Uniform & Dress Code

We have a dress code because we believe it promotes values that are central to our Mercy mission. As an institution, we aim to be countercultural and encourage modesty and equity among our students. A dress code contributes to a sense of structure, along with a sense of respect for others and for oneself. It establishes an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, and it helps project a positive image of the school. We ask that all students report to school each day well-groomed and in the uniform of McAuley’s dress code.

Mandatory Uniform Items

All students are required to wear either a red or white knit McAuley polo, designated level skirt, and the school ID worn on a McAuley lanyard. The lanyard may only be worn around the neck and the student’s school ID must be visible at all times while in the school building during the school day. No article of clothing may be tied around the waist or thrown over the shoulders. Skirts must be worn at the waist, fully buttoned and zipped and must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee. Skirts may not be rolled. Any clothing other than the uniform is considered non-uniform clothing and may not be worn or carried during the school day.

Uniform shirts, sweaters and zip-ups that align to our uniform dress code have the school shield on them.

Shoes and socks or tights must be worn at all times with the uniform. Socks should be solid white or black. Tights may be worn and their color should be solid black only.

Uniform Shirts
Shoes

Uniform Shirts

For the 2025-2026 school year, students are required to purchase the red or white Mother McAuley uniform polos. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors must wear red or white Mother McAuley embroidered polos.

Seniors (Class of 2026) ONLY are allowed to wear their gray Mother McAuley embroidered polos, but may also purchase red and/or white McAuley polos, if they prefer.

Shoes

Following are the approved shoes for the 2025-2026 school year. All can be purchased online at the sites provided, in addition to these local retail partners:

Golden Shoes at 12212 Harlem Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463, (708) 448-3580
Big 'n Little at 3142 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60655, (773) 239-6066
Baron's Shoes at 3101 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60655, (773) 238-6100
Martinelli's at 3517 95th St, Evergreen Park, IL 60805, (708) 425-6287

Shoe Options

Sophomore, junior and senior students may wear Doc Marten Mary Janes, or any solid black gym shoes with a white or black sole. All logos on gym shoes should be black or white. NO colored logos will be permitted. NO HIGH TOP SHOES OR CONVERSE SHOES ARE ALLOWED NOR ARE BOOTS OF ANY KIND. Examples of appropriate gym shoe options are included below, as well as more details regarding the Doc Marten Mary Janes.

All freshman students (Class of 2029) are required to wear Doc Marten Mary Jane smooth leather black shoes (style #8065). We are grandfathering in this requirement beginning with the Class of 2029, therefore no other shoe will be allowed. You can purchase these shoes on the Doc Marten website or at various other stores. Golden Shoes in PalosHeights will provide a discount.

Doc Marten Mary Jane ($160)
Style #8065 in Black
Available at www.docmarten.com and other various websites.
Also available at Big 'n Little Shoes and Golden Shoes.

Examples of appropriate gym shoe options

Examples of gym shoes that are NOT permitted

Pants, Shorts, and Leggings

During warm weather months, students may wear navy blue uniform shorts. In lieu of the uniform skirt, students may wear the approved uniform pants sold only through the Macs Ltd. store. Students may wear the uniform leggings or uniform spandex shorts with the McAuley logo under their skirts if they wish. ONLY the McAuley leggings and shorts may be worn under skirts. NO pajama pants or sweatpants are permitted to be worn under students’ skirts. Students MUST wear the shorts, pants, and leggings that are sold in Macs Ltd. No other brands or styles will be permitted.

If students chose to wear these items, uniform shorts, pants, and leggings may be purchased from Macs Ltd. throughout the school year. These items are optional for students and not a required part of the uniform.

Sweaters, Cardigans, and Pullovers

Students may wear the embroidered red pullover sweater, embroidered red cardigan, the embroidered navy blue microfleece quarter zip pullover, or the full zip jacket in true navy over their uniform polo. These items may be purchased from Macs Ltd. throughout the school year. These items are optional for all students and not a required part of the uniform but they are the only outerwear pieces allowed during the school day.

Seniors (Class of 2026) ONLY may wear the gray outerwear zip-up and/or pull-over.

2025-2026 Uniform

Imprint Details: Tops will have the shield on the left chest. Pants will be blank.