Dress Code

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

When at the Capitol, it’s important to fit into the professional environment and as a leadership school, TeenPact understands that professionalism includes a dress code. Today’s culture constantly underestimates young people, yet we all realize that a young person who presents himself or herself sharply and professionally can and will make an outstanding impression. If our youth are to be taken seriously as leaders, they must learn to dress appropriately for their surroundings.

As you read the following information and begin your shopping and packing, please embrace the concept that our TeenPact dress code is an important aspect of leadership training: the fact is our Capitol class is a chance to present ourselves with studied professionalism. Even our casual attire allows us to set a standard of excellence. Our dress code is established to:

• Impact our students – as our staff and students enjoy respect that they garner from the work world when wearing traditional business attire.
• Impact others – as our staff and students dress unexpectedly and appropriately as leaders in a professional setting.
• Impact the culture – as our staff and students dress in a manner that is attractive and modest among their peers.

TeenPact’s heart is to set a standard that will build respect, foster unity, and limit distractions.

WHAT TO WEAR – Gentlemen

Capitol Attire

• Professional attire designed for males.
• A suit, or a blazer with dress pants that are not too tight* (no jeans, corduroys, or cargo pants).
• Traditional button-front dress shirt with a professional tie.
• Dress shoes (no sandals or athletic shoes). Comfortable dress shoes are strongly recommended — expect lots of walking!

For students at the One Day Class: blazers/suit jackets are not required.

*To check for tightness, pinch the sides of your pants and make sure there’s some room. 

Casual Attire (afternoon/evening sessions, the camp, etc)

Feel free to dress comfortably and casually as you follow these guidelines:

• We require that shirts not be sleeveless, tight, or too short (no midriff skin or boxers visible).
• We require pants and shorts have no inappropriate holes, not be too tight, and not be worn too low. Avoid short shorts. To check for tightness, pinch the sides of your pants and make sure there’s some wiggle room. To check shorts length, make an L with thumb and index finger and place at the top of knee when seated—shorts should be long enough to hit the thumb.
• We recommend bringing comfortable shoes for playing sports, hanging out, etc.
• We recommend bringing shower shoes for all residential camps.

Tips for guys:

• As you choose your attire for the week, remember that you don’t need a different suit for every day. You can change out your shirt and tie while wearing the same suit or jacket.
• Tradition indicates that your belt should match your shoes; remember to wear dress socks, not athletic socks to the Capitol.

WHAT TO WEAR – LADIES

Capitol Attire

• Professional attire, designed for females, outlined in the following three options:

– A blazer, blouse, and a professional skirt (no denim or broomstick skirts) with a hemline covering the knee.

– A blazer and a professional dress with a hemline covering the knee, or,

– A blazer, blouse, and professional dress pants that are not too tight* (no jeans, cargo pants, corduroys, or yoga-pant-type material).

• Fabric that is not tight, sheer, clingy, or casual.
• Dress shoes or nice sandals (no flip-flops or athletic shoes).  Comfortable dress shoes are especially recommended due to the high volume of walking each day!

For students at the One Day Class: blazers are not required, but blouses or dresses must have sleeves.

*To check for tightness, pinch the sides of your pants and make sure there’s some room. 

Casual Attire (afternoon/evening sessions, the camp, etc)

Feel free to dress comfortably and casually as you follow these guidelines:

• We require that shirts not be sleeveless, sheer, low cut, tight, or too short (no midriff skin should be visible).
• We require that pants, skirts, and shorts have no inappropriate holes, be sheer, tight, or worn too low. To check for tightness, pinch the sides of your pants and make sure there’s some wiggle room. Leggings are not allowed. Avoid short shorts. To check shorts length, make an L with thumb and index finger and place at the top of knee when seated—shorts should be long enough to hit the thumb.
• We require skirts/dresses to have a hemline that covers the knee.
• We recommend bringing comfortable shoes for playing sports in the afternoons and hanging out in the evenings.
• We recommend bringing shower shoes for all residential camps.

Tips for girls:

• As you choose your outfits, remember to mix and match. You don’t need to have a fully new outfit every day. Try to mix and match your blazer with various skirts or pants so you get multiple uses out of each!
• Remember to wear comfortable shoes!

If you are attending an Alumni Event where business casual attire is required/recommended, please refer to our Business Casual Dress Code. 

If your attire does not meet the requirements of the TeenPact Dress Code, you may be asked to change while at the class.

Please read the details of the dress code carefully and thoroughly before you pack for your class. Feel free to contact us if you have questions at 804-323-7051 or [email protected].