Marisa Ramírez de Arellano

Architect and chief operating officer, Hispanic Heritage Foundation

How would you describe your style?

Unfussy. I like a clean look. I’m petite and try not to wear a lot of frills.

Where do you like to shop?

Saks Fifth Avenue has a good petites department. I also go to Neiman Marcus and Circle Boutique on 14th Street, Northwest, in DC.

What do you splurge on?

I bought a Giorgio Armani suit on a trip to Italy. It was a splurge, but it never goes out of style.

What was your worst fashion disaster?

Years ago, I flew to San Francisco for an important meeting wearing jeans and a sweater. Of course, the suitcase containing my carefully selected clothes—I wanted to make an impression—was lost en route. I had to decide between being late for the meeting in order to go shopping or just wearing what I had on. I went shopping.

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

I favor simple lines and uncluttered looks. As an architect, I found the best advice was Mies van der Rohe’s aphorism: Less is more. It works for fashion as well as it does for architectural design.

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