These days, it seems like just about everyone has questions when it comes to what they should wear to work. But if you work for Uncle Sam, decoding federal government employee dress codes probably feels more high pressure.
Depending on your role, you might have to represent not just yourself, but your department and even your nation.
Next Level Wardrobe is here to be your federal dress code guide. We have experience styling federal employees including office-based DC workers. Keep reading to learn about the federal government dress code and what you should wear if you’re a federal employee, no matter what the season.
Table of Contents
Is There a Dress Code for Federal Employees?
Yes, there is a dress code for federal employees. However, it varies depending on your role, where you’re traveling, and who you’re meeting. The best rule of thumb is to go for business casual (aka power casual) or business formal.
- Never opt for casual or “no dress code” attire. Those lax standards might be the norm in the tech industry, but the federal government is more traditional.
- We share this advice with all of our clients: when in doubt about what to wear, ask HR.
- If you’re meeting with foreign officials, you should also be aware of any cultural sensitivities. This is especially important when putting together outfits to wear on a work trip outside of the US. Many countries have a more conservative way of dressing.
- We previously worked with an Economist who had to travel internationally and meet with heads of state. In these situations, she’d ensure she was familiar with any cultural standards of dress so she didn’t offend anyone.
What is the Dress Code in Washington DC?
The dress code in Washington DC is again either business casual or business formal. This is an area where your role is especially important in determining how you should dress.
From working with clients in DC, we know some buildings (including the White House) carry a very conservative dress code. This means:
- Covering up your shoulders and upper arms
- Wearing skirts and dresses that hit below the knee
Lastly, if you live in DC, you know that your clothing needs to be humidity-friendly. To stay cool, invest in items that breathe, like cotton, silk, linen, or a blend.
What To Wear To Fit a Federal Government Dress Code
Here are our top outfits for federal employees to wear for every season.
Polished Outerwear for Fall and Winter
- If you’re a federal employee in Washington, DC, then one of the things you should invest in is outerwear.
- Outerwear is a fantastic way to add visual variety to an outfit and to make an ensemble feel complete.
- This is your opportunity to play with textures, like suede, leather, and cozy wool.
- You can also use this to set the overall tone of your look. A solid, black trench reads as classic.
- You can also show your modern, energetic side with a pop of color like teal, or subtle details like a belted waist.
Demure Dresses for Spring
As the snow melts and cherry blossoms bloom in DC, why not add a dress to your rotation?
- An easy spring dress like the one pictured above is perfectly conservative. It keeps your upper arms and shoulders covered and hits past the knee at a trend-aware midi length.
- On top of that, the navy blue hue suits the classic East Coast style while incorporating color.
- A soft, adjustable a-line like this suits any size or age.
Lighten Up for Summer
- No matter your position in the federal government, you want to be prepared for hot DC summers.
- The best way to do this while still meeting strict dress codes for federal employees is to lighten up your color palette and lighten up what fabrics you wear.
- Take a look at the woman in the middle of the above photo. Dr. Eliza, a parenting podcast host and entrepreneur, is wearing an outfit that you could easily wear in the government world.
- She’s playing with colors without going too bold. Her overall look feels sophisticated and feminine. The fabrics and silhouettes she’s wearing are lightweight and breathable. This makes her outfit more comfortable and versatile for DC summer sessions.
- Add a linen or cotton blazer to this look for a conference. Or take off the blazer and pop on jewelry and heels for an evening look.
There you have it, a quick guide to all things federal government employee dress codes.
Looking for more advice on elevating your professional appearance? Apply for Next Level Wardrobe’s Image Consulting services. We’ll help you find your personal brand and learn how to channel it through every part of your look. From upgrading your closet to finding your perfect scent, haircut, and accessories, we’ve got you covered.
