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WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS DINNER OUTFIT DETAILS:
Dress: Solace London ℅ Rent the Runway | Shoes: Steve Madden | Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff | Earrings: Baublebar | Bracelet: ℅ Kendra Scott | Lipstick: MAC Cosmetics ‘Brick-O-La’
One of my favorite weekends in D.C. is always White House Correspondents Dinner weekend. The town is lively, there are a ton of interesting folks in town, and lastly: it’s a great excuse to get all dolled up.
If you’re a Washingtonian, you might be headed to the Dinner and/or attending a few after parties. I’ve been invited to a few after parties in the past, and I always have a blast. Just the networking alone is incredible, and kind of random, not gonna lie. You never know who is going to walk through the door at a WHCD event!
Most importantly, let’s chat about what you should wear to said event. They don’t call it “nerd prom” for nothing: you’ve got to get a little fancy here! Here are some tips and tricks for the everygirl on how to look like a million bucks during WHCD weekend.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS DINNER
Don’t Spend a Fortune On A Dress
I’ve attended a few black tie events in D.C. in the past, and there’s no point to spend a ton of money on a dress you’re likely going to wear once. My go-to for years has been Rent the Runway. If I have an event on Saturday, I’ll have my rental ship on Thursday so that I can see if it fits properly. If for some reason it doesn’t work, head down to the Georgetown store and swap it out for something that fits a bit better! Want to try RTR out for the first time? Use the code ALICIATENISEPERK25 for 25% off your purchase.
If you want to buy something, I’ve found that ASOS and Nasty Gal have some pretty amazing (and budget-friendly!) options for gowns. Also, I’m not gonna lie: I have looked to Nordstrom’s prom section in the past for WHCD dresses!
Dress for the Event
If you’re headed to the dinner itself, you’ll most definitely need to adhere to a black-tie dress code. However, if you’re only attending the after parties, you can get away with something a little more laid back. If you’re attending the afterparties and want to shop your closet rather than buy/rent something new, you can totally make your favorite cocktail dress work. The dress that I’m wearing isn’t technically a gown, but I wanted something a little more fun for the after party circuit.
Don’t be Afraid of Color
I love D.C., but I definitely think some folks are afraid to wear color in this town. I saw a sea of black gowns at the events I attended this weekend. If you want to stand out, wear a color or opt for a subtle print. If you’re too nervous to rock a color, bold, colorful accessories pair perfectly with a black dress.
Leave the Hair and Makeup to the Experts
WHCD weekend is your chance to relax and have fun. I usually opt for Glamsquad anytime I have a formal event in D.C. It’s an app you can download and book hair and makeup appointments — and you choose the location. In the past, I’ve had them come directly to my apartment or hotel, but they can also come to your office if you need a little touch up before work ends. It’s a huge relief not to have to go to a salon to get hair and makeup done on the day of a formal event! Want to try it? Get $25 off your first Glamsquad appointment. P.S., thank you to their team for making me feel like a princes this White House Correspondents Dinner weekend!
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