Can Pingree match Snowe's style?

Yesterday's surprise news that Sen. Olympia Snowe will not seek reelection this fall led to all manner of speculations and predictions, including the idea that Rep. Chellie Pingree might run for her seat. During her term, Senator Snowe has developed a distinct and effective personal style. What can we recommend for Ms. Pingree with a newly heightened profile?

We've seen Rep. Pingree struggle with prints in the past, and that seems to continue recently. Consider this black and white print: http://youtu.be/8B6EJX86iXU

Unlike Senator Snowe, who looks best in sharply contrasting colors, Rep. Pingree would be better served by a print with less contrast and softer edges. Maybe something like this:


What she does seem to have down is her best color palette.

Mint green: http://youtu.be/7ZwPYiX43AA

She would be well served by some jewelry or accessories here.

Sky blue: http://youtu.be/-_I_DpXaiD8

Now we have an accessory, but the scarf is a bit too big and full. The tone-on-tone colors really work though.

Powder blue: http://youtu.be/5CUEBRURi7w

And here we have some jewelry. Just right!

Any candidate finds a need for a wardrobe upgrade when the prominence of their office increases. It's a change that can be handled gracefully or not. Whether she runs for Senate or not, it looks like Rep. Pingree is on the right track.

Senators Snowe and Landrieu discuss health care on Face the Nation

Senators Olympia Snowe and Mary Landrieu appeared on Face the Nation on Sunday to discuss their positions on the health care bill that will see a Senate vote this week. Senator Snowe wore green:



This color looks fresh and vibrant on the senator. The exaggerated notched collar on this jacket could look a little casual, but her black shell and pearl necklace keep it dressed up. The necklace also helps create a visual separation between the dark shirt and her dark hair.

Senator Landrieu wore red:


Because this jacket buttons all the way up, there isn't really an opportunity to break up the color with a contrasting blouse underneath, and this much warm red overwhelms the senator a bit. She does better in cool pastel colors. Less texture in the fabric would give a sleeker look too. The necklace is lovely, but it's delicate and it gets lost under this strong, structured jacket. Her hair looks perfect - this is a good color and length for her.

Olympia Snowe

I'm sure you noticed Olympia Snowe in the press this week after she voted with the Democrats to move the health care reform bill out of the Senate Finance Committee. She looked great doing it:

The sharp contrast between her black blouse and light jacket compliments the contrast between her hair and skin tone. Her jewelry is tasteful but still interesting, and matches her outfit well. This is a great example of how far too much is made of a fear of being "matchy." Sometimes matching is very elegant.

Senator Snowe also wears her hair longer than a lot of women in politics. There is no rule that your hair has to be shorter as you get older. If you care for it well and keep it out of your face, long hair can be a great look, especially if you have a strong nose like the senator does.