Target Just Changed Its Dress Code Policy – Here’s What Will Be New Starting This Summer

I'll never forget the first time I walked into a Target to shop after they made changes to their dress code policy in 2019.  I was pushing my cart, trying to find an employee to help me in the store so I could purchase one of the items that was locked up.

There was a person nearby wearing jeans and a pretty, worn-looking flannel.  They were pushing a cart.  I was pushing a cart.  I thought they were shopping too.

Nope.  That was an employee.  No idea until they started to walk towards me with their cart and I noticed their tiny nametag.

The days of walking into Target wearing khaki's and a red shirt and then accidentely being asked for help (because you looked like an employee) is long gone.  The last few years, the shopping habits of Target's regular customers have also made a shift, causing the company to report some devastating financial losses.

Not sure if a dress code change...again...is going to bring the shoppers back, but it sounds like shoppers will have a better idea who the customers are vs. employees, thanks to some updates happening at Target.

Target's Dress Code Changes Throughout The Years

Target Dress Code: Pre-2010s

Allowed: Red top and khaki pants.

One of the biggest complaints from employees during this time frame was that they had to supply their own clothing in those colors.

Target Dress Code: Mid-2010s

Allowed: Any shade of red shirt was allowed.  Graphic tees were sometimes allowed but depended on the store.  Khakis were still the norm but jeans were allowed in limited situations.  The corporate side of Target started to be more casual with their daily attire.

Target Dress Code: 2019

Allowed: blue jeans were officially allowed every day but khakis were still an allowed choice.

Target Dress Code: 2019 to 2022

Allowed: Standard dress code was a red top (any style) with jeans or khakis.  You could now wear skirts, though, and capris.

Not Allowed: Open-toed shoes, no offensive graphics

Target Dress Code: 2023

Allowed: Most employees could now wear shorts due to extreme heat

Get our free mobile app

New Dress Code At Target Stores Starting Summer 2026

To help make its employees more recognizable and consistent, Target is tightening the criteria for its dress code policy for team members.

According to The Sun, here is what will be allowed starting this summer.

Allowed:  plain red tops only (no maroon, pink, or salmon colors).  Blue denim or khakis.  Red vests will be required in many cases.

Will This New Dress Code Bring Back All Of The Shoppers That Have Disappeared Over The Past Few Years

Time will tell if this dress code change will make an impact on the store financially.

My personal guess...no.  I don't think this is the overall issue for the declining sales.