How to dress for DECA
Looking professional is part of how DECA prepares you for the business world, and it's not optional. Judges notice, points can be lost for an appearance that reads as unprofessional, and at some conferences, students who are out of dress code can't go on stage to accept an award.
Follow the code for the conference you're attending
DECA Inc. publishes the official dress code each year, and Kentucky DECA publishes its own modifications for the State conference. We've linked both at the bottom of this page, and both apply. If you're ever unsure, ask before you pack.
The blazer question
An official DECA blazer is required at the International Career Development Conference when you appear before a judge or on stage. It's not required at the Regional or State conference. Kentucky DECA has approved modifications that make the blazer, sport coat, and jacket optional in front of judges and on stage at the state conference, and that make the blazer, jacket, tie, and scarf optional for business and general sessions.
You'll use all three at a multi-day conference
Business professional
When: Competition with a judge, opening and closing sessions, awards sessions, workshops, interviews, and meal functions that are part of the conference program.
- A business suit, sport coat, or blazer with dress slacks or trousers
- A professional dress or a skirt, knee-length or longer
- A button-down shirt, tucked in, or a blouse
- A belt if your pants have belt loops
- Dress socks or nylons
- Dress shoes and conservative accessories
Business casual
When: Travel to and from the conference, and activities outside the conference program such as shopping, sightseeing, or going out for a meal.
- Slacks, khakis, or cords
- Dresses or skirts, knee-length or longer
- Polo shirts or button-downs
- Sweaters or blouses
- Chapter DECA shirts and sweatshirts
- Clean athletic or boat shoes in good condition
Recreational
When: Actual recreation only, such as the hotel gym, a pool, a run, or a theme park visit built into the trip.
- Worn to and from the activity and nowhere else
- Gym clothes are fine in the hallway and elevator, but not in the lobby
- A real cover-up at a hotel pool
- Shoes on in every public space
Not acceptable at any DECA function
- Denim of any kind, including on travel days
- Leggings and bike shorts
- Caps, hats, and bandanas
- Sheer or stretch fabrics, and tight or revealing cuts
- Low-cut tops, crop tops, and bare midriffs
- Strappy tops and camisoles unless worn under a blazer or sweater
- Skirts and dresses shorter than the knee
- Printing that is suggestive, obscene, political, or promotes illegal substances
- Stilettos, flip flops, casual sandals, hiking boots, and industrial work shoes
Outside of DECA events and after hours at the state conference, Kentucky DECA expects school dress code standards and nothing revealing.
What experience has taught us
Buy for fit before you buy for brand
A properly hemmed pair of dress pants and a shirt that fits you in the shoulders will look better than an expensive suit that doesn't.
Keep the colors conservative
Solid, conservative colors photograph better and keep a judge's attention on your presentation instead of your pattern.
Pick shoes you can walk in
At a large conference you can cover several miles in a day.
Pack the professional clothes first
Hang them as soon as you arrive. Wrinkles are the most common and most preventable dress code problem we have.
If cost is a concern, we can help
Thrift stores, outlet stores, and family closets cover most of this. If you still need something, talk to Mr. Hoertz privately, and we'll figure it out together.
Read the code that governs your conference.
These are updated every year, and they're the final word. This page is a helpful summary, but it doesn't replace them.