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.

Questions about the uniform dress code policy can be directed to our Macs Ltd. Store Manager, Mrs. Maria Wantuck at mwantuck@mothermcauley.org or 773.881.6503 or our Head Dean of Students, Ms. Amanda Sullivan at asullivan@mothermcauley.org.

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.

Shirts

For the 2026-2027 school year, McAuley golf/polo shirts are available in short-sleeved styles and may be purchased in red or white.

Uniform items that are no longer acceptable to wear are any of the grey polos/outerwear with the McAuley crest, the Navy Blue Charles River quarter zip sweatshirt, and any polos or outerwear that contain the white embroidered crest. These items have all been grandfathered out as uniform options.

Skirts

Shoes

Shoe Options

Junior students (Class of 2028) and senior students (Class of 2027) may wear Doc Marten Mary Jane smooth leather black shoes, or any solid black gym shoes with a white or black sole. No converse or high top shoes are allowed. All logos on gym shoes should be black or white. NO colored logos will be permitted. Examples of appropriate gym shoe options are included below.

All First Year students (Class of 2030) and sophomore 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. You can purchase these shoes on the Doc Marten website or at various other stores including Big n’ Little Shoes and Golden Shoes. Golden Shoes in Palos Heights will provide a discount.

Examples of appropriate gym shoe options

Examples of gym shoes that are NOT permitted

Pants, Shorts, and Leggings

Navy Knit Pants

If a student would prefer to wear pants instead of the skirt, students are allowed to purchase navy knit pants through Macs Ltd. Store. The navy pants stocked in our store are the only pants students are allowed to wear.

Navy Shorts

The store will carry school-approved navy shorts. We will be allowing all students to wear navy shorts on the warmer days in the Fall and Spring, if they choose to do so. In the fall, students can wear these navy shorts from August 20 through October 1. We will set spring dates during the second semester.

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