Call fashion talk frivolous, but a little style can go a long way. In her new book It’s So You! Fitting Fashion to Your Life, Mary Sheehan Warren, founder of Elegance in Style, offers advice on the right way to dress. In an interview with NRO editor Kathryn Lopez, Warren praises Nancy Pelosi and gives some free advice.

Kathryn Jean Lopez: I know the Elements of Style for editing. There’s one for fashion too?

Mary Sheehan Warren: In writing, there are certain practices (elements) which render our sentences crisp and elegant. It’s the same way with fashion. In this case, however, you can boil it all down to three: Body type, fashion personality, and color palette. Once you understand these and how they apply to you, your style will be more crisp and elegant.

Lopez: Do adult women really need a how-to guide for dressing?

Warren: Only a cursory glance at women around us answers that question. In my experience, women know they need a how-to-guide, have much angst about needing one, and continually search for one which takes them seriously. Maybe that is why my book is so well-received.

Lopez: Admittedly they have fewer choices, but would you do one for men, too?

Warren: Certainly. The angst is different, but it’s there.

Lopez: Any male pols who need fashion advice?

Warren: I’ve seen some who need it. I’d like to see male politicians pay more attention to their overcoats. I would also like to see them cover their red ears in the cold weather. (I mourn the loss of men’s hats.)

Lopez: Women pols?

Warren: Most female politicians look very professional. They may need to soften their colors, or lengthen their hemlines, or overhaul their accessories, but I think that most hold up well under the unbelievable scrutiny they receive from just about everybody.

Lopez: Best-dressed pols?

Warren: Nancy Pelosi does a nice job. Our First Lady is always sharp. It seems that women on the national scene (with greater resources) are the best dressed in the world of politics. I’m more impressed by women in local politics who, with fewer resources and plenty of mundane chores on their schedules, manage to look professional and elegant under stress.

Lopez: How was the green on Speaker Pelosi State of the Union night?

Warren: The actual color is gorgeous and it works nicely on screen. In person, Speaker Pelosi would probably look even better in a deeper, richer green or other jewel tone because of her coloring. I’d have to see her in person to know for sure.

Lopez: How about some free advice for the pundits among us: Best color to wear on TV?

Warren: The best colors are navy, medium blues, grays, and (for some women) medium pastels. Red, black, or white around the face is almost always counterproductive.

Lopez: Do conservative women wear different colors than liberal women?

Warren: I don’t think as a general rule they do. They may try to distinguish themselves from their polar opposites at particular events, but smart women from every part of the political spectrum learn their best colors and stick with them.

Lopez: Do Republican gals still wear pearls? I notice Hillary’s been lately — wise?

Warren: Republican gals still wear pearls. True, Hillary has as well. Pearls are wonderful not only because they are graceful, but also because they work well on the television screen.

Lopez: You write: “Never carry and handbag and a briefcase.” What about a computer and a purse? Realistically here…!

Warren: Yes. The rule of thumb is to carry less baggage. (Both meanings of the word!) If you can’t place items from your handbag into your briefcase, then your handbag is too stuffed. There are some elegant briefcases which can hold a laptop, paper, a calendar, a wallet and a few personal necessities. Many will hold a clutch or small handbag. Generally, the greater the amount of responsibility, the less one should be carrying.

Lopez: Does it matter how Hillary dresses on the trail? Colors? Styles? Pantsuits or not? What does she do for casual?

Warren: It certainly does matter how Hillary (or anyone else) dresses on the trail. She needs vibrant colors that help her to look healthy and sharp. Her styles should reflect her respect for the group to whom she is addressing (which can include pantsuits) and she should keep up the same rules for casual wear.

<em>It’s So You!</em>, Mary Sheehan Warren

http://www.nationalreview.com/redirect/amazon.p?j=1890626678

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