Virginia’s Dress Code Is a Test-Day Rule
- Tommy Sangchompuphen
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
A lot of applicants are coming from workplaces where “dress down” is normal. Business casual is common. Sneakers are normal. Jeans might be acceptable most days. Some places have no real dress standard at all.
However, the Virginia Bar Exam does. And the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners' rule is explicit: There is no “dress down” or “casual dress” policy. Applicants are expected to dress in court-appropriate attire.
This isn't a suggestion. It's a condition of entry.
The easiest way to think about the rule is simple: Dress like you are walking into court, because that is the standard Virginia is using. Court-appropriate attire means a suit or jacket with a collared shirt and dress pants for men, or a dress, or a skirt and jacket, or a pant suit for women. A necktie is optional.
Virginia also removes the guesswork by listing examples of what isn't permitted, including jeans, mini-skirts, tee-shirts, and other casual attire. If your outfit belongs in a weekend errand run, it isn't what Virginia has in mind for the testing room.
Virginia’s policy is also about the testing environment, not just appearance. Shoes matter, and the Board is unusually direct about them. Because of the floors at the testing site, and as a courtesy to other applicants, court-appropriate soft- or rubber-soled shoes are preferred, and flat or low heels are preferred.
Just as important, the rule draws a bright line: No sandals, flip flops, athletic shoes, and similar casual footwear. The point is practical. The testing room needs to stay quiet. Everyone needs to be able to focus.
The policy also covers items that can create distraction or raise enforcement issues at the door. Hats and other head coverings may not be worn in the testing room unless required by generally accepted religious observances. And anyone wearing something profane or otherwise indecent may not be permitted into the testing room.
Handle the dress-code details early, and make your outfit choice boring. Pick a clearly court-appropriate outfit that fits the rule. Pick compliant shoes you have already worn comfortably. Set everything aside well before exam week. Wear that same outfit during your mock exams leading up to the testing days. Your goal is to walk in, clear the door, sit down, and spend your energy on the only thing that earns points: Your performance on the exam.
