The It List

Washington D.C.

With its museums, monuments, and landmarks, not to mention the halls of government, visiting the nation's capital is always an exciting adventure and a great learning experience. Here are a few short lessons to give you an edge on what to wear in your race to Capitol City.

A WALK IN THE MALL

Stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, the national mall can take up a whole day of strolling. Choose your shoes wisely. Flexible shoes with cushioned soles get our vote, and now with so many stylish options, you don't have to limit your choice to athletic shoes. Look for loafers and booties in fall and winter; a great pair of walking sandals in spring and summer.

SUIT YOURSELF

A city for high-stakes politics, Washington D.C. has a super-charged atmosphere. It's the place where power suits reign, so suit up in something stylish and you'll fit in nicely when you visit the three arms of government: the Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court.

FASHION LAWS

In the city that makes the laws, it's a good idea to break a few - fashion laws, that is! Dressing for Washington D.C. doesn't have to be strictly formal. Suits can be black, navy or grey, but they don't have to be. Experiment with a brighter hue, or punch up a solid suit with a bright blouse, or tie a print scarf into an ascot, tucked elegantly into your shirt collar.

NATIONAL VELVET

When the sun sets over the Capitol Dome, Washington offers some of the best eateries in the country where classic, traditional decor blends deliciously with new American cuisine. Nothing looks better with wood paneled walls than luxury fabrics, so wear silks, velvets, twills and tweeds to feel a part of the Washington scene.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE
For Arts...

Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th and F Streets, N.W. • (202) 633-7970
As the nation’s first American art collection, this museum captures the heart of what America is. Over 7,000 artists from the colonial period through present times are represented. Be a true American and see what this collection has to offer.

National Gallery of Art
4th and Constitution Avenue NW • (202) 737-4215
Want some art history? Check out this national art museum, established by the United States Congress. It has works donated by Andrew W. Mellon, Lessing J. Rosenwald, Samuel Henry Kress and Joseph E. Widener. One of the finest collections of paint and sculpture, it will show you all you need to know.

History...

National Museum of American History
14th Street and Constitution Avenue • (202) 633-1000
It is a collection dedicated to giving its visitors a broader understanding of America and its people. With over three million artifacts - ranging from the original Star Spangled banner to the ruby red slippers featured in the Wizard of Oz - there is something to fascinate every guest. Show your Patriotism here, and join in on the fun!

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW • (202) 488-0400
This is a living memorial for the millions of souls who lost their lives during the Holocaust. The museum aims to dispense knowledge to those who aren’t aware of this tragic event. So preserve the memory of those lost and reflect at this spiritual and educational center.

and Culture...

Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C.
Here you can find the White House and United States Capitol. Often referred to as the Main Street of America, it has been the spot for many parades, precessions and protests. So take a walk down this historic avenue, tour the White House and snap some pictures on D.C.’s most famous road.

Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue, SE • (202) 707-5000
It is America’s, and the world’s, oldest federal institution and research center of Congress. This library’s collection will utterly amaze you with its millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts. With stunning 19th Century architecture and intellectual entertainment to last for hours, you’ll fall in love!

Parks...

Lincoln Park
11th & East Capitol Street NE
Located on Capitol Hill, the park features monuments of two great American leaders: Abraham Lincoln and Mary McLeod Bethune. To get a taste of history or simply enjoy the beauty of the park – get thinking Lincoln!

...and Recreation

United States National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE • (202) 245-2726
Established in 1927 by Botanist Frederick Vernon Coville, this arboretum exhibits immense beauty. Though a site of scientific research and education of plant-life, it is sure to display only those that “enhance the environment”. With 446 acres of flowers, it is best known for Azalea Hill and the garden of ferns. Come be a part of the natural splendor D.C. has to offer at the arboretum!