Shadowing Dress Code

Guidelines for Appropriate Dress & Appearance for Clinical Shadowing

Appropriate Clothing Options:

  • Dress pants or casual dress pants (khakis), cropped pants or capris
  • Skirts and casual dresses below the knee; tights or hose required if shorter.
  • Dress shirts, blouses or sports shirts with a collar, Sweaters/vests are fine.
  • Neck tie or bow tie, not required, but appropriate
  • Clothing should be clean, neat, in good condition and fit properly. Torn,faded, stained or frayed articles of clothing are not acceptable.
  • Shoes should be comfortable for standing for long periods of time. Closed-toed shoes recommended. Shoes should include noise resistant soles/heels.
  • Hair should be clean, combed and professional in appearance. Just as with tattoos and body piercings, hair dyed in non-traditional, vibrant colors can serve as a distraction, and is not appropriate for the clinical setting.
  • Cologne, perfume, make-up and specific jewelry may be worn sparingly. Be sensitive to the fact that many people are allergic to cologne or perfume.
  • Other than pierced ears, jewelry worn in pierced body parts (e.g., tongue, nose, gauged ears, lips, eyebrows, etc.) may not be visible or detectable
  • Tattoos with slogans, graphics, or offensive wording should be covered (long sleeve shirt, gloves, etc.).

Inappropriate Dress to Avoid

  • No sneakers or flipflops.
  • Nothing sheer or provocative. Nothing backless. Shoulders, back, chest, and stomach should be covered. Shirts should fit so that with leaning or twisting the chest remains covered. Pants should be worn above hip level
  • No jeans. No Denim, No white or colored jeans or cargo-style capris or cropped pants
  • No Shorts (including Bermuda shorts), mini-skirts, culottes, gauchos above the knee
  • No Leggings or stretch pants, No spandex.
  • No Tee shirts
  • No Exercise clothes (sweatshirts, sweatpants, jogging suits)
    *Exception: Sports Medicine personnel are permitted to wear appropriate fitness apparel.
  • Undergarments should not be visible (above waist bands, straps out,lace should not show above other clothing).
  • No Suits or overly dressy clothing that may make patients feel uncomfortable or draw attention to self
  • No Caps, head coverings. Head coverings may only be worn when associated with professional or religious affiliation or as they relate to state/or federal legislation.