Business Style: July

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Sizzle, Not Wilt, The Politics of Summer Dressing

By Jeanne Winnick Brennan abd Carol McCain

Whether you’re talking dry heat, humid heat or the political heat of an election year, surviving the season in style remains a key to success. Prosper seeks out some savvy women in the region for tips on how to look hot, not wilted — a small distinction that can make a huge difference.

 Foolproof Fabrics
Throughout the ages, breathable fabrics such as linen, khaki and cotton seersucker have withstood the test of time. Linen is one of the earliest products of civilization. The Egyptians were masters of its use, as evidenced in viewing the tombs of the pharaohs and finding linen still intact after thousands of years. The good news is that linen still works today. Beth Miller Malek, a partner with Wilson-Miller Communications, a Sacramento-based public affairs consulting firm, swears by it.
    “I love linen because it does what it’s supposed to do — wrinkle,” says Malek. “I wore it in D.C. when it was hot, and I live in it here.”
    Another key survival tip Miller shares is time efficency.
    “Build some extra time into your own schedule before the start of an event or a candidate’s appearance to cool off in the air conditioning, drink some water, and make a quick visit to the restroom,” says Makek. “Those minutes are crucial to collect yourself.”
    Karen Skelton grew up in Sacramento, studied ballet with the American Ballet Company in New York  and is now a senior strategist and attorney at the DeweySquare Group in Sacramento, a national public affairs firm. She’s familiar with heat. Skelton served on the political staff in the Clinton White House where she was a member of the defense team that argued against the president’s impeachment. She offers her thoughts on performing in the heat.
    “Don’t wear silk, for environmental and aesthetic reasons; wear hair up with a pencil, butterfly clip — whatever it takes,” says Skelton. “And remember, the boys in the room are sweating, too.”
    Gov. Schwarzenegger’s press secretary, Margita Thompson, is a veteran of Sacramento and Washington, D.C., heat and politics. She worked in former Gov. Wilson’s administration before heading off to Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and ultimately the Bush White House. Now back in Sacramento, Thompson recently headed for Nordstrom, where she suited up with a summer wardrobe that will take her through some hectic and hot days leading up to the election.
    “I believe in layers, light-colored clothing and fabrics that can go the distance,” says Thompson. “Ideally, good clothes won’t show the stress I put them through.”
    The natural ventilation of seersucker, with its crinkled surface and striped pattern, heralds the return of summer for many, and Brooks Brothers and L.L. Bean stores always stock many of these lightweight suits for men and women traditionalists. Khaki is big this season, and garments made of natural fibers and lighter weaves are key in extremely humid weather.
    On the opposite side of the spectrum, with today’s air-conditioned homes, cars and offices, there’s often a need to have a lightweight shawl or jacket to ward off a cold blast or a wicked draft. This is where summer layering becomes essential. Chair of the California Integrated Waste Management Board Margo Reid Brown, is a Sacramento native who worked in the heat on Capitol Hill for then-Sen. Pete Wilson. When she returned to work on Wilson’s gubernatorial race, she knew what political and Sacramento heat would mean.
    “For me, clothes change to simple skirts and tanks or shells with a jacket that is easily removed when going outdoors,” says Brown. “We eat lighter and get to work earlier to enjoy the cool evenings.”

Flip-Flops and Flats
A Washington, D.C., native and former lobbyist in her hometown, Cassandra Pye today is a senior vice president in the Sacramento office of APCO Worldwide, an international communications firm. She recently served as the governor’s deputy chief of staff and previously was vice president of public affairs and political director for the state Chamber of Commerce. Throughout her career, Pye has always had to dress for a more conservative business environment, but she’s seen her share of flip-flops — political, as well as footwear. She naturally incorporated several of her beat-the-D.C.-heat remedies into her business wardrobe when she arrived in Sacramento, including her signature and effortless, short-cropped hairstyle, fitted suits and good-looking footwear that always features flats.    
    “I have had my hair cut short for ages, which means I can shower and be ready to go quickly,” says Pye. “And I don’t wear a lot of make up because it melts — absolutely no foundation.”
    Pye remembers the D.C. days when women walked to work or trotted off to meetings in sneakers and running shoes. She took that style one step further and started buying lots of ballerina flats to help her move on the fast track, especially when she knew she’d have a long day ahead of her.
    Speaking of her friend, Malek, Pye says, “I bow to Beth, who is ‘Queen of Shoes’ — mules to be exact, but I’m the ‘Queen of Flats.’ I have a ton of cute flats in all colors, but they are so practical when you’re traveling and on your feet so much.”
    Kari Dohn, a fifth generation Westerner and an attorney in the Sacramento office of the strategic communications firm of the California-based lobbying firm of GCG Rose & Kindel worked in Washington, D.C., for U.S. Senator Max Baucas of Montana and in the Clinton administration on trade and economic issues. As a native of Seattle, she found the D.C. dress code a bit too buttoned up for her taste and much prefers the more relaxed California style.
    “In D.C., wearing hose was required in most settings, and there was too much of the closed-toe shoes for my taste,” says Dohn. “In Sacramento, you can cut up the hose, toss them out, and bring out the strappy sandals to wear with a suit. I say be comfortable in the heat — put your hair up, get it off your neck, and don’t be scared to wear a hat.” 
    Brown agrees with Dohn’s scenario for hose, and takes it one step further. “I never wear hose in the summer,” she says. “Instead, Jergens Natural Glow lotion on your legs is a great substitute.”
    Fresh from the nation’s capital in the last few months, Katie Levinson was the White House TV coordinator for the current Bush administration. She’s now based in Sacramento as communications director with Californians for Schwarzenegger.
    “I always pack flip-flops, carry bottled water and sunglasses, and I make sure I have blotting paper for my face and a hair elastic at the ready,” says Levinson. “When possible, I take advantage of the late hours at the hotel spas to catch up on pedicures and other quick treatments.”  

Big Bag Theory
One thing these Republicans and Democrats have in common? They walk quickly and carry big bags. When your office is on your back and your day may require a wardrobe change, the big bag theory is more than essential — it’s everything. The big, colorful bag is making a huge fashion statement this season, but any female in politics will tell you it’s been around for ages, and its purpose is survival first, style second. What gets stocked in these big bags would impress even Mary Poppins.
    “When you’re running from more than 100 degrees to really cold airplanes and conference rooms, you’ve got to change your layers, as well as your shoes. You need somewhere to put it all — not to mention your files.”

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