I don't believe that conformity negates individuality, nor do I believe that all conformity is a conscious choice. And sometimes, conformity may be better for the individual rather than individuality.
You may be forced into some level of conformity (school uniforms, military garb, etc), but that doesn't strip you of your individuality. You are still you if you want to be.
I don't try to be an individual, and I don't try to conform. I am just me, and sometimes certain aspects of "me" may or may not conform or be individual. I (used to) wear makeup like most other girls around me, not to conform, but because it helped heal my skin (mineral makeup). Now I don't wear it, but I'm not making the choice to be an individual.
If I'm part of a group, it's usually because I simply share a common goal or interest. However, I have made conscious decisions not to share interests for fear of being ridiculed for unpopular taste, so maybe that is an indirect form of conformity. I dunno. ^_^;