by Renae Virata

In a land where people are moving in and out of the city as much as they are up and down the ladder, it can be just as hard to pin down exactly what defines the style culture in DC.  Many locals used to lament profusely about the lack of style there that other major and international cities enjoyed around them.  But many have been doing something about it.  From the influences trickling down from The Hill to the rise of fashion institutions like DC Fashion Week, the style landscape of our nation’s capital is putting DC on the fashion map.

What to Wear and Pack | Style Inspirations | Weather | Resources | Shopping

Comments Washington Post publisher Katharine Weymouth in last fall’s inaugural issue of the hot new local fashion mag Fashion Washington: “Has the nation’s capital become a style capital, too? The sheer number of haute boutiques (Jimmy Choo, Barneys Co-op, Bulgari), up-and-coming local designers and luxury-loving shoppers suggest it has…”

How much has that translated to the streets from the generally button-upped and neutral fashion sense that seems to have dominated the scene?  According to many, more so in the past few years than ever before.

______________________________________________________________________________

What else should you wear for your trip to DC? Fill out our My Stylist form to find out!

______________________________________________________________________________

“I would probably define DC style in general as smart casual with a slightly conservative bent,” says Jodi, a former Georgetown resident. “It works best because of the prevalent political and professional environment all over the city.  You’ll probably see a lot more trendy looks and color on the street but definitely nothing overboard.”

Click on each item to shop this look: Sweater vest, Freelance, $42; City short, $34.99; Peep-toe flat, Report, $57

Layers make the most sense as you can experience a swing in temperature from day to night, sometimes up to 15 degrees, before the cooler fall and winter temps start to settle in around mid-November.  It’s always a good idea to stick to natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool so that your skin can breathe better if the humidity kicks up a bit during this time, too.

As a tourist, one of the most important things to consider is all the walking you will be doing.  Visiting the many monuments, memorials, and museums (not to mention all the new fashion meccas inside and surrounding the city!) will make for some very long walks and hops on the Metro.  A pair of chic but flexible flats, rubber-soled boots, or even cool street sneakers will get you through a slippery day full of walking.

Click on each item to shop this look: Mixed media dress, Delia’s, $34.50; Platform sandal, Crocs, $54.99; Tote, Arturo, $264

More fun variations on basics will make it easy to pack and easy to get dressed.  Think of places like J. Crew and Gap for your wardrobe.  Solid colors that work well together like jewel tones with gray and black or simple patterns that will go with everything will help you pack and dress more easily.  Play with one fabulous textured piece to coordinate with your basics, like a boucle swing jacket or a tweed pair of pants.

For business, stick to conservative suits and dresses.  Always remember to wear hose or tights no matter how warm it is.  For nighttime fun, pair a glam top with your best jeans and some killer heels.  For business dinner, a simple sheath in a luxurious brocade or a simple seasonless wool with a brooch work well.  If you find yourself with an invitation to a black-tie political gala, don a floor-length number in a conservative style that will keep any potential negative attention away!

Click on each item to shop this look: Lace inset vest, The Buckle, $52; Camisole, Kmart, $7.48; Straight-leg jeans, Current/Elliott, $244; Braided heels, Arden B., $49

Michelle Obama. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst.

Natalie Portman.

Katie Holmes.

As DC is an inland area on the East Coast, fall temperatures (as in the spring) are typically mild.  Being not too far north of those states that experience the brunt of hurricane season through October, you may encounter showers during your stay, especially this fall.

•    Shoe Designer Monica Favela George | Gigi Favela women’s shoes made in Italy – if this doesn’t prove DC’s new wave in fashion, what could?!

•    Connecticut Ave / Dupont Circle | Home of the Dupont Circle High Heel (Drag) Race, be sure to check it out the Tuesday night before Halloween.  Home to fabulous boutiques like Terra on Connecticut Ave.

•    Old Town Alexandria Boutique District | Minutes from Regan National Airport, this quaint colonial-style area boasts big labels like Nanette Lepore, Tory Burch and DVF throughout 19 unique specialty shops.

•    Chevy Chase, MD | Upscale shopping in the residential neighborhood of Friendship Heights, this is where a number of high-end stores like Gucci, Bulgari, and Barneys are finding their home in DC.  Major points for a FREE daily shuttle bus that will take you straight to shopping areas on town.

•    ProjectBeltway.com | A blog “celebrating style in the nation’s capital”

•    Fashion Washington | DC’s luxury magazine for fashion trends and all things style going on in The Capital

•    Washington Times fashion section | News on the latest trends in DC and around the globe

______________________________________________________________________________

Don’t leave for your trip without Access America Travel Insurance. From travel delay coverage to missed connection coverage, they’ve got you covered!

______________________________________________________________________________

You might also like: