When a character is supposed to be adhering to a specific dress code, but does so in a nonstandard way, he's technically in uniform. A type of Bothering by the Book, it allows characters to get away with having Distinctive Appearances without actually breaking any rules. Examples can range from relatively tame (wearing things like socks or ties in unusual colors or patterns) to absolutely outrageous (at which point, the sky's the limit). A favorite pastime of the Blithe Spirit, used to shake things up and drive people out of their ruts. A subtrope of Altered Uniform and Bothering by the Book.