Business Attire for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

∆Understanding that dress codes in Corporate America have changed over the years and many offices have relaxed their dress codes it is important to clarify what Business Attire means for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. For example, what may be considered appropriate at Coca Cola INC may not be considered appropriate for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC.

∆We too, are a business. The executive management of our business has the right to set the dress code for conducting business just as the company you may work for or own has the right to set the dress code for business.

∆Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. does not have a business casual dress for Chapter meetings, Plenary Sessions and Ceremonies.

∆Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. do not wear after-five attire to business sessions, with the exception of the Closing Banquet.

∆Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. do not wear Khaki and Denim to business sessions and ceremonies.

∆Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. do not wear Sorority T-shirts, hats or flip flops to business sessions and ceremonies.

∆Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. do not wear halter tops, spaghetti straps, and sleeveless tops/dresses to business sessions unless they are covered with a blazer or suit jacket. (A blazer with the crest is acceptable.)

∆Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. do not wear paraphernalia jackets of any kind to business sessions and ceremonies.

∆Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. make sure their skirt/dress length is appropriate and not revealing. This includes the splits in the skirt or dress. We are also mindful of the amount of cleavage shown.

∆Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc do not wear paraphernalia to bars, clubs, or casinos. They must refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages while wearing Delta insignia.

∆Business attire is not what YOU wear to work. It is the prescribed attire by our Executive Board that is printed in official Sorority documents. For example scrubs may be appropriate attire if you work at a hospital. That does not make it appropriate attire for a Delta meeting.

∆Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. observe the prescribed color code as outlined in the Protocol and Traditions Manual.

This information comes from “Conduct of the Ritualistic Ceremonies and Protocol for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. December, 2003 and Convention-at-a-Glance, 2010

ATTIRE FOR DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

Ceremony / Attire
Chapter Meeting – P&TM p. 12, Ritual p. 1 / Business Attire, any other stipulations determined by individual chapters
Grand Chapter Formal Opening P&TM P.12
Ritual p. 19
NO PANTS
NO HATS / • Dais participants- official robes
• Sorors – appropriately dressed in white (Sorority Pin and violets optional)
• Candidate for Honorary Member Initiation – Official white robe, white dress under robe.
Regional Conference Opening - P&TM P.12
Ritual p. 9
NO PANTS
NO HATS / • Dais participants – official robes
• Sorors- appropriately dressed in white (Sorority Pin and violets optional)
Memorial Observance - P&TM P.12
Ritual p. 44
NO PANTS / • Dais participants – Official robes
• Jewel Sorors – Red Robes
• Other Sorors – appropriately dressed in red, white or black
Omega Omega Service - P&TM P.12, 13
Ritual p. 51
NO PANTS / • Presiding Officer and Assisting
Sorors – white robes
• Other Sorors – black attire (may wear Sorority Pin and violets)
Installation of Chapter Officer Ceremony
Ritual p. 66 / • Installing Officer – white robes
• Outgoing/Incoming Officers – white robes or black attire
• Other Sorors – optional, but appropriate for the occasion
Establishment of New Collegiate/Alumnae Chapter – Ritual p. 69 / • Presiding Officers and assistants – white robes
• Sorors – black attire (may wear Sorority Pin and Violets)
Rededication – Ritual p. 84
NO PANTS
Ritual & Ceremonies Workshop- 50th National Convention / • Ceremonial Participants- white robes
• Jewels – red robes
• Sorors – attire (color determined by chapter(s) involved)
Pyramid Induction – P&TM p. 12
Ritual p. 96
NO PANTS / • Chapter Officers – white robes
• Minerva circle – red robes
• Sorors – black attire
• Candidates – white attire
Ribbon Pinning / • Business attire(this is a ceremony)
All Jewel Ceremonies – Ritual p. 108 / • President, Sergeant at arms – white robes
• Leader of the Minerva Circle, Jewels – red robes
• Assisting Sorors – red robes
• Sorors – business attire preferably, sorority colors
• Pyramids – red and white business attire
Crossing Over
NO PANTS / • Sorors – black attire
• Pyramids- white attire
Initiation Ceremony - P&TM p. 11
Ritual p. 156
NO PANTS / • President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, Sergeant at arms – white robes
• The Minerva Circle – red robes
• Candidates – white attire
• Sorors – black attire
Founders Day - P&TM p. 12 / Attire determined by regions/chapter(s) in charge
Ecumenical Service – P&TM p. 12 / Red, white, black or business attire

Sorors not properly attired are barred from admission to Delta ceremonies.

Be sure to refer to this supplement, your Ritual, or Protocol and Traditions Manual.

Denim and Khaki are not worn to any of the ceremonies listed above.

A blazer or suit jacket is worn over tops that are sleeveless or have straps.

Paraphernalia jackets are not appropriate as a covering.

Visiting Sorors cannot be excused from proper attire at Rites of Passage.

(Protocol & Traditions Manual, pp. 11 and 12)

Our traditions were meant to unite us, not divide us. When you are appropriately attired, you are an outward manifestation of unity.