• If you're in the Navy, you can wear your uniform while on a base.navy uniform image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com
  
  It's easy to know what to wear on a U.S. Navy base if you're enlisted because there are clear guidelines set for you. However, it's a little harder to know what's appropriate to wear if you're accompanying an enlisted spouse, significant other, family member or friend. While there are no set rules about civilian dress on a Navy base, it's always nice to feel that you've chosen an appropriate ensemble.
  
  

Living on Base

• No need to worry if you are moving onto a Navy base and are anxious over a possibly unfamiliar dress code. The housing on a Navy base is just like any small neighborhood, so wear whatever you would normally wear do. You can hang out and do errands in your jeans and a T-shirt, or visit friends in a casual sundress. One thing you might want to keep in mind, though, is that on a Navy base you are living with your significant other's coworkers and professional contact. It might not be a good idea to only appear in public wearing dirty sweatpants and torn shirts. Try to look presentable when you go out and don't wear anything you wouldn't want your boss to catch you in.
  
  

Informal Get-Togethers

• One of the great things about living on a Navy base is that you live with a community of people who are in the same situation as you. Often, your friends and neighbors will throw picnics, barbecues, baby showers or holiday parties. You'll want to make a good impression on your friends and neighbors so that you'll continue to be invited to those events. In most cases, the parties will call for casual clothing. It's fun to dress up for an event, so go ahead and wear your new button-down shirt or a pair of nice shoes, but don't make a point of overdressing or wearing things that are clearly very expensive or ostentatious. If you're ever in doubt about how dressy a party will be, ask the host and hostess what they're wearing.
  
  

Navy Events

• Sometimes, if you're affiliated with someone in the Navy, you'll get to go to formal dinners and balls. Go ahead and wear a tuxedo if you're a man and your invitation reads "black tie optional." If you're a woman, you can wear an elegant cocktail dress or evening gown. Remember, even though it's a party, the other guests will be your date's professional acquaintances. Don't wear something extremely sexy that you wouldn't wear to a party thrown by your own employer.