Michael Harold, 24
Scheduler and executive assistant, Congressman Earl Blumenauer

What he’s wearing: J. Crew shirt, Banana Republic cardigan, American Apparel tie, Urban Outfitters pants, Cole Haan shoes, and Tom Davies glasses.

Where he likes to shop: American Apparel, H&M (“They have the Black Label line. The cuts are slim, and it doesn’t look like you’re swimming in your dad’s suit.”), the sale racks at Banana Republic and J. Crew, and Gilt Groupe.

Your outfit seems to have much more personality than the standard suit you typically see. “On the Hill, everyone’s in a suit, and it just doesn’t feel very comfortable. I’m from Oregon, so I guess I bring some of that vibe. In my first internship on the Hill, I wore bad suits. I didn’t know what I was doing. But young guys forget that you can change it up—roll up your sleeves, wear a better tie, try a cardigan. It doesn’t have to be a suit every day.”

Tell me your tips for being stylish on the Hill. “Basically, it comes down to wearing clothes that fit. And just because you’re wearing ‘nice’ clothes doesn’t mean they necessarily look good on. Try a slim-fitting blazer or suit; pants that aren’t baggy and flared out; skinny ties; nice socks; bright colors; a cool belt; and textured shirts, jackets, and pants (think tweed—very nice!). Always wear collar stays. Look at your tie and the rest of your outfit before you put it on. And no pleats!”

Vanessa Confesor, 15
Student at McKinley Technology High School

What she’s wearing: A vintage floral shirt with a jacket, jeans, and necklace from Urban Outfitters; Aeropostale belt; and Vans shoes.

On her style: “I like more casual things. I like to wear vintage, so I won’t have what everyone else does.”

What’s something you’d never wear? “I don’t like plain jeans. I like something to stand out.”

What are you shopping for this spring? “Flats, parachute pants, and cropped shirts that I’ll wear with skirts or jeans.”

AJ Singletary, 24
Environmental-policy analyst, Department of Transportation

What he’s wearing: Express shirt, vest, and pants with a Ben Sherman tie and tie bar, and Aldo shoes.

Where do you shop in Washington? “I get a fair amount at the outlets. Bargain bins are a good thing. I get basics at Express, Nordstrom, Saks, Banana, and Zara, and I look for accessories in boutiques.”

Are you satisfied with the shopping options? “You have to be careful because if you shop here, you’ll run into a lot of people wearing the same thing. I shop at a place called Jimmy’z in St. Louis when I’m home.”

Tell me about your style. “A little dark. I wear a lot of straight legs, leather, high-tops, and chains.”

How do you dress for work? “This is more like something I’d wear to work. Guys can mix up their look with things like cufflinks and tie bars, so I’ll do that. Sometimes I’ll wear an ascot instead of a tie. Sometimes I get ‘So, you’re wearing that . . . ’ comments at work, but I kind of like it.”

Rachel says: I like AJ’s take on classic summer suiting. The rolled-up shirt, vest sans jacket, and pocket-watch-style chain all add personality and visual interest to the look.

Victoria Kurzweg, 26
Research/writer

What she’s wearing:
DVF wrap dress from Secondi, American Apparel cardigan, scarf from Anthropologie, Frye boots, American Apparel for Human Rights Campaign tote (coming soon to shop.hrc.org).

Any staple items in your wardrobe? Favorite pieces or signatures?
“I wear this cardigan about every other day. That’s a staple. Thigh-high socks are kind of a signature in the wintertime. Some of my favorite pieces are the ones I don’t get to wear that often: a black vintage sequin dress, a pair of Marc Jacobs stilettos from the spring 2009 runway, and a sleeveless minidress made of tuxedo fabric. I’m also really excited about a vintage chevron-print dress I picked up on eBay.”

What you will be wearing or shopping for this spring?
“More chevrons and deep V necklines. And a hat! That is top priority right now. I’ll be in Smalltown, North Carolina, for the next two months, and I have my hopes up for some decent thrift shops.”

Tatyana Ellis, 24
H&M employee

What she’s wearing: H&M jacket and leggings, Urban Outfitters T-shirt and shoes, Forever 21 necklace, and a necklace from her mother. The bag was a gift, and the glasses are by Barcelona.

Do you get a lot of questions about your hair?
“I do. It’s just easier to have half a head of hair. It’s still feminine, but it’s like a short haircut.”

Tell me about your style.
“Free. A little vintage on a good day. Leggings are a staple. I mix it up with the tops and shoes, but I wear leggings a lot. Leggings and a shirt, and I’m out the door.”

Where do you shop for leggings?
“I bought a few at a stand in the Pentagon City mall. I love the ones with the kneepads. They have silk panels and then kneepads. Sometimes we sell them at H&M.”