Teenager denied entry to homecoming dance for wearing jumpsuit

Dress code required all young women wear 'semi-formal dresses'

Teen denied entry at homecoming dance for wearing a jumpsuit

A teenager who wore a black jumpsuit for her senior homecoming dance was denied entry because her outfit did not meet the dress code.

For the Tampa Bay Homeschool homecoming dance, Darcy Krueger, from Florida, chose a belted jumpsuit she already owned and paired it with heels, jewellery and an updo.

But when she got to the door of the dance, which was hosted for students who are homeschooled in the area, she said wasn’t allowed inside because “semi-formal dresses for young ladies” were required.

“I was very surprised and confused,” Krueger told Today. “I had been standing in line in front of [the event planner], but the moment she saw my legs move she immediately denied me entrance.

“It was very dismissive and inconsiderate.”

In addition to requiring dresses, the dress code stated that dresses that are “too revealing” or “simply too short” are not allowed, nor were dresses that “expose a plunging neckline or backline”.

“You will not be allowed in if your dress is questionable,” the dress code read.

Although the event planner said the 17-year-old could go home and change into a dress, Krueger went home and didn’t return - prompting her mother Melissa to write about the incident on Facebook.

“My daughter was denied entrance because her dress attire has a crotch in it,” she wrote, adding that “Darcy’s upset and so am I.”

The post, which received more than 500 comments from people outraged on Krueger’s behalf, captured the attention of photographer Jennie Ellis, who reached out to offer the teen a free photo shoot.

Despite the backlash, the event organisers stood by the clothing regulations - telling Today that the dress code was “submitted and approved by the parents of our community group”.

But, while the teen hopes she receives an apology, she said the opportunity to be photographed in the outfit helped her channel the “strongest sides of myself”.

“Every time I look at these pictures I am reminded that you can rise above disappointing circumstances and own them, instead of them owning you,” she said.