Dear Forman Families,

I hope you are all well and enjoying the summer months! We have updated our dress code in an effort to streamline and simplify the expectations. As the electronic version of the 2023-2024 Parent/Student Handbook is not yet accessible via the Forman website, I thought it would be helpful to share these guidelines as you prepare to return in September. I have underlined the changes to the dress code that are important to note. 

DRESS CODE

Purpose

The purpose of our school dress code is to establish a singular set of guidelines that are inclusive and accessible to all students. The academic dress code should elevate students’ mindfulness of being prepared for learning as they enter their classes and create respect for themselves and other members of the Forman community. To that end, Official Forman Dress is worn each Monday and Friday. This stems from our commitment to fostering a positive and professional learning environment. By adhering to a formal dress code, we aim to instill a sense of discipline, respect, and pride among our students. We believe that dressing appropriately not only reflects self-respect but also prepares students for future endeavors where professional appearance is essential. When students wear Official Forman Dress on Mondays and Fridays, we also acknowledge the moments when our community engages together during All-School Assemblies. 

At Forman School, distinctions between types of clothing help define the number of roles that students transition through during the school day: scholar, athlete, dorm community member, etc. Forman recognizes the individuality of personal appearance and expects members to dress and act respectfully at all times. It is the responsibility of the students and their parents to ensure that students dress according to school standards and of the faculty to enforce those standards. Faculty may ask a student to change into appropriate clothing at any time.

Forman understands that the nature of both acceptable fashion and workplace expectations is ever-changing. As such, the dress code may be reviewed and altered throughout the year to best reflect Forman’s core values of Truth, Respect, and Kindness. 

Dress code clothing can be easily found at Forman’s Tommy Hilfiger Store, located by typing “Forman” into the search bar on this page. It can also be found at Forman’s Lands’ End Store by entering “900139247” under the “Enter School Number” prompt on this page. We also provide some dress code clothing at Forman’s School Store, which can be bought in person or online here.

Official Forman Dress (Worn each Monday and Friday and for special school events)

• Khaki-colored dress pants or skirt
• Solid white (no stripes, patterns, or writing) Oxford shirt, tucked in
• School tie or school scarf 
• Blue blazer, traditional style 
• Belt 
• Dress shoes 

During the winter (Thanksgiving Break to Spring Break), students may wear a solid color crew neck or v-neck sweater over their white Oxford shirt and beneath their blazer as a layer of warmth.

Class Dress (Worn Tuesday through Thursday from breakfast throughout the academic day)

• SHIRTS

Students are required to wear a collared shirt, which can be a button-down shirt or a Forman-branded or solid-colored polo shirt without logos. Button-down shirts must be buttoned. Students may wear a sweater or cardigan over their collared shirt. Students may not wear a collared sweater in place of a collared shirt.

• PANTS

Students may wear chinos (twill pants) or dress slacks of any color. Students may also wear solid-colored Bermuda shorts when the weather is warm in the fall and spring trimesters. Students are not permitted to wear jeans (any color), cargo-style pants/shorts, joggers, sweatpants, yoga pants, or leggings of any style. 

• SKIRTS

Students may wear skirts or dresses of mid-thigh length. If wearing a dress, students must also wear a blazer. 

• SHOES

Shoes may be of any style, including sneakers, boots, or sandals (no beach flip-flops, athletic/hiking sandals, or slippers).

Other Dress Code Notes

• All clothing and footwear must be in good repair, without holes or tears. 
• Optional outerwear includes fleeces, vests, jackets, blazers, and coats. Please note that hoodies or crew neck sweatshirts are not considered acceptable outerwear during the academic day.
• Baseball-style caps are not permitted during the academic day or in the dining hall during meals. Students may wear winter hats during the winter months, but must remove them upon entering an academic or administrative building or the dining hall.
• Ninth, 10th, and 11th graders must be clean-shaven. Seniors are permitted to have facial hair as long as it is well-groomed and professional and may be required to shave if this expectation is not followed. 
• Footwear should be functional for the weather and walking required on campus.  
• Athletic wear, including hoodies or sweatshirts of any style, is functional apparel for athletics and other after-school activities and may be worn after classes.
• During extreme weather conditions, the Dean of Students or Head of School may modify dress code requirements via a formal announcement. 

Leisure Dress (after class and on weekends)

After the academic day and on weekends, the dress code is more relaxed. While there is latitude in this category, acceptable clothing would be free of inappropriate slogans/graphics and would not advertise, promote or display alcohol, drugs, sex, or tobacco.

We have put much thought and energy into preparing for students’ return to campus and are eager to begin another exciting year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Matthew Bender P’27

Dean of Students

matthew.bender@formanschool.org

860.567.1836

Forman School

12 Norfolk Road

Litchfield, CT 06759

www.formanschool.org