Tie your scarf like this

Senator Kay Hagan discussed the sexual assault problem in the military on the Senate floor last week. She made good use of a scarf: http://youtu.be/cVi7vR4iSyQ



This outfit would certainly work without the scarf, but it's so much better with it. The key here, as it is in many cases, is that the scarf is not tied to tightly or too carefully. It's draped asymmetrically around her neck and not tied in a firm knot. Tucking it in (a little bit) to her jacket helps hold it in place.

Senator Hagan knows how to tie one on

Senator Kay Hagan participated in a press conference this week on international trade. She wore a brown suit, and a scarf:

If you missed our Tie one on event in New York last week on how to tie a scarf, you need look no further for a role model than Senator Hagan. She got this one just right by demonstrating one of the basic rules I taught that day: when tying a scarf, don't pull to tight. You're not tying your shoes, you don't need to make a strong not. Think more about draping than tying and the rest will fall into place.

When is a disaster area like a baby?

Senator Kay Hagan surveyed damage from Hurricane Irene this week on the eastern shore of North Carolina. She wore a white shirt:

This crisp button-down shirt paired with dark slacks is a bit more formal than Senator Landrieu's polo shirts, but still appropriate for the situation, provided you have access to an iron. She looks authoritative while also having literally rolled up her sleeves in a messy situation.

I would have perhaps not chosen such large earrings, though. Imagine a disaster area is like a baby - you might lose anything that's dangling or delicate.

Wear white in May

By now, most people take the old "rules" about wearing white only after Memorial Day and before Labor Day as antiquated. But I do usually advise reserving a white suit until May, unless you live in a tropical climate.

Now that it's May, Senator Kay Hagan recorded a message for Armed Forces week in a particularly great white suit:

The gold trim on this jacket gives definition to the lapels without creating high contrast - an excellent look for her.

Go nude

Senator Kay Hagan appeared on local television in her home state of North Carolina recently to discuss job creation. She wore her signature color, red:

The senator chose to pair this true red suit with opaque black hose. Although opaque hose are usually recommended for daytime instead of sheer ones, the black and red contrast really sharply here. It makes the legs look heavy and the suit look like it might be out of season. If ever there were an instance for "nude" hose, this was it.

I know some women of the younger generation find the mere mention of nude hose anathema, but I hope here you can see how the senator would have benefited from a sheer leg covering in a color close to her skin tone. It would actually be much more natural looking.

Give thanks for your style sense

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Here's a Thanksgiving message from Senator Kay Hagan:


What do you think of her double strand pearl necklace?

Patterns on television, part 2

We already talked about the many ways in which patterns can be dangerous on television. But there are some patterns that do work. Have a look at Kay Hagan on the Senate floor last week:


This textural pattern works out just fine on camera. What I really like about this jacket is the fit. It stays close to her body without being form fitting, and the shoulders aren't too wide. The contrast seams on the torso also add subtle dimension while directing not-so-subtle attention up to her face. There's so much going on in the jacket, she smartly sticks to a very plain white shell underneath. Nice outfit, Senator Hagan.