what to wear to White House reception at 3 p.m.?!

[Anonymous]

My favorite pair of heels were a mess after my last visit to the WH because we were on the lawn. You've been duly warned. Most women did not have on hose but it was 90+ degrees.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My favorite pair of heels were a mess after my last visit to the WH because we were on the lawn. You've been duly warned. Most women did not have on hose but it was 90+ degrees.

This.

Also, I would say that when I've been during the summer, about 30-40% of the women wore hose. I did (Hanes Silk Reflections, if it matters, you can order them on Amazon or go into a store like Nordstroms). If you're going to have to walk a long distance, though, be careful so that you don't chafe.

Also, don't wear shoes with skinny heels because you sink right into the lawn and look ridiculous. Wear shoes with a heel that won't sink.

One time I wore a skirt suit with a sleeveless blouse (and I most certainly did take off the blazer cuz it was hotter than blazes) and the other time this year I wore a dress. Both felt appropriate. I also saw several women in chic trouser suits.

[Anonymous]

I'd wear my usual: jeans and a leather jacket. If they didn't like it, that's their problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Female or male?

Female- your most formal and stylish suit with pantyhose. Look at Nancy Pelosi for good style inspo. It's been 10 years since I was on a detail to the Capitol, but pantyhose was required then.

Any specific recommendations?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd wear my usual: jeans and a leather jacket. If they didn't like it, that's their problem.

Hey Senator Sinema, we see you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd wear my usual: jeans and a leather jacket. If they didn't like it, that's their problem.

When I see people dressed like you describe at a reception at some place like the White House, I wonder what's wrong with you and why you are so needy that you're deliberately seeking attention by the way you're dressed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Female or male?

Female- your most formal and stylish suit with pantyhose. Look at Nancy Pelosi for good style inspo. It's been 10 years since I was on a detail to the Capitol, but pantyhose was required then.

Any specific recommendations?

DP. I would wear something like any of these:

https://www.anntaylor.com/the-high-waist-side-zip-trouser-pant-in-herringbone/593953?skuId=33501390&defaultColor=2222&catid=cata000014&selectedColor=2222 with a scoop camisole b/c of the heat

https://www.anntaylor.com/the-crew-neck-sheath-dress-in-double-knit/592826?skuId=33569307&defaultColor=8054&catid=cata000013&selectedColor=8054

https://www.jmclaughlin.com/devonshire-dress-mini-parcheesi-brown-orange-blue.html

https://www.saracampbell.com/apparel/the-carter-dress/

https://www.saracampbell.com/apparel/the-tessa-dress/

https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/st-john-collection-compact-boucle-set-prod255430034?childItemId=NMT36T9_&focusProductId=prod250990227&position=1

https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/st-john-collection-knit-jacket-and-matching-items-prod255430010?childItemId=NMT3M0F_&focusProductId=prod252510139&position=41

[Anonymous]

OP if you don’t want to deal with hose, just wear pants. A pants suit is perfectly appropriate.

[Anonymous]

I like these two dresses.

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/karl-lagerfeld-paris-scuba-crepe-a-line-dress?ID=4470702&CategoryID=1005214

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/reiss-cecile-tuxedo-bodycon-midi-dress?ID=4280781&CategoryID=1005214

I only have the second one. It looks dynamite on but still works for a professional event at someplace like the White House!

[Anonymous]

A MAGA hat and a Let’s Go Brandon T-shirt

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like these two dresses.

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/karl-lagerfeld-paris-scuba-crepe-a-line-dress?ID=4470702&CategoryID=1005214

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/reiss-cecile-tuxedo-bodycon-midi-dress?ID=4280781&CategoryID=1005214

I only have the second one. It looks dynamite on but still works for a professional event at someplace like the White House!

DP. Really love the first one. And not crazy expensive either, which is great.

[Anonymous]

A suite. And the unfortunate thing is Washington women often just wear their suit from work to events in the evening, even black tie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A word about formal skin-tone hose for the generation that may not know: it's meant to be invisible. The entire goal of hose is to smooth out skin imperfections in your legs so that they look really nice. The lower the denier, the more invisible and diaphanous the hose will be (and also liable to tear under your fingers). Take some care to match your skin tone.

These days, going without hose in very formal conditions (meeting or being in the same room as a monarch, head of state or religious leader) is acceptable if the temperature is unbearably hot. But when in doubt, err on the side of quasi-invisible hose.

Is someone going to come feel your legs? If the goal is to be invisible then why bother in this weather?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A word about formal skin-tone hose for the generation that may not know: it's meant to be invisible. The entire goal of hose is to smooth out skin imperfections in your legs so that they look really nice. The lower the denier, the more invisible and diaphanous the hose will be (and also liable to tear under your fingers). Take some care to match your skin tone.

These days, going without hose in very formal conditions (meeting or being in the same room as a monarch, head of state or religious leader) is acceptable if the temperature is unbearably hot. But when in doubt, err on the side of quasi-invisible hose.

Is someone going to come feel your legs? If the goal is to be invisible then why bother in this weather?

I agree. I've been in and around the Hill for over 20 years. Hose isn't necessary. From a climate change perspective, I think it is time to start dressing appropriately for the weather and to stop overconditioning indoor spaces. Wearing clothing that was designed for cities on an island in the north Atlantic is ludicrous in DC tropical heat. The Hawaiians have it right - both men's and women's business attire reflects the climate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like these two dresses.

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/karl-lagerfeld-paris-scuba-crepe-a-line-dress?ID=4470702&CategoryID=1005214

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/reiss-cecile-tuxedo-bodycon-midi-dress?ID=4280781&CategoryID=1005214

I only have the second one. It looks dynamite on but still works for a professional event at someplace like the White House!

DP. Really love the first one. And not crazy expensive either, which is great.

I know, right!?! I've been thinking about it all day. I think I'm going to go for it.