Starbucks employees in Illinois, Colorado, and California have initiated legal action against the company over its updated dress code policy.

The workers allege Starbucks violated state laws by not reimbursing them for expenses incurred to comply with the new dress code.

The big picture: Class-action lawsuits have been filed in Illinois and Colorado state courts, with complaints also submitted to California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency. • If California regulators decline to pursue penalties, workers plan to file a class-action lawsuit there as well.

Driving the news: The updated dress code went into effect on May 12, 2025, requiring a solid black shirt under green aprons, with options for khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms or black dresses fitting specific criteria. • E

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