Barack Obama is making some rather big changes in the White House, but not all are political. Under the reign of George W. Bush, staff were required to wear a suit and tie at all times, including over the weekend. One former aide recalled an incident in which he was not permitted to enter the Oval Office because he was wearing khakis, and was instead yelled at by Bush in the doorway. Obama, however, is throwing out that old rule and has put in place a more casual dress code for the weekends.

It is said that over Obama's first weekend in the White House, his aides were unsure of how to dress. Some showed up in jeans, while others wore coats and ties. In order to address the confusion, Obama issued an informal edict for "business casual" on weekends.

Obama set the example himself, showing up for a Saturday briefing along with his chief economic advisor, Lawrence H. Summers, wearing slacks and a grey sweater over a white buttoned-down shirt.

Those who served in the White House under the Bush administration are understandly shocked by the new President's choice in apparel.