Women faced strict dress codes at Shippensburg University from the 1940s through the 1970s, requiring dresses or suits instead of slacks or shorts on campus or downtown. In the 1950s and 1960s, women could only wear bermudas or slacks in dorm lounges with a housecoat, and dresses were required for dinner, with no slacks, sneakers, or socks allowed in dining halls or classrooms. By the 1970s, the dress code was abolished, but the handbook still recommended women be fully clothed when walking or lounging on or off campus.

1. The History of the Shippensburg University Dress Code
1950 1960 1970
It was unsuitable for women to
dress in shorts, playsuits,
housecoats, and similar apparel
outside of their rooms. Wearing
slacks was also frowned upon on
campus. Dresses or suits, never
pullovers, were required for
dinner.
Bermudas and Slacks could only
be worn in dormitory lounges
but always accompanied by a
housecoat. When attending
dinner, women must always
dress-up. No slacks, sneakers, or
socks permitted in the dining
hall, classroom, or downtown.
1940
Shorts, slacks, and gym attire
were not acceptable on campus
or downtown. While housecoats
were only permitted while in
Horton Hall. And sunbathing
could never be in the presence
of the opposite gender.
The dress code was abolished in
1970, but the handbook
continued to state that women
must be fully clothed and
dressed properly when walking
or lounging. Whether it be on
campus or downtown.