Uniforms are not exactly a conservative idea. You could argue that it is a return to tradition, but uniforms are functionally more progressive if anything.
I have been to, no joke, over a dozen schools in several countries, some with uniforms and some without, and I find uniforms to be a far better option. Yes, uniforms aren't cheap and you don't get to pick what to wear, but I here are some reasons why it is still very worth it:
- There is no pressure to dress well compared to peers, especially if they can't afford to
- Kids are less likely to be bullied for what they wear
- Kids don't have expend mental energy in the morning figuring out what to wear
- Uniforms are generally less restrive and more comfortable than what is currently in style
- It's optionally a form of gender expression for young trans folks (in open minded schools)
- Wardrobe malfunctions can be resolved at school sometimes
- Kids can reuse hand-me-downs from siblings going to the same schools
- A sense of community among peers, especially when they recognize each other outside of school
- Helps with body image because uniforms generally obscures people's silhouettes to the same degree, so there is less pressure to look a certain way