Dress Code

During District, State Conferences and Activities

The following Dress Code has been developed for all students, advisors, alumni, and guests attending any Michigan DECA conference.

One of DECA’s primary goals is to develop its members’ social intelligence by administering helpful advice on how to dress properly in business situations. Delegates at every conference are always representing Michigan DECA, therefore it is necessary for delegates to be in appropriate attire at all times. It is important to remember that judges, sponsors, and vendors develop an impression of Michigan DECA based on its members appearance and conduct at these conferences.

When Appearing Before Judges and During Sessions/Meetings

  • Females: Business suit or blazer (optional Official DECA Blazer), dress skirt or dress slacks, dress blouse and dress shoes. For a more polished, professional appearance, it is recommended that students wear appropriate hosiery/socks.
  • Males: Dress slacks, collared dress shirt, necktie; (optional business suit, blazer or Official DECA Blazer), dress shoes and dress socks.

DECA Business Casual

Casual slacks (e.g. Khaki/Docker style), blouse or shirt, casual shoes. Jeans, cargo-pants, t-shirts and athletic shoes are NOTpermitted.

The following are unacceptable during any DECA activity

  • Skin-tight or revealing clothing
  • Athletic clothing
  • Swimwear
  • Leggings or graphic designed hosiery/tights
  • Midriff-baring clothing
  • Sleepwear
  • Hats
  • Clothing with printing that is suggestive, obscene or promotes illegal substances

ALL Clothing must be neat and in good repair.

Students violating any of these points will not be allowed to participate in the activity or conference without correcting the violation.

The following Dress Code applies to the International Career Development Conference

Professional appearance is an important aspect of the overall preparation of DECA members for the business world. To that end, DECA supports a dress code for its career-based functions that exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism while being non-discriminatory between males and females.

DECA’s Board of Directors has developed the following official dress standards for the International Career Development Conference. Students, advisors and chaperones must follow the dress code.

Competitors must wear an Official DECA Blazer during interaction with judges and when receiving recognition/awards on stage. While DECA Blazers are not required during briefing and testing, professional business dress is required. Professional dress should be worn to all conference sessions including workshops and special meal functions.

For a more polished, professional appearance, it is recommended that students wear appropriate hosiery/socks.

When Appearing Before Judges

  • Females: Official DECA Blazer with dress skirt or dress slacks and a dress blouse, dress shoes; or Official DECA Blazer with a dress, dress shoes.
  • Males: Official DECA Blazer coordinated with dress slacks, collared dress shirt, necktie, dress shoesand dress socks.

During Sessions and Special Meal Functions

  • Females: Business suit or blazer, dress skirt or dress slacks, dress blouse, dress shoes; or Official DECA Blazer with a dress, dress shoes.
  • Males: Business suit or sport coat with dress slacks, collared dress shirt, necktie, dressshoes and dress socks; or Official DECA Blazer coordinated with dress slacks, collared dress shirt,necktie, dress shoes & dress socks.

During Event Briefing, Manual Registration and Testing, Leadership Academies/Institutes

  • Females: Dress blouse/sweater with dress skirt/slacks (blazer optional) or business dress; dress shoes.
  • Males: Collared dress shirt, and necktie with dress slacks (blazer optional); dress shoes & dress socks.

DECA Business Casual

Casual slacks (e.g. Docker style), blouse or collared shirt, casual shoes. Jeans, t-shirts and athletic shoes are NOT permitted.

The following are unacceptable during any DECA activity

  • Skin-tight or revealing clothing
  • Athletic clothing
  • Swimwear
  • Leggings or graphic designed hosiery/tights
  • Midriff-baring clothing
  • Clothing with printing that is suggestive, obscene or promotes illegal substances

When judging adherence to the dress code, DECA asks advisors, teachers and chaperones use observation as the tool for assessing compliance. DECA does not support or condone the touching of students or their clothing as a means of determining whether or not a student is following the dress code guidelines.