WYSE DRESS CODE AND PACKING LIST
DRESS CODE

National Youth Delegates will be representing their schools and states at the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment. During the Summit, students will be attending events at venues in Washington, D.C. that warrant professional attire. Delegates are expected to dress according to the guidelines below. Delegates 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 summit most delegates 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.

National Youth Delegates will be representing their schools and states at the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment. During the Summit, students will be attending events at venues in Washington, D.C. that warrant professional attire. Delegates are expected to dress according to the guidelines below. Delegates 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 summit most delegates 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

Professional attire

THURSDAY
Professional attire for day/Semi-formal for evening
FRIDAY
Casual attire
PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE

Professional, conservative attire includes suits, dresses, skirts of medium length, dress slacks/pants and blouses or sweaters.  Sleeveless styles will require a sport coat, jacket or sweater. Jackets or sweaters are encouraged as Washington buildings can be cold in the summer from air conditioning. Business shoes include flats and other closed-toe or loafer-style dress shoes. Delegates 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, cargo pants, leather, Capri pants, tank or spaghetti straps styles (without a jacket/sweater), polo shirts without a jacket, tops with plunging necklines, leggings, halter tops, athleisure, flip flops and sneakers.

DO'S
Pant Suit
Skirts
Dresses
Slacks/ Sweaters
Suits
Vest and Tie
Suit no tie
Dress shoes
DONT'S
Mini Skirts
Capris
Low Cut/ Halter tops
Thin straps/ Crop tops
Cargo pants
Jeans
Sneakers
Polos/ T-shirts
RELAXED PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE

Relaxed professional attire includes dresses/skirts of medium length, khaki/cotton pants, dress slacks, collared shirts, polos, blouses and sweaters.  Ties and jackets are not required.

Articles that are NOT appropriate include: miniskirts (anything 3 inches above the knee), denim, leather, cargo pants, shorts, athleisure, sleeveless tank or strapless shirts (unless worn with a jacket/sweater), tops with plunging necklines or backs, halter tops, tshirts, and midriff-baring styles. In addition, closed-toe shoes and dressy sandals are appropriate. Flip-flops, sneakers, mules, and other shoes with no strap around the heel are not permitted for relaxed professional/business casual attire.

DO'S
Khakis
Skirt
Dress
Slacks/Sweater
Polos
Slacks/ Collared Shirts
Khakis
Casual dress shoes
DONT'S
Mini Skirt
Denim/Capris
Low Cut/ Halter tops
Thin straps/ Crop tops
Cargo Pants
Jeans
Sneakers
Shorts
CASUAL ATTIRE

Casual attire may be worn on Friday, as well as in the residence halls or during any “down time.”  Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, flip flops, etc., are acceptable as long as they are neat in appearance. No athletic wear is acceptable. Consistent with the Code of Conduct, offensive or inappropriate clothing will not be permitted.

DO'S
Nice Jeans
Casual Dresses
Flip flops
Nice Shorts
Sneakers
Nice T-shirts
DONT'S
Mini Skirt
Short Shorts/ Hot Pants
Low Cut/ Halter tops
Thin straps/ Crop tops
Athletic Pants
Vulgar Shirts
Torn/Ripped Clothing
Tank Tops/ Cutoff Shirts
SEMI-FORMAL ATTIRE

Semi-formal attire is optional for the National Youth Delegate Gala on Thursday evening.  Semi-formal dress includes cocktail dresses, suits and long-sleeved dress shirts and a tie. Jackets are optional for this event. 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.

DO'S
Semi Formal Styles
Cocktail Dresses
Appropriate Heels
Long Gowns
Suits
Vest, Tie, and Slacks
Dress Shirt, Tie, and Slacks
Dress Shoes
DONT'S
Mini Skirts
Backless Dress
Bodycon Dresses
Low Cut/Cut Out Dresses
Cargo Pants
Jeans
Polos
Sneakers
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 Summit begins early each morning, and students are responsible for waking themselves and being on time!

Money for 2 lunches (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 summit.

Laptop (if you have one) with charger

Your personal necessities. WYSE 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 Summit 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 Summit venues can be very chilly.