What do diplomats wear

It is important to be taken seriously in this job. Many — probably most — other countries around the world tend dress with a bit more style than Americans. For those of you who shudder at a tie and panty hose though perhaps not together , this short history lesson may make you appreciate our current relatively lax standards. In the very early 19th century, there was an actual military-style uniform prescribed for diplomats. Tri-corner hats, embroidered coats with gold buttons, and swords ruled the day in the early s.

At first there was an actual uniform and later diplomats were allowed to start creating their own uniforms thus defeating the purpose of a uniform. Though I would love the chance to wear a sword at work, the temptation to use it might prove to be overwhelming at times.

Congress banned diplomatic uniforms in I can only assume others struggled with the same temptations of the sword. Many diplomats of the day were upset by this and were considered less than suitably dressed at formal functions with their colleagues in the diplomatic corps. From time to time the Department of State played with the idea of some sort of uniform, but Franklin D.

Roosevelt put a final stop to it in stating no member of the diplomatic or consular corps wear a uniform not approved by Congress. Each post around the world will be a bit different when it comes to everything, even dress code.

Gumarova, who has worked in public relations in New York, points to the criticism First Lady Melania Trump faced for her choice of a colonial-style pith helmet on a visit to Kenya, and how Michelle Obama chose clothing by U. Gumarova says she was dismayed when she arrived in Washington and began to entertain at the Czech embassy.

The April event will be the first of many, according to Gumarova. In Mozambique, dos Santos led an entirely different life, working for the National Demining Institute as a program officer for the organization tasked with removing land mines. Our jobs are to entertain and help our husbands. Martha Thomas is a freelance journalist in Baltimore. The Language of Dress. Eric Thiel. Dildara Rakhmatullaeva, left, in a dress by Uzbek designer Markhamat Umarova, right. Isabel dos Santos, wife of the ambassador of Mozambique to the United States, Carlos dos Santos, wears a dress of her own design.

All three are married to the ambassadors to the United States from their respective countries. If you are unsure of the terminology used, it is always appropriate to clarify before the event. For many posts, the overwhelming choice for day-to-day business is a suit and tie for men and a business suit or conservative dress for women. Men and women of all ranks of staff and spouses are expected to bring this type of clothing.

Many posts stress that daily attire closely resembles that seen in Washington, DC. Although suitable dress clothing for men can often be purchased at post, it is often limited and expensive. The selection for women may be larger, but the clothing is often limited and expensive as well. Business attire for women is usually appropriate for official evening functions. Occasionally, business attire will not be appropriate.

Below are some dressing guidelines to help clarify the lines between formal and casual wear, day and evening wear. As always, exceptions to the rule exist, so be observant and inquire at post.

Formal wear may be worn at evening performances of the opera, the theater, balls and for the most formal of dinners and evening affairs. Black tie is generally not worn in the daytime. White tie requires the additional formality of a cutaway "tails" and white tie for men and a floor-length ball gown for women.