The Washington uniform: Hail to the red, gray and blue

AP via Boston.com ^ | 12/26/2002 | Siobhan McDonough

[GeneD]

WASHINGTON -- Neither fashion Mecca nor fashion wasteland, Washington has its own idea of how to dress.

A uniform of sorts emerges from this city of political leaders, civil servants, policy-watchers and lawyers. Think red, gray and blue.

For men, especially on Capitol Hill, the safe bet for those wanting to blend in is a dark blue suit, starched dress shirt, plain tie and polished shoes. Aides often wear a blue blazer and khaki pants.

[GeneD]

A dark blue suit, starched dress shirt, a plain tie, and polished shoes have become the standard uniform for men in Washington, D.C. For women, a plain suit is customary. (AP photo)

Senator John Kerry and his wife Teresa Heinz. (AP photo)

NBC correspondent Andrea Mitchell and her husband, Alan Greenspan, Chairman of the Federal Reserve. (AP photo)

Representative Nancy Pelosi, the newly elected House Minority Leader. (AP photo)
(What's that smile on your face there, Dave?)

[smith288]

Then there was Jim...

[billorites]

Women don't have to adhere to the dress code...

"Hmm, how to accessorize my blue dress.

What to do, what to do."

[unspun]

Shows how the very people who are drawn to power tend to be conformists who are often to timidly following the status quo, to lead. "Fear of man," the Bible calls it. King Saul was a prime example.

BTW, don't forget about the "daring" orange tie that's become part of the uni'! O-o-o-o-o-o.

Sheeople elect sheeople.

[unspun]

Jackie shmackie -- she was just wearing the women's fashion of her day. Just look at any movie about "society dames" of that time.

[section9]

Dress code?

I gotcher dress code right here!

Be Seeing You,

Chris