Editing Modern Western square dance (section)

==Dress code==
Modern western square dance has developed a "look" that has become known as "square dance attire".  This style of dress developed when square dancing's popularity in the United States increased after World War II, and began soaring during the 1950s and early 1960s.  Several factors may have helped influence the look that has become known as "square dance attire".  These include the visibility and popularity of square dance performers such as [[Lloyd Shaw (educator)|Lloyd "Pappy" Shaw]]‘s traveling troupe of "teenage cowboy square dancers"; the way square dancing and the west were portrayed in western movies and early television; and the popular clothing styles of those times, for example poodle skirts.

[[Image:SquareDanceDresses.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Traditionally-styled square dance dresses; note the full skirts and petticoats]]
At the non-challenge levels, particularly in North America, of modern western square dancing participants are often expected to wear western-style square dance outfits, or "square dance attire", especially at large dances.  Over the years, there has been much discussion within square dancing circles about relaxing the dress code, and this has led to the adoption of alternative less restrictive attire designations— "proper" attire and "casual" attire.  Clubs that sponsor dances are free to select a less restrictive dress code and are encouraged to advertise the dress code that is appropriate for their dance. Some clubs drop the "traditional" dress code requirement for classes and for their summer dances, and some, like [[Challenge square dance|challenge groups]], [[Gay square dance|gay square dance clubs]] and [[Youth square dance|youth square dance clubs]], have never had a dress code. Dress code is more relaxed in the UK than in North America, and to some extent than in Northern Europe.

Square dance attire for men includes long-sleeved western and western-style shirts, dress slacks, scarf or string ties ([[Bolo tie|bolos]]) or kerchiefs, metal tips on shirt collars and boot tips, and sometimes [[cowboy hat]]s and boots. It is very unusual to see hats and cowboy boots at dances in the UK.

Traditional square dance attire for women include [[gingham]] or polka-spotted dresses with wide skirts or a wide gingham or patterned skirt in a strong dark color with a white puff-sleeve blouse.  Often dancers wear specially-made square dance outfits, with multiple layers of [[crinoline]]s, [[petticoat]]s, or [[pettipants]].

Partners might have color- and pattern-coordinated outfits.

Both sexes might wear boots, but women most commonly wear soft-soled slippers or shoes with a single strap and low heel.