“I am sorry for the silly question, but my daughter starts her first in-person dual enrollment class next week. What should she wear? Should it be regular teen style, or more professional?”
While most community colleges or public universities don’t have dress codes, this is a great question! There are many times when a uniform or special clothing is required (see examples below), and knowing this in advance is really helpful. In addition, if the college is religious, there may be modesty guidelines, and you’ll really want to know those in advance.
One thing you can be sure of: if it is required, it will be written down! In other words, you don’t have to make assumptions about what your teen can / can’t wear. Since you may not yet have received instructions, this list will give you a good idea of what to expect for Day 1, and then your teen can go from there.
Welding, Automotive, Engine, Construction. If your teen is attending a course in a “shop” classroom, there will be significant requirements enforced for safety reasons. Expect to receive detailed instructions from the instructor; but showing up on Day 1 without instructions, your student should be in closed-toe shoes or safety boots and long pants. No jewelry; hair should be tied back. If the first session is in the shop, this is typically required even when not operating machines. Expect clothing requirements to include: coveralls, workboots/shoes, gloves, long or short-sleeved button-down shirt, durable ripstop pants, safety glasses, ear protection, and head protection. Welding students will require flame-resistant clothing tagged “FR” on the label.
Science. If your teen is attending a course in a “science lab” classroom (biology lab, chemistry lab, physics lab, etc.), there will be requirements about wearing long sleeves, hair restraints, or a lab coat and eye protection. Closed-toes shoes are usually required; jewelry should be minimal.
Rita Algorri of Scientista Foundation, a network of pre-professional women in STEM, writes this about lab attire:
“DO wear something that covers most of your skin and that you feel comfortable wearing. Keep your sleeves and jewelry minimal and contained and long hair tied back. While you’re working, wear a lab coat and don’t wear it out of the lab, it’s gross.
DO NOT wear anything that’s going to put you in danger while you’re working in the lab, i.e., that frilly silk mini dress with the side cutouts is extra flammable and can potentially expose your skin to a sundry of unpleasantries such as chemicals, sharp things, mouse bites, microbes, etc. Seemingly-innocuous yoga pants, leggings, and tights are too thin to protect you from hazards and should also be avoided.“
Culinary. If your teen is attending a course in a “kitchen” classroom (culinary, baking, pastry, etc.), there will be requirements that will be enforced for safety and sanitation reasons. Expect to receive detailed instructions about the type of coat, pants, shoes, apron, hair covering, and head covering. Health and sanitation codes forbid wearing jewelry or artificial nails while handling foods that will be consumed by the public.
Health Occupations. If your teen is attending a course that puts them in contact with patients (nursing, radiology, dental, optometry, physical therapy, etc.) there will be a dress code. Your school may require wearing scrubs, healthcare shoes, or an official uniform. Expect to have rules that dictate acceptable jewelry, cologne, hairstyles, or even tattoos.
General classroom. Attending “everyday” classroom lectures may not require any special dress code. Be sure to search your college’s official website and catalog for references to “dress code” to be sure. I found a number of colleges, even community colleges, with dress codes! Beyond a dress, be mindful that this is the beginning of a student’s professional image. Presenting yourself well makes a good impression on professors, and may make the difference if you later need your professor to write a great recommendation letter.
Best Practices (when there is no dress code)
- Shirts and shoes should always be worn on campus.
- Avoid clothing that may have vulgar or lewd graphics.
- Avoid clothing that incites racial or ethnic prejudice.
- Be mindful of religious or political messages.
- Hats should not be worn indoors.
- Avoid clothing that indicates gang affiliation.
- Avoid clothing with pro-drug or alcohol messages.
- High heels can pose a challenge on large campuses.
Common “Modesty” Expectations (Religious Colleges)
- No visible undergarments.
- Avoid yoga, stretchy, spandex, or similar tight-fitting, body-clinging pants.
- Avoid skirts shorter than mid-thigh;
- Avoid shirts that expose the midriff; tank tops, spaghetti straps, or halter-style shirts and dresses.
- Hair color is of natural tones.
- No visible tattoos.
