Among the sweeping changes coming this school year is a change to the Wylie ISD dress code. While formerly clothes like sweatpants and graphic t-shirts were reserved for spirit days, now students are free to wear them on the daily. Other new additions include looser rules around shoes and tops.

Dress codes across Texas and the United States vary greatly, with some schools choosing strict uniform policies, and others having none at all. Within the last ten years alone, Wylie ISD has been home to very different standards. Just five years ago, student staples like blue jeans were not allowed.

“It’s changed vastly,” junior Deborah Alemayue said. “In my sixth grade year we were only allowed to wear khakis and polos and even had a restriction on hoodies. I’m so glad it’s changed. The changes have allowed us to express ourselves more and be more comfortable in our own skin.”

Wylie ISD school administration meets every two years to discuss and revise the dress code, often drawing council from students. The student leadership organization “Take the Lead” at Burnett Junior High School is one voice of many that gets the opportunity to share their opinions and questions. 

“We gathered as a group and all got to share our ideas with Coach (Curtis) Holtz,” former Take the Lead member Kegan Callan said. “Some of our ideas included allowing graphic t-shirts and athletic shorts.”

The new dress code was released on April 1, 2025 to much surprise and excitement from students. New additions to the dress code include the ability to wear sweatpants, graphic tshirts, and jeans with minimal rips and tears.

“My favorite part of the dress code has been being able to wear sweatpants every day and also open-toed shoes because my birkenstocks are my best friend,” Alemayue said.