Carol Trawick

Arts activist and founder, Bethesda Painting Awards and Trawick Prize for visual art

How would you describe your style?

Eclectic—it depends on the activity and my mood.

Where do you like to shop?

When there’s time, I like to cruise anywhere from Neiman Marcus to MNG by Mango in Tysons Corner Center to Zara to small boutiques and even T.J. Maxx for fun. Shopping has to be enjoyable, not a chore.

What do you splurge on?

Jewelry—from costume and vintage to fine.

What outfit makes you feel terrific?

My black wool gabardine Armani pantsuit. It goes anywhere, anytime, with just a change of accessories.

What was your worst fashion disaster?

My husband and I were going to a military ball. I had just turned 30 and wanted something sophisticated. Finding nothing suitable, I decided to make a dress myself and chose a Vogue couture pattern. On the day of the event, I put the dress on and discovered that the neckline was very deep and very wide. I had to make do that night wearing it with lots of double-faced tape and very shallow breathing.

What’s the best fashion advice you’ve ever received?

My mom told me to stand straight and wear comfortable clothes.

Want to nominate a local woman for next year's best-dressed list? Send suggestions to Leslie Milk at lmilk@washingtonian.com.