Betsy Fisher
Confidence Looks Good On You
How Betsy Fisher's Philosophy Empowers Women Through Style
Fresh out of university and unable to find an interesting suit for job interviews, Betsy decided to open the specialty store that would allow her cohort to feel confident and stylish as they began their careers in Washington, DC. As the decades passed, Betsy’s client roster came to include one Prime Minister, several Ambassadors, dozens of diplomats, countless attorneys, and professional women from myriad fields. The core idea driving the expansion of her bricks-and-mortar presence was gleaned from personal experience: clothing is confidence you can wear.
“I’ve always considered clothing to be armor. Your clothing is a tool that helps you. It's a form of non-verbal communication; it protects you, if it suits you and if you learn to wear it to your advantage.”
Guided by her firm belief in human connection, a practical philosophy focused on confidence a person can wear, and decades of experience styling powerful women in Washington, D.C., Betsy Fisher built a business and a culture that empowers women to lead with their intellect. Her vision and perception help a diverse and dynamic community of women project their professional presence with ease. Betsy’s philosophy—prioritizing fit, comfort, and personal expression over temporary trends and labels—demonstrates her deep understanding of the needs of professional women, ultimately helping her clients embrace their authenticity.
Throughout her career, Betsy has encountered a handful of brands that truly resonate with her core principles, and with Scarlett Chase, it was love at first step.
Human Connection is the Fabric
“It almost doesn’t matter that it's clothing.”
“I love what I do. It almost doesn’t matter that it's clothing. I love fashion, but I could have been in hospitality or owned a coffee shop. I strongly believe that the success I have had up to this point is directly related to enjoying and connecting with the people who walk through the door.”
And while Betsy happens to think in textiles, what clearly makes her effective in her role is the energy she puts into building relationships with clients. The relationships drive her to adapt to an ever-changing environment.
“I remember the first time I dressed the former Prime Minister of Australia and a Middle Eastern Ambassador, I had zero idea who they were. And none of that mattered. What does matters is: where are you uncomfortable, how can clothes make you happier, and what purpose can clothes serve for you? That's where I start.”
Understanding Authenticity
One session with Betsy in a fitting room and you will see how quickly she builds trust and addresses her clients’ specific needs, insecurities, motivations, and concerns. Many women agree that if you are comfortable in your clothing, you feel more relaxed and confident in the world. But how many women are truly using clothing to their advantage? How many women understand which cuts, materials, and patterns might flatter them most? Being comfortable in one’s clothing, and one’s skin— this is the work of Betsy Fisher. Consider the distraction inherent in constantly adjusting ill-fitting shoulder straps, or how wearing the wrong shoe can negatively impact your body, your movement, and your mood for days after. “Everyone comes to me wearing at least one thing that is off. It's very hard to get everything completely right. So that’s the tweak, the problem to solve. The solution comes through conversation, and getting it right comes through trust.”
Early in her career, Betsy's turning point came through an introduction to a well-respected NYC fashion buyer with experience at every level, including discount dress buying in the garment district and working as one of the first female vice presidents at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. Betsy recalls, “I was still in my twenties when I met her... incredibly elegant with timeless, classic style. She helped me understand the Brazilian and European markets. I'll never forget that we wore the same raincoat to our first dinner. Her advice remains central to my philosophy: ‘It's never The Customer. You never want to separate yourself. The customer is not abstract; the customer is you. So if you are not putting yourself in the shoes or the clothes, you won’t buy effectively. There is no such thing as The Customer.’”
Style that Empowers Intellect, Presence & Personality
There's a distinction in the compliments you receive. A beautiful garment draws praise for the designer: "Wow, I love your dress," or "Those shoes are stunning." But the right garment—one with the perfect fit, color, cut, and lines earns compliments about you: "You are glowing," "You look great," "You haven't aged," "You look happy." The focus moves beyond the clothing to your overall presence. This illustrates how clothing is the confidence you can wear.
Identifying this early in her career gave Betsy a deep understanding of the importance of finding garments that truly work for the individual. This mentality strongly resonated with the demographic in her Washington, D.C. area market—or ‘bubble,’ as Betsy refers to it. “My clients don’t care about the designer labels. They are just about, ‘Does it fit?’ ‘Does it suit me?’ ‘Am I comfortable?’ ‘Do I feel polished?’ That’s it, and that is a delightful customer to have. This niche has allowed me to be creative in our assortment, incorporating interesting brands that fly under the radar and look different. We are not relying on the status of the label to give a client stature.”
A Shared Vision of Empowering Women
"From my first time wearing Scarlett Chase shoes, I knew they were special and would resonate with my clients. We work hard to get the right brands for our Luxury Trunk Shows and we document what clients buy to be ready for future appointments. Scarlett Chase shoes have been an unbelievable addition. People can’t wait to see what’s next. I love hearing where clients wear them: to court, dinners, the office, and walking around the city. The outer sole is amazing, and the support is remarkable. They are for the woman going everywhere, for every part of her life – traveling, working, and celebratory occasions. They are valuable. I’ve virtually spent my whole life on my feet, and they are perfect for me, too. Thank you, Sandra and team, for creating them."
Betsy works hard to make connections with brands that align with her philosophy of prioritizing quality, comfort, versatility, and a lasting style over conspicuous branding and trends. “My clients are incredibly practical. These women want their clothes and shoes to do 10 things. They want comfort, they want polish, and they want to be able to wear things weekdays and weekends alike. Scarlett Chase has quickly become a staple because they give clients what they truly want in footwear.”
Betsy's mission to empower women with style "armor” aligns with Scarlett Chase's commitment to supportive, performance footwear. Betsy makes life easier for busy, powerful women who understand how personal style influences their impact and credibility. The clothing a woman chooses to wear is a personal and intimate decision, and helping women be their authentic selves is what Betsy does best. “I love that part of what I do because you are dressing someone’s soul, too. We’re having a full circle moment, from soul to soles.”
Inspiring Confidence & Authenticity
For decades, Betsy Fisher has been more than just a stylist in the nation's capital; she has been a cornerstone in the professional lives of countless women. Her legacy extends beyond perfectly tailored suits and carefully selected dresses. Her clients step confidently into courtrooms, boardrooms, diplomatic gatherings, and social events as a direct result of her influence. Betsy's keen eye and empathetic approach haven't just dressed bodies; they've equipped women with the assurance that comes from feeling truly comfortable and secure. Her impact is evident in the women she has empowered to navigate their demanding careers & lives with conviction and presence, making a lasting impact on the professional landscape of Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Come see Betsy Fisher & Scarlett Chase live:
POP! DC Fall 2025 @ Woman's Club of Chevy Chase
October 3rd - 5th, 2025