National Youth Correspondents will be representing their schools and states at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC). During the Conference, students will be attending events at venues in Washington, D.C. that warrant professional attire. Correspondents are expected to dress according to the guidelines below. Correspondents who do not meet the dress code standard will be asked to change prior to the day’s activities. Repeated violations of the dress code are considered grounds for dismissal from the program.
Please note that during the conference most correspondents are asked to introduce, thank or ask questions of our speakers and distinguished guests. When choosing clothing for the conference in professional attire, ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable addressing a potential employer in this outfit?”
Read the guidelines carefully, and feel free to contact our office with questions.
Conference t-shirt for day/ Professional attire for evening
Conference t-shirt for day/ Casual Attire
Relaxed professional attire
Professional attire
Professional attire for day/ Semi-formal for evening
Casual attire
Professional attire includes suits, dress shirts, slacks, blouses, sweaters, skirts and dresses of medium length. Sleeveless styles will require a formal jacket or sweater on top. Dressing in layers is suggested as the venues can be cold in the summer from air conditioning. Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear practical, close toe and comfortable shoes, as some days of the conference will include significant walking on the National Mall.
Articles that are NOT appropriate for professional attire include miniskirts (anything 3 inches above the knee), denim, leather, tank tops or spaghetti straps tops (without a jacket/sweater), tops with plunging necklines, athleisure, cargo pants, polo shirts, t-shirts, flip flops/Crocs, and sneakers.
- Relaxed professional attire includes dress shirts, slacks, blouses, dresses, khakis, polos, dresses and skirts of medium length.
Articles that are NOT appropriate for relaxed professional attire includes miniskirts (anything 3 inches above the knee), denim, leather, tank tops or strapless shirts (unless worn with a jacket/sweater), tops with plunging necklines or backs, athleisure, and midriff-baring styles. In addition to conservative, closed-toe shoes, dressy sandals are appropriate. Flip-flops, mules, and other shoes with no strap around the heel are not permitted for relaxed professional/business casual attire.
Casual attire may be worn on Friday, as well as in the residence halls or during any “down time.” Jeans, appropriate length shorts, t-shirts, athletic shoes, flip flops, etc., are acceptable if they are neat in appearance and comply with the Code of Conduct. Athletic apparel should be avoided, and offensive or inappropriate clothing will not be permitted.
Semi-formal attire is optional for the National Youth Correspondent Gala on Thursday evening.
Semi-formal dress for women includes cocktail dresses, suits and dresses. Skirts may NOT be shorter than 3 inches above the knee. Appropriate semi-formal attire should not be too revealing, expose bare midriffs, plunging necklines or backs. Spaghetti straps, as well as tasteful strapless and sleeveless styles are acceptable.
For men, attire includes suits, long-sleeved dress shirts, tie or vests with jackets are optional for this event.
We strongly recommend that you pack at least a few day’s worth of clothing and toiletries in a carry-on bag. All students are responsible for carrying their own luggage, so packing light and/or bags with wheels are appropriate (the distance from parking to the dormitories is sizable). Also, please be sure to check your airline’s rules regarding carry-on bags and fees for checked luggage.
Pack with layers in mind. While it can be very hot and humid in D.C. in the summer, many of the Conference venues can be very chilly. Be sure to check the weather prior to attending to ensure you are amply prepared.
The Conference includes a lot of walking both outside and inside. Please pack band-aids in case you get blisters also keeping a pair of comfortable shoes to in your bag is suggested.
A watch or cell phone with an alarm—the Conference begins early each morning, and students are responsible for waking themselves and being on time!
Money for one lunch (approximately $15), souvenirs, and extra snacks. Breakfast and dinner are included each day. You are strongly encouraged not to bring large amounts of cash or valuables to the conference.
Laptop (if you have one) with a charger.
Any of your other personal necessities. WJMC will NOT be permitted to distribute, aspirin, over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medicine, or any other medication. We highly recommend you bring your own.
