By: Claire Caldwell ’27
The iconic red plaid skirt is a crucial part of what makes Ursuline so special to all. For over 150 years, uniforms have significantly evolved and reflected not only changing trends but the spirits and identities of their students. Even with several very different uniform changes over the years, all students and alumni recognize the honor to wear Ursuline history proudly.
“At the start of each school year, I have gotten in the habit of exhibiting the archive’s collection of UA uniforms over the years. I like the idea of our students imagining themselves wearing these clothes and coming to the realization that they are part of a UA community that reaches across time and has a history of more than 150 years,” wrote Ms. Chevallier, Ursuline archivist, in Ursuline News.
The Heritage Gallery has many notable displays throughout the year, with the uniforms throughout the decade usually being an eye-catcher. The articles of clothing on display are mixes of originals and copies. Everything dated before the dashing navy suit from the 1950s is a replica based on pictures and description.
Starting at the beginning of a very long road of change, when Ursuline was first founded, there was not an actual uniform. However, there was a guide that the girls had to follow. The 1889 catalog states, “No particular uniform for weekdays, but all clothing must be perfectly plain; no ruffles or flounces allowed.” The girls were also to have white dresses for Sundays and important ceremonies.
In 1917, the Ursulina (yearbook) shares a description of the first ever uniform. Students were to wear a dark skirt and a white blouse. Middie blouses (loose white blouse and buttoned at the waist) were not permitted, but in 1919, Middie blouses along with sailor collars were brought into the school.
Yearbooks are extremely useful and important when researching the historic wonders of Ursuline. Unfortunately, the Ursulina was stopped in 1927 until the first Acres was released in 1946. “I attribute the gap of the yearbooks to the end of World War I, the Great Depression, and then World War II because of lack of materials and budget,” said Ms. Chevallier. Between the World Wars, there is not a drastic change in the uniforms, only small variations in hem length, shoe styles, and a double-breasted blazer. For a short period of time in the 1940s, no uniform was required due to lack of materials during World War II.
Once the 1950s rolled around, Ursuline brought forth the navy skirt and blazer worn with saddle shoes. The uniform could be spiced up with pearls, heels, gloves, and hats for special occasions. Small changes were made in the late 1960s, with the seniors wearing a white blazer and the underclassmen wearing a navy version.
The iconic Ursuline plaid skirt made its appearance in 1970, designed by alumna Hope Evans Verhalen ’48. This plaid was designed for Ursuline and is completely unique to the school. Since the 1970s, the uniform we all know and love remained the same with the white blouse, plaid skirt, saddle Oxfords and white socks. However, optional uniform items have appeared and gone away. In the 1990s, pants became part of the uniform, and they could be either navy, khaki or red, but not many students wore them. Girls could also wear penny loafers if they wanted.
The Ursuline uniform has had many makeovers throughout the decades, but one thing remains clear: progress. “Every year we make improvements because that’s simply the way progress is. Ursuline is committed to progress,” said Mrs. Chevallier.
THE BEAR FACTS 