As if matching wasn’t enough, now parent’s need to navigate the challenge of making sure their kid’s school clothing meets school dress codes! These vary from school to school and even on campuses between elementary, middle, and high schools as new issues arise with older children. The 3-strap rule surprises many parents of kindergarteners who are shocked to learn that their daughter’s church dress doesn’t pass muster at school. This rule stipulates that shoulder straps must be about 2” (or 3 fingers) wide. Like most rules, it was designed to keep high school girls from baring too much skin. Most high schools have restrictions on skirt lengths and t-shirt graphics, for good reason.
Ironically, many grandparents remember a dress code that forbade pants for girls and long hair for boys. Now the tables are turned with restrictions on dresses and skirts in some schools that require shorts to be worn underneath.
My daughter just entered middle school to find that leggings are mostly forbidden – a staple among most girls! Upon further investigation, we learned that this restriction can be navigated by wearing a dress, skirt or long tunic over the leggings.
It is important for parents to understand the dress policies of their child’s school prior to investing a lot of money in their child’s wardrobe or they may find themselves stuck with a lot of clothes that will never be worn.
