Dress Code FAQs - Student Statesmanship Institute

Our intention with our dress code is as follows:

To establish a standard at camp so that all participants know what to expect.
To help teach students professionalism and prepare them for real-life scenarios.
To avoid confusion that might create a negative environment. We sought to do this by keeping the requirements straightforward and easy to understand.

Our intention is NOT:

To define what is modest.
To put responsibility on an individual for another person’s perceptions or thought life.

If you have questions about a specific section of our dress code, see the dropdowns below.

Dress code: At any time shorts (or skorts) must be finger-tip length.

How do I know my shorts are long enough?
When standing with your arms dangling, the shortest part of the shorts (be aware of sides that are shorter or have slits) should not rise above where your fingertips fall naturally. Be aware of shorts riding up when seated.

Shirts

Dress code: Shirts must be worn at all times and should cover the area that would be covered by a tank top. Shirts must not show any part of the lower back or midsection.

What is meant by “the area that would be covered by a tank top”?
Shirts should cover the full torso, should have straps, and should avoid plunging necklines or cut-offs.

Skirts/Dresses

Dress Code – Ladies: The shortest part of a skirt or dress (solid fabric, not sheer) may not be any higher than a hand’s width above the knee.

How do I check that a skirt or dress is long enough?
When seated, place your hand on your leg so that the pinky side of your hand touches the upper edge of your knee. With the fingers close together, the shortest part of the skirt or dress should reach your thumb. The fabric that reaches should be solid fabric and not sheer fabric (like lace or chiffon). Keep slits in mind as a slit should not go higher than this point. Slits may be safety pinned closed. Skirts and dresses may not be shorter than this regardless of whether leggings are worn.

Jeans

Dress Code: House, Senate, and Media students will participate in a press conference during which the dress code will be business casual (although nice jeans are acceptable to be worn instead of dress pants or a skirt for this event).

What are “nice jeans”?
Jeans that do not have holes, fraying, or fading.

Casual Shoes

Dress Code: All students should bring (and wear!) a pair of closed-toed shoes for the campus-wide activity Tuesday afternoon. Closed-toed shoes are required for sports and outdoor activities.

What are closed toed shoes?
Any shoe that does not allow for exposed toes (this includes crocs).

Why do I need closed-toed shoes?
For protection. The games chosen for the campus-wide activity are varied and could involve, among other things, players kicking a ball, running, or competing closely with other players where feet may be stepped on. Our goal is to avoid any visit to the camp medical officer or, even worse, the urgent care.
Closed-toed shoes are also required for any running games during free time (basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, etc.).

Dress Shoes

Dress Code: *Flip-flops/slide-ons/athletic shoes are not considered dress shoes

What are considered “dress shoes”?
Avoid shoes primarily used for athletics (tennis shoes and sneakers). Examples of dress shoes include but are not limited to:
For guys: leather shoes, loafers, dress boots, Oxford’s, Derby’s
For girls: flats, pumps, high heels, wedges, dress boots, Oxford’s, dress sandals

We understand that not all students have dress shoes, but we strongly encourage everyone to try to find a pair.

Pajamas

Dress Code: No pajamas outside of dorms.

What is considered “pajamas”?
These are clothes that are designed to be worn to bed, e.g. night gowns, flannel/fleece pajama pants, etc. This does not refer to t-shirts, sweatpants, or other casual wear that may be worn to bed.