July 10, 2023 by erinsfisk
As an intern in a congressman’s office, I am expected to always dress professionally. In my office, we wear business professional on “in-session days”, and business casual on “out-of-session” days. What I have learned, however, is that business attire slightly differs in Washington D.C. from common practice at Texas A&M and in many Texas workplaces.
One thing that you learn about Capitol Hill very quickly is that you walk everywhere. From the metro to your office, throughout the House and Senate office buildings and the Capitol, and to events hosted by various advocacy organizations, all staff, especially interns, should not be surprised if they exceed five miles traveled throughout their day. It would take a superhuman to go that far in high heels, so most people opt for commuter shoes for walking long distances. These are usually white or neutrally colored sneakers or tennis shoes that are switched for heels upon reaching the office or can be worn all day when out-of-session.
While boots may be commonplace business casual in Texas, the only pair of boots that I have seen here were worn by Senator Ted Cruz. People instead usually wear various styles of dress shoes. Also, open-toed shoes are not seen as professional in some offices, so it is important to have close-toed, semi-comfortable heels or flats.
Outside of shoes, business clothing differs some too. In-session attire fits under the Mays Business School definition of either business professional or business casual. Either a suit, a dress, or slacks and a nice shirt and blazer can be worn as long as it is formal and respectable. Jeans are also permitted out-of-session here with a nice blouse or blazer. Overall, everyone in the workplace should want to look their best, and it is important to know what the rules or expectations are for your respective office.
Taylor O’Brien
Office of Congressman Michael Cloud
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023
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