Remembering a few guidelines can help you feel confident and comfortable when sporting your Official Dress. Photo by Allison Shelley.
Each time you zip up your blue corduroy jacket, you represent not only your chapter and state, but also the National FFA Organization. So, it’s important to put your best look forward. Use these tips and reminders to dress your best — and help others do so, too.
The Basics
Full Official Dress includes the following:
- An official FFA jacket zipped to the top
- A white collared blouse or shirt
- An official FFA tie or scarf
- Black slacks and black socks/nylons or a black skirt and black nylons
- Black dress shoes with closed heels and toes
Placing Pins
You may have honors you wish to display on your jacket. When doing so, remember to place them on the front, right-hand side and follow the rule of three:
- Highest degree earned
- Highest office held
- Highest award earned
On the inside of your jacket, placing a small piece of cardboard between the pin and its clasp can prevent it from turning upside down.
Perfect Pantyhose
Spray your nylons with hair spray to prevent rips, or use clear nail polish to keep small ones from growing. It’s also helpful to keep an extra pair (or a few) in your bag or jacket pocket just in case.
Getting Rid of Wrinkles
When you’re traveling, pack a travel-size steamer or hang your clothes in the bathroom while running the shower. Your collared shirt or blouse, slacks or skirt will be wrinkle-free in no time!
Make It Your Own
There are opportunities to showcase your personal style while remaining professional. For example, get your jacket embroidered with your name on the side opposite of the emblem. You could also keep personal mementos like collectable pins, notes or friendship bracelets in the inside pockets of your jacket.
The Corduroy Crew
It’s more than a jacket; it’s an invitation to grow your skills and leadership potential. Shop for an FFA jacket of your own or pay it forward to someone in need through the Give the Gift of Blue program sponsored by Bayer, Perdue, Tractor Supply Co., Corteva Agriscience, Lacrosse and Firestone Ag.
