Women in Politics

I met with one of the great female public servants--Karen Shepherd-- a few weeks ago to discuss campaign strategies. We had a far-ranging conversation including an area of campaigning experienced most often by female candidates--hair and clothing.

Perhaps it is because women have more clothing and hair options than men, or because the ubiquitousness of women's mags has convinced people that a woman's appearance somehow tells you who she is as a person. Whatever the reason, women candidates face far more scrutiny over their appearance than men.

And no look is good enough. Short hair is too masculine, long hair is too feminine, suits are too boxy, dresses are too girly. Pink suggests you are weak, black says you are too strong.

So what's a female candidate to do? Ignore it. Unless you are in the running for America's Top Model, politics is not a beauty contest. As Ms. Shepherd told me, be comfortable, be yourself and let the voters see the kind of person you are through your words and actions, not your shoes (however fabulous the shoes may be).