Let me begin by saying that everything I know about fashion I learned from “Project Runway” and “America’s Next Top Model.”
I am by no means an expert.
I’ll also go on the record to say on any given day you can catch me looking like a disheveled mess (though that might happen less often once this list is published).
That said, as someone who is tasked with keeping an eye on Georgia’s elected officials day in and day out for about three months of the year, I began to notice that some outfits were put together a little better than others.
All of the lawmakers I spoke with said they felt it was important to present themselves to the world in the best possible light. Many said while they felt one’s appearance shouldn’t matter, there are many who will judge a person at first glance.
For the men on the list, it’s difficult to get too creative. Most wear dark, tailored suits but play around with patterned ties, pocket squares and socks. The women have a little more leeway to have fun, but it usually came down to tailoring and color to make the list.
It’s probably no surprise that several attorneys are on the list. Appearances tend to weigh heavily in court, they said.
I will also note my Senate bias for the record. I am officially responsible for sitting in the upper chamber on a daily basis, so most of the people on the list serve in that body.
And with that, I give you my picks for the 2019 best*-dressed state lawmakers, in alphabetical order:
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
Cannon said being the youngest female lawmaker gives her an opportunity to have fun with her wardrobe — finding many of her more funky pieces in consignment shops in Macon and Atlanta.
“What I like to think about is the ‘well-dressed protester’ exhibit at the (National) Center for Civil and Human Rights,” she said. “It’s about the importance of, in whatever type of political action you’re taking, being well-dressed.”
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
Dubnik, who owns a small marketing business with his wife, often takes risks with patterns and colors — something he said he feels comes to him naturally.
“As I got older I got more conscious of being presentable, especially in more formal settings,” he said. “I’ve always believed that you shouldn’t dress for the job you have, but dress for the job you want.”
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
Dugan was an early favorite for the list last year as well. Often sporting a colorful bow tie and snazzy socks, Dugan said he thinks his attention to his appearance stems from his time in the U.S. Army.
“Especially when you were in the dress uniform, you’ve got to measure where everything goes,” said Dugan, who is a contractor. “Now, it’s a lot less work. But, scuffed shoes still drive me crazy.”
Credit: Bob Andres/AJC
Credit: Bob Andres/AJC
A freshman lawmaker, Gaines’ affinity for putting time into his appearance was noted while he defended his first piece of legislation on the House floor. A colleague (and roommate while in Atlanta) noted the amount of hair products on the bathroom sink.
“I try not to look like a slacker,” said Gaines, who works in financial services. “But it’s not something I think about a lot. It’s simple: a suit, tie and that’s about it.”
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
Jones, an attorney, said he honed his sense of style when he was in high school. Over time, he said, looking nice has become second nature. Plus, he said, his mom has good fashion sense.
“I went to a high school where everybody tried to dress really well,” he said. “We all tried to out-dress each other.”
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
Jordan said she found her style after years of trying to dress like the men she worked with when she began her career as an attorney — wearing dark suits — and trying to make herself look older. After a while, she said, she realized that in courtrooms, juries respond to people who are authentic.
“If you like dresses, wear dresses. If you like pants, wear pants,” she said. “If you feel good about yourself and whatever you’re wearing, then that’s going to translate into you being more confident in your presentations or in your interactions with folks.”
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
Kennedy said he generally is thoughtful of his wardrobe when dressing to head to the Capitol, wanting to maintain the “decorum” of the Senate. Now an attorney, Kennedy said he’s opted for suits instead of sports coats and khakis since he was on the debate team in high school.
“How you’re dressed affects first impressions,” he said. “While substance is what matters and not what you’re wearing, there are some that believe how you look is reflective of how you are.”
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
Parent is actually the reason this list exists. After complimenting her outfit, shoes, coat, etc. several days in a row last year, I decided I should put together a roundup of who I thought looked nice each day.
“I love clothes,” said Parent, an attorney. “I love to find things that are a little bit different than the basic suit or dress — like finding something that looks interesting with a detail that makes you stand out.”
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
Park, also an attorney, said while he takes care to present himself well, he doesn’t put too much thought into it. Plus, he said, being one of two Asian Americans lawmakers and one of five LGBT lawmakers, he prides himself in being a good example.
“I definitely think being a good representation of all of those communities is important,” he said. “I do what I can with what I’ve got.”
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
Sims, who is always impeccably put together, said she got her sense of fashion from her parents. Dressing nice is something she said she was taught from a young age.
“My parents were old school,” the former school principal said. “We were taught that if you’re a professional, you need to look professional. Plus, it makes you feel good.”
Honorable mention:
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
While he is not officially a part of either body, Duncan serves as the Senate president and runs a tight — and very punctual — ship as he presides over the chamber.
Duncan doesn’t stray far from the standard dark suit and tie, but it’s clear he takes care in his overall appearance.
The Republican small business owner said paying attention to the way he looks is something that stems from his time playing minor league baseball.
“I guess I dress with a purpose,” he said. “When you look the part you have to act the part and be the part.”
*Disclaimer: No algorithms were used in creating this list.
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