U.S. Navy Makes Skirts Optional

The U.S. Navy is getting a 21st century makeover, with a new dress code that makes skirts optional for its more than 54,000 female sailors for the first time since women officially entered the service in 1908.

Women can still choose to wear skirts, which come in colors that vary according to rank and sometimes the season. But until the new rules went into effect this month, they had to maintain skirts in their sea bags and could be ordered to wear them for special events such as change-of-command and retirement ceremonies.

"They are really commonsense, practical changes that are in line with the Navy of the 21st century," said Lisa Mikoliczyk, a spokeswoman for Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Terry Scott.

The revamped skirt policy is one of several new changes to the dress code recommended after a survey of more than 40,000 sailors. As a result, all sailors in working uniform can now wear cell phones and carry garment bags over their shoulders. Women can also ditch their military purses - boxy and widely unpopular "granny bags" - and purchase more stylish replacements from department stores.

The Navy also is considering getting rid of its summer white and winter blue uniforms for men and women, and going to a year-round service uniform for ranks E-6 and below.

By Stephanie Stoughton