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 – GUYS

Capitol Attire

• We require dress pants (i.e. no jeans, corduroys, or cargo pants).
• We require a traditional button-front dress shirt with a professional tie. Sleeves should stay unrolled and buttoned.
• We require dress shoes (i.e. no flip-flops, sandals, or tennis shoes). Comfortable dress shoes are strongly recommended—expect lots of walking!
• We recommend (but do not require) wearing a suit jacket or blazer.

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:

• If you choose to wear a jacket, you only need 1-2 jacket/pant combos or suits for the week. Just repeat them throughout the week!
• Change up your shirt and tie to vary your appearance.
• Tradition indicates that your belt should match your shoes; remember to wear dress socks, not athletic socks to the Capitol.

WHAT TO WEAR – GIRLS

Capitol Attire

• We require skirts/dresses to have a hemline that covers the knee.
• Professionalism requires fabric should not be sheer, clingy, or too casual (i.e. no denim, broomstick skirts, etc.). No pants or shorts are allowed for class attire.
• We require blouses to have sleeves (unless under a jacket that remains on). Professionalism dictates that tops should not be of casual fabrics such as denim; they should not be tight, sheer, clingy, low, or short.
• We require dress shoes or sandals (i.e. no flip-flops, or tennis shoes). Comfortable dress shoes are strongly recommended – expect lots of walking!
• We recommend (but do not require) wearing a dress blazer.

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. 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 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:

• You only need 1-2 skirts. Just repeat them throughout the week!
• Change up your shirts, shoes and jackets to vary your appearance.
• 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].