Corporate Suits & Equestrian Boots

Carol Dover radiates an infectious optimism as someone who sees the glass as half-full and brimming with possibilities. Her favored style blends suits and boots, reflecting her life in the corporate world and her passion for horses.

With over two decades of dedicated efforts in promoting the diverse interests of Florida’s multibillion-dollar hospitality industry, Dover, the chief executive officer and president of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), relies on her go-to closet staples — Ralph Lauren blazers and knits and St. John’s separates — to show up confidently and polished.

Dover has always been a fashion enthusiast, yet her true passion lies with her horses.

“When I’m home, I wear a baseball cap, breeches and boots. In fact, I’ve had people approach me at the barn, look me straight in the eyes and ask for Mrs. Dover because I look unrecognizable,” she laughed.

Dover embodies the versatility of today’s women, seamlessly transitioning from the corporate world to country life — working to protect the hospitality industry’s interests and hopping on a tractor to maintain the land and work in the barn with her beloved horses. 

Always fashion-forward, Carol also ensures her horses are stylishly attired.

“My horses dress better than most. I often match their riding and saddle gear,” she shared while showing a picture of she and her horse in matching pink accessories, a nod to her battle with breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Carol Dover is a survivor, and her equestrian team, “Team Pink,” pays tribute to her commitment to raise awareness. As for the riding outfit, the breeches are by a company called Kentucky, and the blouse, saddlepad, fly bonnet and polo wraps are by Equestrian Stockholm. Photo by Alicia Osborne

Dover was diagnosed on the opening day of the 2003 legislative session. From that moment forward, she took a courageously aggressive approach to treatment, eventually undergoing a bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery and receiving a clean bill of health in 2008.

While her career style has often included feminine, classic pieces, comfort is an important aspect of her wardrobe choice. She entered the workforce at a time when women strictly wore skirts in the office, as pants were not considered suitable.

“I’m thrilled to wear jeans to work now,” said Dover. “I love that we can still remain chic yet dressed down on casual days.”

For those cherished moments of relaxation, Dover opts for Lululemon leggings and an oversized T-shirt, a delightful departure from her polished corporate attire.

Dover wears a Ralph Lauren jacket and pants, and boots from a specialty boot maker in Nashville. “Oh, I love those boots,” she said. Photo by Alicia Osborne

“I look forward to a comfortable outfit because I’m usually dressed up at the office.”

Dover’s journey in the hospitality industry began long before her tenure at FRLA, which began in 1995.

“I grew up in hospitality. I always knew this was my niche, although I wasn’t planning on it being 30 years,” she laughed, “but it’s been a wonderful journey.”

When she was just 12 years old, her father passed away. Dover started working at the age of 14 at a hotel owned by her mother’s friend in Orlando, Florida, where she was born and raised.

“I would have never thought that job would lead to this career journey,” Dover reflected.

Dover graduated from Florida State University Dedman School of Hospitality with a degree in hotel and restaurant management in 1978 and immediately accepted the position of assistant director of the Beer Industry of Florida post-graduation. This role acquainted her with pertinent rules and regulations associated with the beverage industry, knowledge that has proven advantageous in her role at FRLA.

It was at this point that her corporate fashion sense started to transform as Dover gravitated toward the sophisticated and adaptable knits of St. John, a quintessential American luxury brand.

“I started wearing St. John’s before it was popular,” Dover said.

Dover has had her blue St. John’s knit suit, for quite some time. “After Gayfers closed here in Tallahassee, no one has carried St John’s knit suits. So, I for sure purchased that out of town,” she said. Photo by Alicia Osborne

As an admirer of Jackie O.’s style, Dover delights in the adaptability and timelessness of her wardrobe. Now, she revels in the versatility of her collection, mixing and matching suits and dresses and adoring the contemporary trend of coupling classic jackets with jeans to achieve subtle sophistication that exudes effortless chic.

Whether wearing a tailored knit suit at one of her many weekly meetings, working in the barn in athleisure attire or riding her beloved horses in breeches and boots, Dover’s confidence, ambition and natural allure never fail to shine through and shine bright.