Rules of Cotillion
When joining Cotillion, each member agreed to the rules and guidelines. The Dress Code (#7) details specific regulations that all Members must follow. The Rules of Cotillion are clearly documented and available on this website. Please review these Rules before attending a dance.
The Cotillion Club of Sarasota upholds a specific dress code for dances, a tradition that has been cherished and maintained over the years. It is a long-held tradition to require appropriate dress at these events. Adherence to the following dress code is expected and enforced unless otherwise noted on the invitation.
The Board of Directors makes a concerted effort to enforce the dress code consistently at each event. Members who do not follow the dress code will be offered corrective attire. In addition, members may be issued an infraction for their failure to follow the Rules of Cotillion.
If you are unsure if your attire is appropriate for a dinner dance and would like clarification, you are welcome to email a picture to the Etiquette Committee at vpetiquette@sarasotacotillion.org.
Proper Dress Attire for Ladies
Cotillion dresses:
- Should be appropriately dressy (semi-formal or formal) as indicated on the invitation. Remember, that Cotillion dresses are typically more conservative than homecoming or other school dresses.
- Hemlines MUST be longer than the lady's fingertips when her arm is extended by her side, even while dancing.
- Ladies must wear dress shoes that cover the back of heel, have a strap around the back of the heel or have an ankle strap.
- Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
Improper Dress Attire for Ladies
- No pants, shorts, pant suits or rompers.
- Please refrain from wearing any dress that too tight, low-cut in the front or back (should not be below the bra).
- No cut out below the bra line even if covered by mesh or lace.
- No drawstrings on the sides of the dress or ruched center seem on the back of the dress.
- Slip dresses are not permitted.
- Hemlines must extend BEYOND the fingertips. Dresses should remain below the fingertips while a lady is dancing.
- Undergarments, such as bra straps, should not be visible at any time.
- No hats or sunglasses.
- No flip-flops, boots, booties, sneakers or canvas shoes.
- Backless shoes are considered inappropriate.
Proper Dress Attire for Gentlemen
The following dress attire is expected at Cotillion dances:
- Gentlemen must wear a traditional suit or a suit jacket with dress slacks.*
- Button down dress shirt with a collar.
- Tie, leather belt and dress socks.
- Gentlemen must wear dark-colored, hard-soled dress shoes.
*Khaki colored dress slacks are acceptable but casual khakis, aka, chinos, are not Cotillion appropriate.
Improper Dress Attire for Gentlemen
The following clothing is not acceptable:
- Jeans
- Khakis (chinos)
- Corduroy slacks
- Collarless shirt
- T-shirts
- Sports socks or no-show socks
- Hats
- Novelty suits and Accessories
- Rubber-soled shoes or boat shoes are not appropriate for a semi-formal or formal event.
What to do at a Cotillion Dinner-Dance if your attire is deemed inappropriate
If attire is deemed inappropriate by a Board Director prior to checking in, the choices are as follows:
- Parents return with appropriate attire prior to 8:00 PM.
- Ladies: If the dress is deemed too short, wear a slip skirt provided; if the dress is deemed too revealing, wear a shawl provided. The slip skirt and/or shawl must be worn the entire evening.
- Gentlemen: Wear the tie or suit jacket (offered by Cotillion).
- Decide not to attend the dance, at which point the parent is contacted for Member pick up.