DRESS CODE 2016-2017
Philosophy
Clothing reflects the culture of the school. A dress code reminds students that school is a serious
working environment. Students are expected to dress and groom themselves in a way that reflects
standards of neatness, modesty, and appropriateness for school. Overly casual or revealing
clothing not only distracts from academics, but is inconsiderate of other people’s sensibilities. The
dress code is in effect from 8 a.m. until the end of the academic day, even if students are out-ofdoors. If you are in doubt as to whether a particular garment is acceptable or not, ask before you
wear it. Extremes in fashion, including accessories, hairstyle, and hair color are unacceptable.
NOTE:
In a typical five-day week, students arrive in Regular Dress on Monday (RED) and Wednesday
(YELLOW), and in Professional Dress on Tuesdays (ORANGE) and Thursdays (GREEN), which
are assembly days. Fridays (BLUE) are Casual Dress Days.
In a four-day week, students will have one Regular Dress Day (YELLOW), two Professional Dress
Days (ORANGE and GREEN), and a Casual Dress Day on Friday (BLUE).
Below are guidelines for all Upper School students to observe. The interpretation of these
guidelines will at all times remain in the hands of the Dean of Students and the Upper School
Director.
REGULAR DRESS DAYS
Men
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A collared shirt that is firmly tucked in at the waist and buttoned to the second button is
required dress. A collared sweater or partial zip collared fleece may also be worn with a
solid color t-shirt underneath, but the sweater/fleece must stay on as t-shirts alone are never
permitted on regular dress days.
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Men may wear official Highland sweatshirts and windbreakers with a collared shirt
underneath. No other sweatshirts or windbreakers are allowed. No hoods are permitted on
any clothing during the school day, including Highland gear.
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Trousers and slacks should be of appropriate length. Shorts, permitted only in September
and after April 1, must be tailored and knee-length. No denim, mesh, or nylon fabrics. No
cargo or cargo-type pants/shorts. No camouflage.
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Slacks or shorts with belt loops must be worn with a belt.
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Face must be clean-shaven.
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Bangs/hair should not cover eyes or face.
Women
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A collared shirt or blouse must be worn at all times, with the exception of blouses with
modest scoop necklines, which must always be accompanied by a dress scarf. Sleeveless
shirts and blouses are not allowed. No exposed backs.
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Women may wear official Highland sweatshirts and windbreakers with a collared shirt
underneath. No other sweatshirts or windbreakers are allowed. No hoods are permitted on
any clothing.
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Girls’ blouses and shirts that are not designed to be tucked in must cover the waistband.
Midriffs must not be exposed.
Shorts, permitted in the month of September and after April 1, must be tailored and knee
length. No denim, mesh, or nylon fabrics. No camouflage or leggings (unless leggings
are worn under a skirt).
Pants should be of a tailored style. No denim, mesh, nylon, or lycra fabrics. No leggings
of any fabric. No camouflage.
Dresses, skirts, and jumpers must be five inches above the knee while standing straight
up. No bandage skirts or dresses. Dresses should be of a modest cut; hence, no plunging
neckline or exposed backs, no sleeveless dresses unless worn with a sweater.
Shoes
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Shoes must be well structured with either full covering in the front or supportive straps in
the back.
Casual shoes and athletic shoes are appropriate.
All shoes must be neat and clean and without holes or tears.
Slippers or flip flops of any kind, are not permitted.
What is NOT PERMITTED
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Hats, caps, or bandannas in the building.
Hoodies/any item of clothing with a hood.
Cargo, carpenter-style pants, and pants made to be zipped apart.
Sweat or athletic pants or shorts.
Bandage skirts and dresses.
Leggings (unless worn under a skirt).
Pajamas or clothes resembling underwear.
Clothing with holes.
Visible body piercing other than ears or a discreet nose stud.
Exposed cleavage, bare midriff, bare shoulders, exposed backs; strapless shirts, dresses, or
blouses.
Slippers or flip flops of any kind.
Hair that impedes eye contact; hair of an unnatural color; partially shaved heads.
Facial hair.
PROFESSIONAL DRESS DAYS
On Professional Dress days and other special occasions students are asked to dress in more formal
attire.
Men:
 Shirts with a tie and dress pants with a sport jacket or blazer. Jackets may be removed
during class with permission of the teacher, but must always be worn to assemblies.
 Dress shoes with socks.
Women:
 Dresses, dress code shirts with dress code skirts, dress slacks with blazer, or suits in a
formal style.
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Maxi dresses must be worn with a cardigan sweater.
No bandage skirts or dresses.
Dresses and skirts must be no more than five inches above the knee when standing straight
up.
No exposed cleavage, bare midriff, bare shoulders, exposed backs.
No strapless shirts, dresses, or blouses.
CASUAL DRESS DAYS
The following exceptions to Regular Dress Days are allowed: denim, sweat pants (not athletic
tights or leggings), hoodless non-Highland sweatshirts, tailored shorts and athletic shorts no
shorter than six inches above knee, t-shirts (no offensive slogans/logos).
Disciplinary Action
Students are subject to disciplinary action for not adhering to the dress code.
1. Students who are in egregious violation of the dress code will be given two options:
acquiring a change of clothes from home or changing into appropriate clothing from
the Dean’s Office.
2. Students in violation of the dress code will also lose casual dress privileges on the next
casual dress day. Their advisor will be notified.
3. Repeated violations of the dress code will additionally result in detentions and/or loss
of privileges.
Compliance with the Dress Code will be the final decision of the Dean of Students.