Convention
Dress Code
Introduction
We are so excited to host you in New Jersey this upcoming 4th of July weekend! Our goal is to host a fun and safe Convention with an emphasis on inclusivity and diversity of all backgrounds. This dress code is designed to empower attendees to wear what makes them feel confident and comfortable while actively participating in a religious, social, or professional event.
We will be providing a detailed schedule of the events soon with the recommended dress code category for each event, but in the meantime, check out some guidance around example outfits to get some inspiration for your Convention attire! We are more than happy to help answer any questions related to the dress code and can’t wait to see you soon!
Business Casual
| ✓ Includes |
|---|
| •Collared shirts, nice crewnecks and V-necks, blouses, sweaters, blazers, polo shirts |
| •Professional dresses, kurtis / kurtas |
| •Casual slacks, trousers, skirts, and jeans without holes or frays |
| •Casual slip-on or tie shoes, dress sandals, juttis / Indian footwear, and clean athletic shoes |
| •Accessorizing with Jhumka, Kadas, Bangles etc. |
| ✗ Does Not Include |
|---|
| •T-shirts or muscle shirts |
| •Shorts, ripped jeans, or leggings |
| •Flip-flops, slides, or hats |
| •Cropped blouses |
| •Lehengas / saris |
| •Any clothing articles with prohibited attributes as described later in this document |
Hotel spaces are air‑conditioned and may feel cold at times. Attendees who get cold easily are encouraged to bring a light jacket or cardigan to layer comfortably during daytime sessions.
Casual
| ✓ Includes |
|---|
| •T-shirts, casual shirts, and crewnecks/hoodies |
| •Jeans, shorts, casual dresses, and leggings |
| •Comfortable sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops |
| •Workout gear suitable for light physical activity |
| ✗ Does Not Include |
|---|
| •Any clothing articles with prohibited attributes as described later in this document |
Please note that some activities may be more active in nature, and advance notice will be provided if workout gear is required.
Formal
| ✓ Includes |
|---|
| •Suits, tuxedos, trousers, formal shirts (with/without a tie) |
| •Formal dresses, gowns, blouses with a skirt or pants |
| •Formal shoes, flats, sandals, heels, and loafers |
| ✗ Does Not Include |
|---|
| •T-shirts or muscle shirts |
| •Shorts, jeans, or leggings |
| •Flip-flops, slides, or hats |
| •Any clothing articles with prohibited attributes as described later in this document |
Nighttime social events may involve extended periods of standing and walking, and access to guest rooms may be limited. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable, well‑fitting footwear to ensure they can enjoy evening programming.
Indian/Cultural
| ✓ Includes |
|---|
| •Chaniya/ghagra choli, sari, lehenga, salwar kameez |
| •Long dress or blouse paired with a long skirt |
| •Kurta-pyjama, sherwani, dhoti/kurta |
| •Dress shirt and slacks for those who prefer a simpler, cultural look |
| ✗ Does Not Include |
|---|
| •T-shirts or muscle shirts |
| •Shorts, ripped jeans, or leggings |
| •Any clothing articles with prohibited attributes as described later in this document |
An Indian or cultural outfit will be the most appropriate for evening activities such as the Garba night.
Prohibited
We ask that you refrain from wearing clothing or accessories that exhibit any of the following attributes:
| Prohibited clothing/accessories |
|---|
| •Reveal undergarments or private body parts |
| •Depict violent images or language |
| •Depict drugs, alcohol, or other illegal substances or activities |
| •Depict hate speech, profanity, or pornography |
| •Pose a safety hazard to attendees of the YJA Convention |
Questions
If you have any questions regarding the dress code or would simply like to get another set of eyes on an outfit you’re unsure about, please don’t hesitate to contact us at security.convention@yja.org. We’d be happy to provide additional information and recommendations as needed!
Examples
Listed below are some examples of outfits for the dress code categories. This, of course, is not an exhaustive list but should hopefully provide some direction. Again, please feel free to reach out to security.convention@yja.org with any questions that come up as you pack for Convention weekend.
| Category | Example 1 | Example 2 | Example 3 | Example 4 | Example 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Casual |  |  |  |  |  |
| Casual |  |  |  |  |  |
| Formal |  |  |  |  |  |
| Indian/Cultural |  |  |  |  |  |