The Washington Journalism and Media Conference

WJMC DRESS CODE AND PACKING LIST
DRESS CODE

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.

SUNDAY
Conference t-shirt for day/ Professional attire for evening.
MONDAY
Conference t-shirt for day/ Casual Attire
TUESDAY
Casual Attire for day/ Relaxed professional attire for evening
WEDNESDAY
Relaxed professional attire
THURSDAY
Professional attire for day/Semi-formal for evening
FRIDAY
Casual attire
PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE
WOMEN

Professional, conservative attire for women includes suits, dresses, skirts of medium length or dress slacks and blouses or sweaters. Sleeveless styles will require a jacket or sweater. Jackets or sweaters are encouraged as Washington buildings can be cold in the summer from air conditioning. Women are strongly encouraged to wear practical 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, denim, leather, Capri pants, tank or spaghetti straps styles (without a jacket/sweater), tops with plunging necklines, leggings, and halter tops.

WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL: DO'S
Pant Suits
Skirts
Dresses
Slacks/ Sweaters
WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL: DONT'S
Mini Skirts
Denim/ Capris
Low Cut/ Halter tops
Thin straps/ Crop tops
MEN

Professional, conservative attire for men includes suits or sport coats with slacks/dress pants and a tie. Business shoes for men includes closed-toe, lace-up or loafer-style dress shoes.

Articles that are NOT appropriate include carpenter or cargo pants, polo shirts without a jacket, t shirts, flip flops, sneakers, athleisure, and jeans.

MEN'S PROFESSIONAL: DO'S
Suits
Vest and Tie
Suit no tie
Dress shoes
MEN'S PROFESSIONAL: DONT'S
Cargo pants
Jeans
Sneakers
Polos/ t-shirts
RELAXED PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE
WOMEN

Relaxed professional attire for women includes dresses/skirts of medium length or khaki/cotton pants, dress slacks and blouses or sweaters.

Articles that are NOT appropriate include: miniskirts (anything 3 inches above the knee), denim, leather, sleeveless tank or strapless shirts (unless worn with a jacket/sweater) tops with plunging necklines or backs, halter tops, 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.

WOMEN'S RELAXED PROFESSIONAL: DO'S
Khakis
Skirts
Dresses
Slacks/ Sweaters
WOMEN'S RELAXED PROFESSIONAL: DONT'S
Mini Skirts
Denim/ Capris
Low Cut/ Halter tops
Thin straps/ Crop tops
MEN

Relaxed professional attire for men includes khaki pants or dress pants and collared dress or polo shirts. Ties and jackets are not required. 

Articles that are NOT appropriate include carpenter or cargo pants, shorts, t-shirts, flip flops, sneakers, athleisure, and jeans. 

MEN'S RELAXED PROFESSIONAL: DO'S
Polos/ t-shirts
Slacks/ Collared Shirts
Khakis
Casual dress shoes
MEN'S RELAXED PROFESSIONAL: DONT'S
Cargo pants
Jeans
Sneakers
Shorts
CASUAL ATTIRE
WOMEN

Casual attire may be worn on Friday, as well as in the residence halls or during any “down time.” Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, athletic shoes, flip flops, etc., are acceptable as long as they are neat in appearance. Consistent with the Code of Conduct, offensive or inappropriate clothing will not be permitted.  

WOMEN'S CASUAL: DO'S
Nice jeans
Casual dresses
Nice shorts
Flip flops
WOMEN'S CASUAL: DONT'S
Mini Skirts
Short shorts/ Hot pants
Low Cut/ Halter tops
Thin straps/ Crop tops
MEN

Casual attire may be worn on Friday, as well as in the residence halls or during any “down time.” Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, athletic shoes, flip flops, etc., are acceptable as long as they are neat in appearance. Consistent with the Code of Conduct, offensive or inappropriate clothing will not be permitted.  

MEN'S CASUAL: DO'S
Nice jeans
Nice shorts
Sneakers
Nice t-shirts
MEN'S CASUAL: DONT'S
Athletic pants
Vulgar shirts
Torn/ ripped clothing
Tank tops/ cutoff shirts
SEMI FORMAL ATTIRE
WOMEN

Semi-formal attire is optional for the National Youth Correspondent Gala on Thursday evening. Semi-formal dress for women includes cocktail dresses, very dressy business 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.

WOMEN'S SEMI FORMAL: DO'S
Semi Formal Styles
Cocktail dresses
Appropriate heels
Long gowns
WOMEN'S SEMI FORMAL: DONT'S
Mini Skirts
Backless Dress
Bodycon Dresses
Low cut/ Cut out dresses
MEN

 Semi-formal dress for men includes suits, long-sleeved dress shirts and a tie. Jackets are optional for this event. 

MEN'S SEMI FORMAL: DO'S
Suits
Vest, Tie, and Slacks
Dress shirt, Tie, and Slacks
Dress shoes
MEN'S SEMI FORMAL: DONT'S
Cargo pants
Jeans
Sneakers
Polos/ t-shirts
PACKING LIST
LUGGAGE

We strongly recommend that you pack at least one 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 doors is sizable). Also, please be sure to check your airline’s rules regarding carry-on bags and fees for checked luggage.

DON'T FORGET THE FOLLOWING

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 1 lunch (approximately $15/day), 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 charger

Your 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.

The Conference includes a lot of walking. Please pack band-aids in case you get blisters. You can also pack a pair of comfortable shoes to keep in your bag.

A compact umbrella

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.