes. Add a bit of sparkly eyeshadow that matches your dress, and add some black winged eyeliner if you want to. Add some color to your lips with a lip stick, and dab on a bit of blush to give yourself rosy cheeks.^{[20]
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- Even though you’re dressing up, you don’t have to wear makeup if you don’t want to! It’s an option, not a requirement.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I figure out my style?

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. With more than 10 years of experience, Natalie specializes in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.

Natalie Tincher

Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist

Expert Answer

Try experimenting with different clothing styles and shapes, and see if any appeal to you. Also, create a mood/inspiration board with clothing styles you really like, and use a journal to keep track of which outfits made you feel the best.
Question

How can I tell my mom I need to shave without being embarrassed?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

It might seem embarrassing, but your mom probably shaves, too! Just let her know that you've noticed that you have some body hair and you want to shave it off. She can probably get you a razor and even give you some good tips so you don't hurt yourself on your first try.
Question

I wear sweatshirts a lot to school. Is that OK or should I wear something else?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Wearing sweatshirts is fine! If you want to mix it up, try wearing a long flannel or a crewneck to stay warm instead. It's all about what makes you feel comfortable, and if you like sweatshirts, you should wear them.
Question

My skin is really sensitive. How do I know which makeup brands to trust?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

If your skin is sensitive, you might want to stay away from anything heavy, like full coverage foundation or concealer. When looking for products, try to find ones that say "for sensitive skin" on them so you know they won't irritate you. When you buy a new product, do a patch test by swiping a little bit on your neck and leaving it there for 24 hours. If your skin is okay after a day, you can use the product -- if it's red or rashy at all, it probably means it will irritate your skin.
Question

What do you do if you have to wear uniform for school?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

While you might have a little less variety in your clothing options, you can still have fun with your hair and accessories! Try adding bracelets, watches, rings, or necklaces to your outfit to glam it up. Throw your hair into a bun or a long braid to keep it up, or try adding hair clips and a bandana for a fun look. Do what you can with the rest of your outfit, even if you can't change up your clothing that much.
Question

How can I look cute and dress nicely if my parents don't approve of makeup?

Community Answer

You don't need makeup to look cute. You can just put on a bit of lip balm and paint your nails. Some cute accessories that match your outfit will go a long way too. If you still feel like you need to wear makeup, try negotiating with your parents to let you wear light makeup, but make sure you don't go overboard.
Question

What are the best colors to wear to look cute and dress nicely?

Community Answer

It varies for each person. Generally, if you have light skin, darker shades work best, and if you have darker skin, light or bright colors work best. Try to avoid neon colors, though.
Question

What if my mom is picky about what I wear and won't let me wear anything I like?

Community Answer

Just make sure the outfit is modest and fits your style. Get basic tees, because you can always spice them up with a nice skirt. Spend some time with her on sites like Pinterest that show various fashions and styles and try to come up with a compromise.
Question

How can I look naturally attractive?

Community Answer

That’s easy! Don’t wear too much makeup, take care of basic hygiene and develop a good skincare routine, make sure your clothes match, and make sure to smile!
Question

Can you suggest some cute hairstyles for preteens?

Community Answer

Check out the article on How to Do Cute Middle School Hairstyles.