Fashion for the New MillenniumYou can''t judge professionals by the clothes they wear, but you can sometimes get an idea about ways to remain businesslike and stylish at the same time. The Weekly spoke with four local business leaders about their formula for dressing well.

Elisabeth Brinton

Profession Owner and president of Brinton Public Relations. Started firm two years ago because, "I love the work and saw a need in our community."

Education BA in English, history, and chemistry.

What''s your favorite item of clothing?

I run marathons, so a good, comfortable pair of running shoes are the key to my joy.

What do you wear on casual Fridays?

We dress down but maintain professional attire. Sometimes we have a Hawaiian shirt and khaki pants theme.

What are the key components to looking stylish?

You need to be true to yourself. For me, that means looking great but also being comfortable. I never wear high heels for that reason. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion.

How can you have individual style and still be professional?

The cultural norms and protocols of the business world must first be recognized, then you find your place. I love sterling silver, so I wear a small hand-made pin on the lapel of my suit jacket.

Do you buy clothes on the Internet?

No. I use the Web for products and prices, but I like to assess the quality of stitching and fabric in person.

Where do you shop locally?

Ann Taylor for my business wardrobe, and the Treadmill and Banana Republic for my casual and athletic clothes.

Does corporate responsibility play a role in your shopping?

The social character of a business is very important. I''m loyal to Ben & Jerry''s ice cream because I believe in their philosophy and their product.

Mike Poppleton

Profession Owner of Poppleton''s Furniture.

Education BA in industrial design.

What''s your favorite item of clothing?

I like wearing vests to have a little fun, or my black cashmere jacket.

Do you have "dress down Fridays" at work?

We wear casual elegant attire every day, so Friday is no different.

What are the key components to looking stylish?

You need to be very aware of texture and color contrasts.

Is style important to you?

Not so much now at my age. I am more interested in classic designs than in passing fads, both in my store and my wardrobe.

Do you buy clothes on the Internet?

No. I like to touch, see and try on clothes in person.

Who does your shopping?

I do my own shopping!

Where do you shop locally?

I shop at the Del Monte shopping mall, either at Macy''s or one of the small stores.

Is corporate responsibility important to you?

Yes, but maybe not as important as it should be. We buy our rugs from a company called Tufenkian in Tibet, which claims to use no child labor.

Dolores Batem

Profession Fashion consultant for Don Caster. Plan wardrobes and study the body.

Education Teaching degree, retired teacher at Salinas Elementary School District.

What''s your favorite item of clothing?

I like a blazer and slacks. It''s comfortable and you can look the way you want. It can also be traditional.

What do you wear on "dress down Fridays"?

Slacks, a blouse, and a sweater.

What are the key components of looking stylish?

Wearing a color that is becoming to you and is appropriate in whatever situation you may encounter is important. Also, clothing that fits your body and shows off your features.

How have rules changed for professional women?

There is a lot more freedom and choices rather than just a jacket, skirt, blouse and black shoes. You can really make a statement with the colors you wear. For example, power colors such as red, yellow and basic grays, show that you have character and strength. They highlight your face and make you glow.

How can you have individual style and still be professional?

You can wear a traditional cut, but not trendy. Sequins on a suit or colorful materials work well. Also, add accessories to help your outfit.

What''s the appropriate shirt length?

Professional women should not show the skin at their waist at work. Off work, anything goes if that''s what you want other people to think of you. I tend to dress lower key at home or going to the grocery store.

Where do you shop locally?

I shop at large department stores and boutiques. Sometimes I catalog shop.

Dave Bindel

Profession Owner of the Bath House, which I built 25 years ago. I also own several other restaurants on the Peninsula.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

I like Swiss Bally shoes.

What do you wear on "dress down Fridays"?

We don''t have them at work. But if I had it the way I wanted, I would dress as a cowboy wrangler jeans, Resistols, and ropers.

What are the key components of looking stylish?

Having

good accessories such as fine belts and shoes. When it comes to shirts, heavy starch is the best way to go. Also, having the right haircut is important.

How can you dress appropriately and still have your own individual style?

Everything doesn''t have to be blue and tan. Ties are very versatile, you can do a lot with a colorful tie.

Is style important to you?

I usually dress according to where I am going. I think it''s important to look the part. I''m pretty picky about the clothes I wear.

Who buys your clothes?

It''s hard to buy anything for me. I buy for myself.

Where do you shop locally?

I usually shop at Khakis, Saks, or Hedi''s in the Barnyard. I don''t shop at men''s boutiques though. I like shopping where the selection is large, in outlet centers.

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