For Summer in Washington, Don't Put Your Best Flip-Flop Forward

Each week in our Saturday Supplement, we re-post an entry of interest to both residents of the Washington area and visitors to DC that first appeared in another publication's website.

In July 2005, some members of the Northwestern University’s women’s lacrosse team wore flip-flops to meet President George W. Bush. The choice of footwear raised a stir in Washington and beyond. (David Bohrer/Associated Press)

Abra Belke shudders when she thinks about summer mornings in the Rayburn Building. “It sounds like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” said the former Capitol Hill staffer and lobbyist. “Interns and junior staffers are just clomping down the hall in their $5 Old Navy flip-flops.”

Flip-flops are a fashion don’t for Belke, who writes the Capitol Hill Styleblog. But those Hill aides aren’t the only ones flashing their toes. All across Washington, rising temperatures mean a switch to summer styles. And from shoulders to shoes, it’s a moment that tests what can and can’t be worn at work.

For some HR departments, the change of season — and the arrival of a new batch of interns — is an occasion to send friendly reminders about the dress code, which in this city can come with a level of detail befitting the Federal Register.

To continue reading this post, which 1st appeared in The Washington Post, click here.