School Dress Codes Back When We Were Kids Make Today’s Rules Look Like a Cake Walk

Girls wore skirts and they usually had to be knee length. Some schools had a test: either to put your arms down at your sides and your fingertips must pass the hem of your skirt or have the girls kneel to check that the skirt touches the floor when they do. Girls’ skirts were checked often to make sure they weren’t too short!

Hair was usually set or styled for young ladies, regardless of the length.

Girls often pinned their hair up or used side combs.

Young men were expected to have their hair slicked down or at least combed, and always trimmed up.

Bobby socks were the standard for young girls to college-age women. It’s just what we wore.

Boys and young men were expected to always wear belts.

We took pride in how we looked back then. And, no one wanted to be called into the principal’s office or sent home! But, more importantly, we wanted to feel our best. We made sure that we followed the dress code and tried looked put-together every single day. Anything less would not have passed muster!

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