When the state Legislature is in session, Peggy Feurey Mierzwa, senatorial office manager and mother of three, needs outfits that stress comfort, ease and professional polish — and that stay stylish even when the political pressure is on. Her day begins at 4:30 a.m. with a 3- to 5-mile run. Then she heads out the door for a long day at the Capitol with a little long-wear, waterproof makeup.

Capitol style: “Cotton dresses. I love all different kinds. Currently I am really into bright-colored jersey cotton ones. They are great with a long sweater if it is cool, and I can use bright scarves to change the look of the dresses. They look great with a wide belt and boots or even heels. They are low-fuss, but with great accessories they totally work.”

Office-to-evening strategy: “(When an event is coming up,) I am thinking a black, long romper with a bright cardigan over it for work, then switching cardigan and scarf out for fun, chunky jewelry and throwing on more eyeliner and red lipstick.”

Must-have shoes: “Midheight, neutral-color snakeskin, adorable, bearable for 12 hours and a talking point since I found them at Ross for $9. Winning.”

Blazers in Hawaii: “They are a must if you work in air conditioning. And, of course, when on the Senate floor, one has to be properly dressed. Usually I am not quite that dressed up. I move around a lot. I try to wear items that move easily and don’t wrinkle. I hate restrictive (clothing) and I hate ironing.”

Capitol crunch time: “It is always stressful during the fiscal decking deadline, and it always seems like something is going to fall apart. We put lots of hard work into the measures. I am usually wearing my favorite Frye boots since inevitably I wind up running five flights of stairs carrying a 10-pound box. Those boots have brought me through all sorts of storms — physical, political and emotional. They support me through it all.”

Best work accessories: “Good coffee, a sense of humor mixed with sarcasm, an easy smile and a super-duper supportive family.”