My husband and I are leaving for D.C. in a couple of days, which means it's packing time very soon!

Just wondering if 'casual' dress is acceptable when touring national institutions (ie. captial building, national archives, etc.) & museums - and casual meaning jeans, t-shirt, runners, etc...or if D.C. tourists usually are looked down upon if dressed inappropriately/less than "business casual" while scouting the sights?!

Yes, most tourists wear jeans and T shirts to the National Institutions.

As with most all situations, if it makes you feel better and more comfortable, wear a nicer but still casual outfit (khakis, collared shirt, etc.). That's what some people do.

But on the shoes, I would go strictly for comfort, even if it means cross trainers w/your nicer casual outfit. Otherwise, those dogs are going to be howling at the end of the day. You will do lots of walking, even if you use Tourmobile.

It's kinda like I feel about going to the beach: Despite my self-image, there is always someone else there who looks worse than I do!

Forget the halter tops and the short shorts, the jogging clothes (though you might see a few) but by all means go comfortable. Jeans, t-shirt and sports shoes are perfect.

I always post before I'm finished...sigh! I was reminded by emd (who posted while I was composing) that I try to carry an extra pair of shoes if I have the room. Sometimes after you have been walking a long time, just that little change will refresh you.

And...don't be taken in by the size of the buildings on the mall. They are big, therefore they look closer together, but it is a long walk from one to the other. Sorta like the hotels in Vegas.

good advice about an extra pair of shoes. Wear whatever you want but this time of year the weather can change and it could be hot or cold on the mall - or both. Bring some layers with you.

rchalup - you can be as casual as you want to be as a tourist in the museums. I'm not near enough to the Capitol to tell you what people wear on those tours (though I guarantee it's still jeans and sneakers). In other words, wear whatever you want and whatever is comfortable for you.

Most tourist families I see are in jeans or shorts - 99% of the time. Unless they're European (because they dress better in casual situations, usually).

My only concern would be if you were interested in going straight from site-seeing to a "nicer" restaurant. Then you'd probably want to be at least in a polo or colored shirt and nicer jeans or khakis.

Meant "collared shirt" - though color would be nice, too!

Agree - you will see people wear almost anything while touring. But if you plan on going out for any nicer dinners check out what the restaurants want - for most business casual is OK - but some are still more formal in dress (jacket required).

This thread reminded me of my first trip to DC when I was in high school. My mom was insistent that we dress nicely to see the White House, Capitol, and the monuments. I wore long skirts with knit sleeveless shirts. It was the 80s but I laugh now when I think what people wear but I guess it was like the times when people dressed up for a plane trip too.

Thanks for the advice everyone - definitely makes me feel better about what I have packed so far...the runners were the first thing in! My husband and I are very active walkers, so D.C. sounds like the perfect place!

I was in DC in early October in 2002, and it was very warm. However, I wanted to look respectable when I visited the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court building. As a lawyer, I could not imagine entering the Supreme Court building dressed in shorts and a t shirt. I wore a casual, longish dress and Easy Spirit shoes. The shoes were "supposed" to be comfortable, but were not.