How to tell JSON.NET StringEnumConverter to take DisplayName?

You should try using [EnumMember] instead of [Display]. You can also put the [JsonConverter] attribute on the enum itself.

[JsonConverter(typeof(StringEnumConverter))]
public enum Status
{
    [EnumMember(Value = "Awaiting Approval")]
    AwaitingApproval,
    Rejected,
    Accepted,
}

The VB.NET version for the JsonConverter attribute is:

<Newtonsoft.Json.JsonConverter(GetType(Newtonsoft.Json.Converters.StringEnumConverter))>

I tried this and got the error type or namespace enum member could not be found... So you guys might get this error too so you need to use

using System.Runtime.Serialization;

and still you get this error then add a reference like below:

Right click on your project -> Add -> Reference.. -> Assemblies -> Mark System.Runtime.Serialization (i have 4.0.0.0 version ) -> Ok

Now you can proceed like this:

[JsonConverter(typeof(StringEnumConverter))]
public enum Status
{
    [EnumMember(Value = "Awaiting Approval")]
    AwaitingApproval,
    Rejected,
    Accepted,
}

In WebAPI the best option is to globally convert all enum string in JSON with Description value

1. In Model use this namespace using Newtonsoft.Json.Converters;

   public class Docs
   {
   [Key]
   public int Id { get; set; }
   [JsonConverter(typeof(StringEnumConverter))]
   public Status Status { get; set; }
   }
   

2. In Enum use this namespace using System.Runtime.Serialization; for EnumMember

   public enum Status
   {
   [EnumMember(Value = "Awaiting Approval")]
   AwaitingApproval,
   Rejected,
   Accepted,
   }
   

3. In Global.asax add this code

       protected void Application_Start()
       {
         GlobalConfiguration.Configuration.Formatters.JsonFormatter.SerializerSettings.Converters.Add(new StringEnumConverter());
   
       }
   

It will work fine return enum in JSON using WebAPI.