Nardin's Formalized Dress Code

Lucy Rados '25  ~  October 2023

Last year, Nardin started its new formalized dress code, switching away from a system where we could wear what we wanted, within certain guidelines, to a system that is much more like a uniform.

As we begin the second year with this dress code, I have found a few problems with this.

First of all, the detentions that are handed out for wearing non-dress code sweaters seem, in my opinion, excessive. If the goal of the new dress code was to make students look less sloppy, I can understand problems with a sweatshirt or a hoodie, but a sweater or cardigan seems an insubstantial problem. In fact, I, and I’m sure many others, would argue that it actually looks nicer than some of the dress code approved options. This is especially frustrating as the administration does not call this system a uniform. If they do not use this word, one can only assume that this is not an issue of having us all look the same. The dress code allows for different options of polos and skirts, and leggings are allowed, so why not also include options for sweaters, that might be warmer than current school sanctioned options, or even look better?

Furthermore, the rules for shoes do not seem entirely valid. Students cannot wear shoes such as Uggs, as the handbook calls them “outside boots,” but I would argue that they look just as good as certain sneakers in the same ankle-high style. Plus, students can wear things like leather, high heeled boots, so would those not fall in the same category as Uggs? Perhaps I can understand Uggs with no backs, but when they have heel-backs, I really do not see any problem.

Also, getting in trouble for violating the dress code in terms of hair color sometimes presents a double standard. The dress code policy says that “brightly colored hair coloring… is not permitted,” but some students have bright red hair and do not get in trouble for it, while others have faded pink under their hair, and get detention for that. Regardless of whether I believe the dress code should allow for colored hair, people should get in trouble for it evenly, because as it is now, some get in trouble for tiny violations while others do not get in any trouble for incredibly vibrant colors.

Not to mention that the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, Nardin’s founding religious organization, has had a long tradition of not wearing a distinguishing uniform. Regardless of the goals of this new dress code, it cannot be debated that this certainly breaks away from their policy.

The formalized dress code has certainly presented some advantages, but in terms of enforcing violations, there could be more consistency. I believe that the administration could be more willing to consider other options. After all, the dress code policy says that this “allows our students the freedom to express themselves in their dress,” so why not stay true to that and allow us a little more freedom?

Title Photo Credit: Lucy Rados