With the sweltering heat brought on by the summer months, it only seems logical to wear shorts and a tank top, but students also have to think about what is appropriate according to the dress code when considering what they are going to wear to school. As the years go by, fashion is constantly on the move from one trend to another. This year, it seems as if the shorts have gotten shorter and the shirts sheer-er.

The purpose of the dress code is to construct the ideal learning environment and remove any distractions that inappropriate clothing may cause. It is implemented in order to create a positive image concerning the school and the students. Dress codes are also intended to help prepare students for the future, since adults cannot dress as they please in a work environment. As part of the staff at Blue Valley Southwest and a member of the dress-code-enforcing team, assistant principal Lisa Wilson shares her views about the dress code.

“We do not have a dress code to be punitive,” Wilson said. “We have a dress code to not distract from learning. Students need to be dressed for success.”

When a student is caught violating the dress code, it is up to the administrator to choose the proper method of disciplinary action.

“We take the time to talk and educate the students about the expectations when they violate the dress code so that it doesn’t happen in the future. Good communication with the students about expectations is important.”

Current fashion trends can make finding attire that fits within the dress code difficult, but there are ways that dressing suitably can be achieved. The most important thing to remember is that clothes must cover the necessary areas, meaning there can be no midriff showing or any extremely short bottoms.

Like many other students, senior Rachel Rutledge has her own opinions about the dress code.

“Yes, I think that the dress code can be restricting at times,” Rutledge said. “Personally, the ‘no exposed shoulders’ rule seems stupid to me because V-necks can be more revealing than that.”

Some students may argue that the dress code is too restricting and therefore breaching upon freedoms of expression.

Although there are limitations, student individuality is not suppressed. The current fashion may be too loose and may push the boundaries of what is considered appropriate for school, but essentially, fashion is all up to interpretation.

Students can adapt a trend such as transparent shirts to the dress code by simply putting on a tank top underneath. Students can also cover excessively exposed skin by choosing to wear a light jacket over tank tops or skimpy dresses.

Often times, the dress code is focused upon girls, but it also applies to the guys. Commonly seen violations occur on days such as “Tank Top Tuesdays,” or when shirts contain unsuitable or illegal slogans.

“It is very frustrating to see students wear clothes that are completely sheer or that show their bellies just because it is the current fashion,”  said. “But when I look around, the vast majority of the student body is well within the dress code.”