Gowns and Dresses Policy

Remember: This is a FORMAL event. Business Attire is not considered Formal Wear.

Please hear our heart about simplifying the dress code to have simple lines. Our intention is that there is no judgment regarding attire, but clear lines that make it easy to determine if your apparel meets the dress code. The lines as shown on the graphic on this page are intended so that no individual is giving their opinion regarding modesty or intent of apparel choices.

Permitted
  • Modest, God-honoring attire
  • Long gowns encouraged, but not required
  • Short dresses must be at the bottom of the knee (Due to time constraints, prom volunteers will not add fabric to short dresses)
  • Hems, slits, wraps in long gowns must fall bellow the bottom of the knee when walking or standing
  • Strapless gowns - refer to the above "Dress Code Made Simple" (it is your responsibility to ensure your gown stays in place throughout the evening)
  • Dress back no lower than natural waistline (smallest part of your torso) 
  • Midriff covered by non-see-through fabric in front and sides (no cutouts)
  • Two piece dresses may be worn if the top covers the skirt by at least 6 inches - if the top and skirt simply "meet in the middle" it does not meet dress code and must be sewn together
  • Undergarments present but not visible
  • Dressy shoes, dressy sandals, dressy boots, or nice, clean, comfortable shoes to wear while dancing
  • Pants/Pantsuits must be pre-approved. Email Red Carpet Team
Not Permitted
  • Plunging necklines - See "Dress Code Made Simple"
  • Any cutouts in the front or sides of the dress (*see additional information/clarification below)
  • Back of dress lower than the natural waistline 
  • You must be fully covered from about your underarm to the bottom of your knees (see-through fabric is not acceptable) - See "Dress Code Made Simple"
  • Farm Boots
  • Flip-flops
  • Offensive tattoos
  • No Costumes or Cosplay allowed
  • Baseball caps or other casual headwear
  • Vinyl or leather pants
No Hemlines Will Be Altered at Prom

Due to time and space constraints, no hemlines will be altered at prom. If your dress is too short, you will not be able to enter prom until you are within dress code, and our seamstresses will be unable to help you.

Changing Attire during Prom

If you need to change your clothing at any time during prom, for example: wardrobe malfunction or swing dance contest, this outfit also needs to pass dress check. Changes of clothes will be checked in at the red carpet room in the convention center. You may have this attire dress checked prior to your prom entrance in the red carpet room upstairs. Your checked clothing will be available in the red carpet room of the convention center whenever you're ready to change.

Social Distancing For Dress Check Alterations

Social Distancing protocols will be followed during dress check. All alterations will either:

  • Be completed by the student (we will have kits available)
  • Be completed by seamstresses working on it from a proper distance. In this case, students will be required to remove the garment and wear one of our paper robes until the alteration is complete

Dancing Without Shoes

Dance barefoot at your own risk. If you choose to do so, you should make note of the location of the First Aid room.

Help, I have a Wardrobe Malfunction

Our volunteers are onsite all night long to help you stay at prom. We don't want anyone to have to leave due to a torn strap, pulled hem, or broken zipper.  If you find yourself in this predicament, ask one of the Bathroom Attendants to help you to the Red Carpet room to get your outfit back to Red Carpet Ready.

ACTION Team Advice

Because we have a very active event with lots of dancing, lots of games, and lots of fun, our student ACTION Team advises that all first time prom attendees need to realize that you will want to be comfortable instead of having to adjust your clothing all evening (check out all their dress code suggestions). You may also want to consider selecting an outfit that is not too tight or constraining. We want you to be beautiful, as well as comfortable, while having the time of your life!

Dress Checks All Night

Please be aware that we have more than one dress check throughout the evening. Our Red Carpet team, as well as other chaperones, will be looking for dress code violations all night. You may be asked to follow a team member to the seamstress area for adjustments to your attire.

In the Unlikely Event...

If a member of the Red Carpet Team asks you to step out of the check-in line, they will explain their concerns to you. It is possible that you will be pulled from the line and after closer consideration, no fix will actually be necessary. If a fix is required, and you want to stay at prom, you have three options:

  1. Change into something that complies with our dress code.
  2. Fix your own ensemble to meet the dress code.
  3. Allow our volunteer moms to add a panel or other appropriate quick fix. However, our seamstresses will be unable to alter hemlines.

We do not want to turn anyone away due to a dress code violation. However, we reserve the right to do so and we will. Please send questions to our Red Carpet Team.

*Additional Information/Clarification - Sides of Dress

Our Red Carpet Team has the ability to make exceptions if everything on your body is appropriately covered. One of our biggest issues is under the arm. We are looking for coverage first, then we can make an exception where the “see through” material begins or where the dress starts descending down the side of the body towards the back. The Dress Code states that the sides of the gown must extend under your arms when your arms are at your sides. Please understand that we are looking for coverage, therefore, we may be able to allow a halfway point under your arm, if everything is appropriately covered.

** Please Note:

These dress code rules have been in effect since the 2019 prom. Anyone inside prom who is not following the dress code will be required to leave immediately. There will be no refunds for students who are removed due to dress code violations. Those not following dress code will also not have photos depicting themselves on the prom photo website. Do your part and remain in dress code all evening.

Lovely young ladies at their dinner table at Prom 2022.