Q: Our old class from high school (I'm in my 60's now!) has been invited to the Capitol Rotunda for dinner and a twilight tour. Would a dressy navy or black pants suit be acceptable? What about shoes? Probably a lot of walking involved.

A: Congratulations! You'll look 1000% better than the average sweat suit-clad tourist in your dressy navy or black pants suit. In fact, by some folks' lights, you'll look more dressed up than Senator Hilary Clinton did when she was sworn in this January in that turquoise pants suit. I say, if pants suits are dressy enough for senators they're dressy enough for tourists. With your pants suit you should wear comfortable flat-heeled shoes. You should have no trouble finding a pair in black or navy. In fact, the "comfort shoe" category is growing faster than any other footwear niche. Check out Heather, a Rockport shoe in stretch microfiber. Other brands to shop for: Easy Spirit, Naturalizer, Ecco, Mephisto, Wolky, Clark's, Hush Puppies, Aerosol, Naot, Birkenstock.

Patricia McLaughlin is a nationally syndicated fashion columnist.
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