National Youth Correspondents will be representing their schools and states at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC). During the Conference, students will be attending events at venues in Washington, D.C. that warrant professional attire. Correspondents are expected to dress according to the guidelines below. Correspondents who do not meet the dress code standard will be asked to change prior to the day’s activities. Repeated violations of the dress code are considered grounds for dismissal from the program.
Please note that during the Conference most Correspondents are asked to introduce, thank or ask questions of our speakers and distinguished guests. When choosing clothing for the conference in professional attire, ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable addressing a potential employer in this outfit?”
Read the guidelines carefully, and feel free to contact our office with questions.
Conference t-shirt for day/ Professional attire for evening
Relaxed professional attire
Professional attire
Professional attire for day/ Semi-formal for evening
Professional attire includes suits, dress shirts, slacks, blouses, sweaters, skirts and dresses of medium length. Sleeveless styles will require a formal jacket or sweater on top. Dressing in layers is suggested as the venues can be cold in the summer from air conditioning. Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear practical, close toe and comfortable shoes, as some days of the conference will include significant walking on the National Mall.
Articles that are NOT appropriate for professional attire include miniskirts (anything 3 inches above the knee), denim, leather, tank tops or spaghetti straps tops (without a jacket/sweater), tops with plunging necklines, athleisure, cargo pants, polo shirts, t-shirts, flip flops/Crocs, and sneakers.
Relaxed professional attire includes dress shirts, slacks, blouses, dresses, khakis, polos, dresses and skirts of medium length.
Articles that are NOT appropriate for relaxed professional attire includes miniskirts (anything 3 inches above the knee), denim, leather, tank tops or strapless shirts (unless worn with a jacket/sweater), tops with plunging necklines or backs, athleisure, and midriff-baring styles. In addition to conservative, closed-toe shoes, dressy sandals are appropriate. Flip-flops, mules, and other shoes with no strap around the heel are not permitted for relaxed professional/business casual attire.
Casual attire may be worn on Saturday, as well as in the residence halls or during any “down time.” Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, athletic shoes, flip flops, etc., are acceptable if they are neat in appearance and comply with the Code of Conduct. Athletic apparel should be avoided, and offensive or inappropriate clothing will not be permitted.
- Semi-formal attire is optional for the National Youth Correspondent Gala on Friday evening.
Semi-formal dress for women includes cocktail dresses, suits and dresses. Skirts may NOT be shorter than 3 inches above the knee. Appropriate semi-formal attire should not be too revealing, expose bare midriffs, plunging necklines or backs. Spaghetti straps, as well as tasteful strapless and sleeveless styles are acceptable.
For men, attire includes suits, long-sleeved dress shirts, tie or vests with jackets being optional for this event.
We strongly recommend that you pack at least a few day’s worth of clothing and toiletries in a carry-on bag. All students are responsible for carrying their own luggage, so packing light and/or use bags with wheels are appropriate (the distance from parking to the dormitories is sizable). Also, please be sure to check your airline’s rules regarding carry-on bags and fees for checked luggage.
Pack with layers in mind. While it can be very hot and humid in D.C. in the summer, many of the Conference venues can be very chilly. Be sure to check the weather prior to attending to ensure you are amply prepared.
The Conference includes a lot of walking both outside and inside. Please pack band-aids in case you get blisters also keeping a pair of comfortable shoes to in your bag is suggested.
A watch or cell phone with an alarm—the conference begins early each morning, and students are responsible for waking themselves and being on time!
Money for one lunch (approximately $15), souvenirs, and extra snacks. Breakfast and dinner are included each day. You are strongly encouraged not to bring large amounts of cash or valuables to the conference.
Laptop (if you have one) with a charger.
Any of your other personal necessities. WJMC will NOT be permitted to distribute, aspirin, over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medicine, or any other medication. We highly recommend you bring your own.