Summer break is a time that many teachers implement changes in their classrooms. We switch curriculum, toss old and unusable materials, and make policy decisions for our classroom. This summer as you are making changes, think about student dress codes for concerts and performances.
Why?
Making a dress code as simple as possible is great for ALL your students. There are several reasons that students or their families may feel put out by a very demanding dress code. Here’s a few:
- COST: Clothes are expensive. If a student literally never wears anything but jeans or athletic wear and they suddenly need dress slacks for one half hour performance, cost may be a big problem for some families. Students may outgrow them before they wear them again, and if you have a family with lots of children, that will add up quickly.
- Dress codes often target female students. When there are boy/girl dress codes, the boys often get a few bullet points and the girls have a laundry list of what they can and cannot wear based on length, sleeve type, jewelry, or even if they can wear pants. That’s before the hair and makeup rules.
- Comfort: uniforms are great if you can provide them BUT, they can also be an issue for students with sensory issues, body dysmorphia, or students who may feel self conscious depending on the material and fit of the clothing.
Letting Students Provide Their Own
To be honest, this is ideal if it’s worded in a way that is extremely easy. Make it as simple as possible. Pick a simple dress code and say school dress code rules must apply to what they are wearing. Simple, and easy.
- Black on bottom, white on top
- All black
- Jeans and brightly colored shirt without graphics
Remember that some students don’t have several pairs of shoes. If it’s important to you, try to have several pairs of shoes in your room that students can borrow.
Uniform
This option is great for cost reasons for families, and of course, uniformity. While providing the uniform isn’t a standard in elementary school, it does become more common in secondary schools, especially for bands. However, there are some uniform options you can do for elementary as well!
- A “uniform” t-shirt. Some students can buy but you can also provide for students or keep several in your room for students who need to borrow one. Or just full blown keep a group set.
- A scarf or other piece of flair to be worn with all black.
- Vests or ties (Although these would require dress shirts. If your students have to wear button downs in school this is an easy option to dress up their normal uniform.)
I’ve said this before but: “… if you are picking uniforms, find options that work for many body types. Some students don’t feel comfortable in form fitting attire. Some are uncomfortable in tux jackets (not just for gender reasons, but also fit is not cut for all body types). Choir dresses notoriously have material that shows every lump, bump, and otherwise because of their material. They can be uncomfortable for body conscious kids. If you have the opportunity to get new uniforms, chat with your students about what things they like/dislike/etc. Ask for feedback, and keep it anonymous.” (Source post)
If you have a uniform, it is what it is unless you have the opportunity to replace. Help students feel comfortable in uniforms. But saying this as someone who was and still can be very uncomfortable in not my own clothes, in clothes that show parts of my body I am uncomfortable with, and with a larger upper front torso, uniform issues are not always about gender but sometimes comfort in clothing calling attention to parts of our body or needing more material to cover that particular area but the rest of the garment is huge. (Tux jackets I’m looking at you.)
Hope this gives you a few ideas if you are looking to revamp your performance dress!
