DRESS CODE

47th Texas Government-in-Action Youth Tour

June 14-22, 2012

Washington tends to be hot and humid in June and generally the dress is casual with the emphasis on staying cool and comfortable. However, you are representing your electric cooperative and the state of Texas in Washington, D.C., so you will want to look your best at all times.

Below is a description of what to wear each day followed by a detailed description of appropriate dress attire.

CASUAL:

Males: Shorts, Jeans, Slacks, Shirt and Tennis Shoes, Name Badge
Females: Shorts, Jeans, Slacks, Capris, Shirt and Tennis Shoes, Name Badge

 

DRESS:

Everyone will be provided a collared polo shirt to wear on the day we go to the Hill for visits to your Congressman 
Males:  Please bring a pair of Khakis/Chino Slacks and appropriate closed-toe shoes.
Females: Please bring a pair of Khakis/Chino Slacks or skirt and appropriate closed-toe shoes.

 

Shoes:

Tennis shoes are a necessity if you want your feet to last the entire week. Our tour nurses say their biggest health issues during the Youth Tour are related to wearing improper shoes—blisters, sprained ankles, stubbed toes, sore leg muscles, etc. While we understand the desire to wear cute shoes, this is a time to wear your comfortable shoes. Sandals will be permitted but remember you are going to be doing a lot of walking.

When we go to Capitol Hill to meet with our Congressional Delegation, you should wear appropriate dress shoes, but, keep in mind, you will still be doing a lot of walking that day, so choose your shoes accordingly, or plan to take another pair of shoes.

Shorts/Pants/Skirts:
Nice, dressy shorts are appropriate. No cut-offs, gym shorts, spandex shorts, extremely tight shorts or very short shorts will be allowed. If you have questions on the length of your shorts, try the fingertip test: Hold your arm down and the shorts or skirts should not be any shorter than your fingertips. Remember you are in the nation's capital and things which are appropriate to hang out in around home are not appropriate in Washington.

Jeans or slacks, capris or cool summer dresses (for females) are appropriate. Remember, no strapless, halter or spaghetti strap sundresses or dresses that allow bra straps to show.

While miniskirts are popular, they are not appropriate, nor would you be comfortable in them on this tour... again use the finger tip test: Hold your arm down and the skirt should not be any shorter than your fingertips.

Shirts:
For guys, collared polo shirts are preferred, though not mandatory. For girls, nice shirts that go below your waistline are required. No skin showing between shirt and pants. No halters, tube tops, cropped tops, sheer (see-through) tops, or tank tops that allow your bra straps to show are allowed. Guys and girls are required to keep their belly buttons covered at all times—no bare midriffs. T-shirts with sayings or pictures that are suggestive or could be considered offensive to anyone will not be allowed. Shirts advertising alcoholic beverages will not be allowed. The safest bet is to avoid t-shirts with sayings on them completely. Store logos (such as Old Navy, Nike, Abercrombie, etc.) are fine. Participants will be provided a shirt for each day while on the Tour. There will be a total of seven shirts provided.

Jewelry:
Keep it to a minimum. We'll be going through metal detectors and security checks at nearly every location and jewelry frequently sets off metal detectors. Just to be safe, it's best to leave valuables at home. No facial, body or tongue piercing jewelry will be allowed.

Miscellaneous:
You might want to bring a lightweight jacket, sweater or sweatshirt. Be sure to bring a small umbrella, raincoat or poncho in case it rains on our tour.

While you will not have a lot of time, the hotel in Irving has pools so you might want to bring a swimsuit, keeping in mind the above guidelines as well as an appropriate cover-up. The pool in D.C. at the Hyatt Crystal City will be closed during the Youth Tour.