Dress code violations are a serious offense and create an unfair environment for students who have followed the dress code.

Conference participants not following the official dress code may be disqualified from competitive events or removed from conference virtual calls until accepted attire is secured. It is the responsibility of the local chapter advisor to ensure that students comply with the rules established for proper dress.

For State Career Development Conference (CDC), we will mirror the same dress code utilized for the National DECA Conference (ICDC).  The only exception is that a student may wear a blazer, sport coat, or business jacket in lieu of the official DECA blazer. 

Please have conversations with your students about appropriate professional dress and screen their students before the sessions begin and before any competitions are recorded.  The best way to prevent dress code issues is to know the dress code policy, have conversations about the dress code, and possibly have a dress code check prior to the 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.

Examples:

Business suit or official DECA blazer with dress skirt or dress slacks and a dress blouse or official blazer with a dress; dress shoes (no sandals, canvas, or “boat shoes”)

Blazer, sport coat, OR official DECA blazer with dress slacks, collared dress shirt and necktie; dress shoes and dress socks (no sandals, canvas, or “boat shoes”)

Inappropriate Attire During All Conference Activities

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

When judging adherence to the dress code, DECA asks that 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.

Dress Code Handout

Virtual Backgrounds

If you are participating from home, it is recommended to be in a gathering area such as a living room, dining room, or den. A virtual/digital background is encouraged, but not required. If the video is conducted in a bedroom or bathroom without a virtual/digital background you will be asked to relocate before conducting any of the screening activities. This is to maintain a standard level of professionalism for our applicants, advisors, and volunteer interviewers.

  • It is important to consider your background. Make sure items are neat and presentable.
  • Oklahoma DECA has provided a variety of virtual/digital backgrounds that you may use for free and they can be found at https://decaok.org/virtual-deca/