Whether it’s for school, work, a wedding, party, or even a Sunday potluck: dress code exists for a reason. The purpose of a dress code isn’t just about restricting what you can and can’t wear (although that is part of it), it’s about setting the tone.
A dress code can make or break the environment for an event. Whether it be casual, semi-formal, business casual, creative black tie, or cocktail attire: dress code influences many factors. It implements orderliness, theme, and unity among those that follow the dress code. However, if you have someone that doesn’t follow the dress code, that automatically ruins the mood for the event. If the dress code is black tie and you’re planning on wearing skinny jeans, you might want to re-think your wardrobe choices.
The most common areas you will have a required dress code is school and work. For OCSA, our dress code requires a collared shirt or polo in either white, black, navy, teal or purple. It also requires either appropriate-length jeans with no rips above the knee, dress pants, or skirts that reach at least mid-thigh. On Fridays, students are allowed to wear spirit shirts or college shirts. Mrs. Tessler, one of OCSA’s assistant principals, stated that the importance of dress code lies in the fact that it “…helps to create standard appearance just like for when students prepare for the future work force.”
If you’re planning a themed event, like a birthday party, make sure you disclose the dress code. RSVPing is a great way to ensure that the dress code is known. Be sure to also send a reminder so that way your guests don’t forget. I’ve witnessed a man wearing formal spring attire next to a man wearing sweatpants and sweatbands to the same birthday party. This caused confusion among some of the party goers, and the pictures taken ended up looking very silly. So, make sure to send out reminders following your RSVP.
Overall, know that dress code exists for a reason. If you are unsure what a dress code is for a certain event, never be afraid to ask. It’s always better to ask than to be the one wearing ripped jeans to a formal event.
