10 Inauguration Day Necessities

Posted on By zooped at 14 January, 2009, 3:44 am

With Inauguration Day weather expect to be between 27-34 degrees, attendees are going to have to make sure to dress for the weather and well as to look good for all the cameras that are sure to be clicking.

Here are my recommendations for celebrating Inauguration Day in comfort, and in the style befitting the event and our nation’s Capitol:

Camera. This is history, you know. So shoot it.
Wear a heavy coat, but dress in layers. You’ll be sandwiched in with a million or so other people, and will probably vary between hot and cold. I’d choose something that has lots of pockets on the inside – you’ll be needing them.
Bring a scarf. You can wrap it over your head, around your throat, or along your neck inside your coat. It’s more multi-purpose than bringing a hat. And if you don’t need it, stick it in your pocket or tie it around your purse or through a belt loop.
Wear gloves. All that clapping in the cold is just going to make your hands hurt.
Use a wristlet or small purse. Backpacks are prohibited, and it’s a long time to have to worry about carrying a purse and keeping it safe in a crowd of millions. Use something small for the essentials – and that can be worn across your body, through a belt, or on your wrist.
Wear flat shoes. Yeah, I know heels are sexy and look great with that outfit you’re wearing. Chances are, however, you’ll be standing most of the day, so plan to be comfortable.
Pack a sandwich in your pocket and bring a bottle of water. Vendors will be out hawking food and beverage, but it’s going to be priced through the roof. No alcohol allowed, and remember coolers, thermoses, lunch boxes, etc., are all prohibited so make it something that can be easily kept in a pocket.
Metro ticket. Buy a pre-loaded Metro card so you don’t have to stand in line with all the crazies who need to put money in the machine to get theirs.
Lip balm or moisturizing lipstick or gloss. It’s going to be cold so make sure that they’re protected.
Moisturizer. For your face before your leave home, and for your hands. Apply generously at home, and bring a small sample size to reapply as your skin dries out in the elements.