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

[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.

[Anonymous]

I have done this before and a professional dress and bare legs are fine with close toed shoes.

[Anonymous]

I always wear pants suits. I’m a woman. Pants instead of skirt is fine if you prefer that. But that would be hotter.

[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.

Are you a Republican? Democrats did not require panty hose on the Hill ten years ago.

Op, wear a business suit.

[Anonymous]

Elegant, comfortable, high quality hosiery (pantyhose): Falke brand. Costly but hardly ever run. It seems if you just want to "get by" that's one thing, but if you want to really look your best, yes pantyhose and good quality suit and heels.

[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.

Debatable at best and not really the done thing. If you belong there in your own right through professional or humanitarian achievements, risk it if you like. If you're there with someone or as part of someone's traveling party, you want to look like you belong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Are you a Republican? Democrats did not require panty hose on the Hill ten years ago.

Op, wear a business suit.

This is a more than 2 year old thread so hopefully OP is no longer soliciting opinions for this event.

[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?

Look at Aritzia, Ann Taylor, Theory, etc.

[Anonymous]

A suit or other business attire. Have a great time!

[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.

Are you a Republican? Democrats did not require panty hose on the Hill ten years ago.

Op, wear a business suit.

That’s not true, famously Diane Feinstein required her staff to wear them. Not that it matters. OP you’ll be fine in anything that’s not jeans, but lean towards business formal if you can.

[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.

Brand recommendations?

Wacoal