When picturing a Xavier student, one would most likely imagine a girl holding an AJ’s tea, wearing a sweatshirt in 100 degree heat on top of that iconic plaid skirt.
The uniform is an integral part of Xavier’s identity, but to some prospective students it could be a deterrent.
On the one hand, students don’t have to worry about choosing an outfit every morning, but on the other hand, staying within the dress code could feel like a limit on personal expression.
Xavier’s uniform consists of a plaid skirt, a blue or white polo shirt and a Xavier sweatshirt, with the trademark symbol on the cuff of the sleeve.
Last year, the administration decided that it was acceptable not to wear a Xavier polo as long as you were wearing a Xavier sweatshirt.
For shoes, students can wear closed-back shoes with black, blue, gray or white unlabeled socks, or any socks sold in Gator Gear.
The dress code for jewelry consists of one bracelet, one ring on each hand, one necklace and a max of two earrings per earlobe.
Since Xavier’s founding, the uniforms have come a long way. Former head of alumnae relations and alum, Polly Fitz-Gerald, said, “It started as a white blouse, navy straight skirt, a navy jacket with white piping and a beanie that said XHS (Xavier High School).”
Although the uniforms have been modified since then, blue has always been Xavier’s color, a nod to the BVM sisters’ devotion to Mary. In 1965, the navy straight skirt evolved into the pleated plaid skirt that students still wear today.
The most important thing about the Xavier uniform is that it sets you apart, while also giving you a sense of unity and belonging within the XCP community, reminding students that they are a part of something bigger than themselves.
Fitz-Gerald added, “Xavier has uniforms because it makes everyone equal in a certain respect and limits distractions.”
Denise Macrina, dean of students, says, “What I love about the uniforms is that you don’t know anything about the student’s background. All you know is the plaid skirt, polo, and sweatshirt, so we have girls from all walks of life and all cultures, but they all wear plaid.”
Macrina is the final arbiter of the dress code. Xavier expects its students to follow uniform regulations to avoid violations that lead to minor or major consequences.
Overall, it is important to remember that the uniform is not meant to restrict, but create a sense of equality among students. While students all come from different backgrounds, the uniform unites them into one supportive community.
