Families: Dress for Success

This fall, school districts all over the U.S. are introducing uniforms or tightening dress codes so as to rule out all manner of garb deemed provocative--tank tops, oversize pants, clunky shoes, body piercings, ghoulish makeup and, of course, trench coats. Since the Columbine High School tragedy, "school leaders have been grasping at any policy that could contribute to a more civil, safe and tolerant school environment," observes Jay Goldman, editor of the monthly magazine School Administrator. And clothing is the most tangible of targets.

UNIFORMS ARE IN So enthusiastic are American families about uniforms that this year they will spend $1.5...