Obama Relaxes Weekend Dress Code At White House

Much fuss was made over Obama's jacket removal on his first day in the Oval Office because he was breaking a rule of the Bush administration: wear a coat and tie at all times. (David Axelrod later explained it was because the president likes to crank up the thermostat.)

But the Bush dress code remained in place on weekends, whereas his successor has implemented an even more informal weekend style.

From The New York Times:

Over the weekend, Mr. Obama's first in office, his aides did not quite know how to dress. Some showed up in jeans (another no-no under Mr. Bush), some in coats and ties.

So the president issued an informal edict for "business casual" on weekends -- and set his own example. He showed up Saturday for a briefing with his chief economic adviser, Lawrence H. Summers, dressed in slacks and a gray sweater over a white buttoned-down shirt. Veterans of the Bush White House are shocked.

RELATED:

See a slideshow of Obama's Dressed-Down Look: The Dorky Dad

Comments

[EYEONU2]

Are they going to relax the dress code for visitors now that Obama is President?

[eden4barack08]

I'm not too crazy about Axelrod having to explain it by giving the cranking up of the heat as a reason. Excuse me, but heat or no heat, the President can set his own dress rules as he pleases. Who cares about his predecessor's hang ups?

[JScott]

With all the problems this country is going thru, why is this even an issue?
Just be lucky that everyone isn't wearing barrels.

[gaelfire]

LOL, we just got rid of an emperor who had no clothes.

[fictioneer]

Whatever. It's no longer the Bush White House! So, the veterans can just catch up. Change has come!

[2garen]

New meaning to "window dressing" by the bush administration. From GW, it is better to look good than be good.

[Quilter]

Bush was a poser. Obama is the real thing: camouflage unnecessary.

[2008FedUP]

Best post thus far!!

[ChaiKat]

Well that's not GW's house anymore, Obama is the boss now so who cares if Veteran's of the Bush admin were shocked.

[Cay]

Yep, George Bush couldn't tell style from substance. Honoring the office of president by wearing a suit, but spitting at the constitution.

[Cynth]

...and not getting things done.

[JJ30]

I know Bush is just cringing by now. LOL! What no suit and tie! He may start drinking again after hearing this. LMAO!

[wineandjazz]

LOL! You got that right. I did hear that he would not allow anyone to walk into the Oval office without a jacket or suit blazer.

[ChaiKat]

For all we know, he started drinking again a long time ago.

[scorpioleidy]

He probably never stopped! Probably explains most of his (in)actions over the last 8 years!