How do you get the 'DC look'?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sincerely not trying to be snooty. Forgive my NYC manner, I haven't adjusted that yet either. I was told that people here are more genteel. Will try to keep that in mind in the future when writing.

There have already been some great suggestions, such as the one about accessories. It's something that I didn't think of as a difference in styles between the two cities. I've also noticed the suggestions came from former New Yorkers or 'northerners' who understood my situation a bit better. And, believe it or not, entire cities/neighborhoods do have "dress codes". PP stated that the dress code in her neighborhood was jeans and t-shirts. I have no problem with that. I'm trying to figure out what is the dress code in my neck of the woods.

Then just open your eyes and look around. You haven't even said where you live, so how can this message board help you?

New York and D.C. are not on different planets. Plenty of us move seamlessly between the two without any angst.

Seriously. I'm the PP who moved here from NYC 14 years ago and I still travel between the two cities fairly often. Haven't been stopped by border police yet.

[Anonymous]

For a formal or semi-formal event in DC you cannot overdress. Just make sure not to flash too much flesh and pretty much anything you wear will be fine. If you are really attractive and stylish the indigenous D.C. hag population is going to hate you anyway so waste no time trying to fit in.

If you are desperate throw on a pair of Tori Burch flats -- ugh!

[Anonymous]

OP, I don't think it matters what you wear. Your personality is still going to show.

[Anonymous]

16:03, the Tory Burch flats comment was funny. Not quite at that level of desperation - yet. But, I'll be sure to wear a cami under all DVF dresses.

To others, I did mention that I live in NW DC, but I suspect that isn't going to help.

About Daphne Guinness, yes, I like her style, but I don't copy her wardrobe piece by piece. I like McQueen, but not those silly shoes.

[Anonymous]

I'm calling BS on this, OP. As another PP said, if you were this much of a fashionista, you wouldn't be on the internet looking for D.C. style tips.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm calling BS on this, OP. As another PP said, if you were this much of a fashionista, you wouldn't be on the internet looking for D.C. style tips.

Especially on a website for moms. No offense to any of the PPs, but when I want fashion advice my first thought isn't "better check the mommy blogs!"

[Anonymous]

16:19 This isn't about style tips. In my former neighborhood, there are certain style rules that aren't obvious. I've seen women move there and try in vain for years to try to figure it out. If I met a transplanted Washingtonian in NYC, I could easily steer her in the right direction. That's all I'm looking for. As I mentioned before, I'm trying to learn DC's style 'rules.' It's not that complicated to explain them if you know what they are.

[Anonymous]

16:28 I was reading the private schools forum and decided to explore, found the fashion forum and thought that the private school moms could help. Was I wrong?

[Anonymous]

Sorry gotta chime in here. OP- wear the hell whatever you want. You make it sound like DC is another planet. Seriously, we're only 4 hours away. There are no official style rules beyond the norm. Wear what you would wear in NYC and guarantee majority will not be looking at you wierd or think you're crazy. If anything, they'll probably admire the way you dress if you are as much of a fashionista as you claim to be

[Anonymous]

You thought the "private school moms" could help? Yeah right. This thread is fake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:16:19 This isn't about style tips. In my former neighborhood, there are certain style rules that aren't obvious. I've seen women move there and try in vain for years to try to figure it out. If I met a transplanted Washingtonian in NYC, I could easily steer her in the right direction. That's all I'm looking for. As I mentioned before, I'm trying to learn DC's style 'rules.' It's not that complicated to explain them if you know what they are.

What neighborhood were you in in nyc that had such style rules? I'm dying to know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm calling BS on this, OP. As another PP said, if you were this much of a fashionista, you wouldn't be on the internet looking for D.C. style tips.

I completely agree with this statement and the one made about how NYC and DC are not two different planets. Plenty of women have moved here from NYC and have not had this much trouble. I don't think you need to adopt the so called "dress code" that certain neighborhoods seem to have (although I don't completely agree with this notion, either, since I live in a very urban section of DC and see a wide variety of styles, from hippie to boho to corporate). I think you're way over-thinking this, and if you have any fashion sense whatsoever you should be able to figure it out.

[Anonymous]

Why are people taking the OP seriously? I thought it was a joke slamming the way DC women dress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:16:19 This isn't about style tips. In my former neighborhood, there are certain style rules that aren't obvious. I've seen women move there and try in vain for years to try to figure it out. If I met a transplanted Washingtonian in NYC, I could easily steer her in the right direction. That's all I'm looking for. As I mentioned before, I'm trying to learn DC's style 'rules.' It's not that complicated to explain them if you know what they are.

What neighborhood were you in in nyc that had such style rules? I'm dying to know.

I"ve lived in the DC area since 1991 and in DC (Adams Morgan/Columbia Heights) for seven. DC is a real mix of styles, so there are no hard and fast rules. Everyone has there own style, and I think DC is finally starting to break out of it's stereotypical "boring navy suit with pumps" reputation that it used to be known for. WHile DC is no NYC (and never will be), I think it has become a much more stylish city lately. What I'm trying to say is don't try so hard to fit in. If you don't like jeans, don't wear jeans. If you hate Tory Burch, but all means, avoid her (good idea, IMHO). If you live in upper NW, CC or Bethesda, which from your posts I'm guessing you do, skinny jeans and Tory Burch flats are the uniform, not the requirement. If you're as stylish as you sound, you'll be fine. There's no crime in being "too sylish."

[Anonymous]

17:10 Thank you.

To the others, there are no words...