In a baffling display of concern for modesty, an Illinois Catholic high school recently unveiled a 21-page manual dictating how female students should dress for prom. This lengthy document serves as a glaring reminder of why dress codes, particularly those targeting young women, can be inherently unfair and absurd.
Boylan Catholic High School’s manual opens with a declaration that the dances reflect the school’s philosophy and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Their primary focus? Modesty—specifically for girls. In a remarkable twist of irony, the boys’ dress code is mentioned only once, stating they must wear formal attire, such as tuxedos or suits. One can only wonder about the flexibility of their dress choices. Are flip-flops and cropped tux jackets on the table? Apparently, no one is terribly concerned.
Now, let’s dive into the details for the girls. The manual is explicit: no low-cut dresses, as they imply “immodesty.” And to ensure adherence, the school plans to measure—yes, measure—the amount of skin shown. Midriffs must remain hidden, and dresses can’t be excessively tight, putting added pressure on young women who may already face insecurities about their bodies. And guess what? No cover-ups allowed to mask what they deem inappropriate. If a dress doesn’t meet the standards, a sweater won’t save you!
The guidelines continue to show a shocking level of body shaming. The manual states that different body types may affect how a dress is perceived, meaning that if a student has curves, she might find her options significantly limited. The message? If you’re not a certain size, you might not be able to wear that “perfect” dress. It’s a disheartening approach that sets a standard based on unrealistic expectations.
In an effort to clarify what’s deemed acceptable, two women, armed with far too much time on their hands, created a presentation to delineate the boundaries of “appropriate” attire. For instance, while a dress may be fine for one girl, the same dress may be unacceptable for another based purely on body type. It’s as if the school is encouraging a sense of competition among young women over their appearances, which only adds to the pressure they face.
There’s also a rule against nude-colored dresses with lace overlays, as they create the “illusion” of too much skin showing. It’s disheartening to think that we’re teaching young women that their bodies are something to be ashamed of. Shopping for a prom dress should be a joyful experience, not a task completed with a manual in hand, trying to decipher what is or isn’t allowed.
It’s troubling to witness the normalization of body shaming at such a young age. The notion that every part of a young woman’s body needs to be scrutinized is outdated and frankly, unacceptable. Regardless of the institution’s religious affiliation, this dress code promotes an unhealthy view of self-worth and body image.
We need to encourage young women to feel confident and empowered, rather than shackled by a set of outdated rules. Schools should aspire to inspire, not to impose shame. Check out this insightful post on the topic of dress codes and body image for further reading.
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Summary
The release of a 21-page prom dress code manual by Boylan Catholic High School highlights serious issues concerning body image and the fairness of dress codes. The guidelines reflect a troubling focus on modesty for girls while largely ignoring boys’ attire, promoting a narrative of body shame that is detrimental to young women’s self-esteem. It’s crucial that we challenge such outdated beliefs and empower our youth to embrace their individuality.