FEMALE CLOTHING AT THE CIA
October 28, 2008
From Media Relations:
Below are some of my thoughts about wardrobe at the CIA. I am basing this on what I and my female colleagues (esp. those in the NCS, where Angelina’s character will be working) wear on a daily basis. We’ve obviously government employees and don’t have huge budgets, but I think women (esp. younger women) at the CIA use fashion to express their professionalism and individualism in an organization that is increasingly putting women in more prominent and powerful positions. Further, the fact that we have hired about 50 percent of our work force since 9/11 means you have a lot of late 20s, early 30s women coming into the organization with, I think, a great sense of fashion.
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CIA females in their late 20s or early 30s have a style that can be described as formal (esp. in the NCS) but less staid than other organizations in DC. Washington tends to be a pretty conservative-dressing town (i.e. I can’t imagine wearing a skirt that was significantly shorter than my knees, even with tights). That being said, CIA women tend to be a bit trendier and more put together than other government employees in DC, I think in part because we often spend time overseas.
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As far as designers that I and my colleagues wear, as well as specific pieces, below is more detailed information. Sorry if it’s too down-in-the-weeds, but I thought the more information, the better. Also—do let me know what season you will be outfitting. (I will send you a link to an online photo album with some actual photos of things I wear.)
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My typical outfit on a daily basis is a shell and pencil skirt (often in the same color—usually black or navy) with a fitted blazer or cardigan on top. I and many women here –as in true in many professional organizations—use shoes and jewelry to be unique. Women, even at more senior levels, don’t always wear the typical black suit with black pumps.
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CLOTHING
J. Crew (LOTS of J. Crew), Ralph Lauren, Diane Von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Club Monaco, Banana Republic.
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SHOES
Pumps: Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Lambertson Truex.
Flats: Chanel, Tod’s, Miu Miu, Cole Haan.
Boots: Charles David, Chloe, and Prada.
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JEWELRY
Lots of David Yurman and really any kind of pearls.
Also—there is a fabulous Egyptian jeweler name Azza Fahmy who inscribes classic Arabic poetry on her pieces. I purchased one of her necklaces in Dubai, and I get so many compliments on it from other women at work (esp. those interested in the Middle East).
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OTHER ACCESSORIES
Silk scarves: In some ways, the political women of the DC establishment influence the way we dress. I have some silk scarves that I wear (my favorite is a Hermes, somewhat predictably).
Pashminas: CIA headquarters is ALWAYS cold, and I and a lot of other women rely on pashminas. You can get really nice ones overseas (my favorites are from the UAE and Yemen), and they frequently appear on woman here, either wrapped around the neck and knotted in a variety of ways or thrown over one’s shoulders. It is very, very common to see women at the CIA in suits with pretty pashminas around their necks that they picked up in the Middle East or Asia.
Glasses: A lot of women here wear glasses. Mine are Chanel plastic frames.
Link to pictures of real CIA 20 young woman’s wardrobe:
Azza Fahmy Jewelry:
http://www.azzafahmy.com/
