What Not To Wear...To A Debate

Something that has been discussed throughout the first half of the semester is the appearance of politicians, both men and women. As much as we don’t wantit to be an issue, or it doesn’t seem of great importance in an election, the way our president or a senator dresses can and will be discussed. The way we dressis a form of communication, and some politicians speak volumes.

In an article on CNN.com, found here, a runway analyst named Maren Hartman pointed out that even the smallest thing could throw off a politician’s supporters. He said that, “candidates tend to keep it safe and let the wives be the peacock of the campaign.” Letting the women take charge of the “look” of a campaign might be playing too much into gender roles, which (at least to me) is offensive, but it made sense when Hartman talked about “brand image” and the idea that people want to have something to relate to an iconic figure, such as with Rick Santorum’s sweater vests or Michelle Obama’s trendy outfits.

Speaking of Michelle, at the 2011 State Dinner with the Chinese president, she wore an Alexander McQueen dress. Oscar De La Renta, a designer, was quoted saying, "My understanding is that the visit was to promote American-Chinese trade -- American products in China and Chinese products in America. Why do you wear European clothes?" Ann Romney also took criticism for an expensive designer shirt that she wore on a morning show this past May. The shirt cost almost $1,000, and she was criticized for having spent so much when the general American population could never afford that.

In an article on Forbes.com, found here, it was said that the relationship between power and the clothing women wear is complex. Robb Young, an author, wrote a book specifically about how women “power dress”, which he defines as, “when women are adept at using style as a way to successfully enhance their political muscle, popularity or credentials.” With such a fitting definition, it seems that dress really has become a prominent form of communication in the political world.

As for the candidates themselves, Romney is often found in a “button-down Oxford shirt with rolled-up sleeves and blue jeans”, which the CNN article thought helped to disassociate him from his personal wealth and that persona. In opposition, Obama has tended to wear a “power suit”, which gives off a confident aura. Paul Ryan, the vice presidential candidate, has been criticized for his “poorly-tailored suits”, possibly trying to emulate the typical American businessman and allow his audience to relate to that. It’s strange how something like clothing can contribute immensely to the way people view a campaign, but it’s been proven true by articles like this one.

Even the very small things are noticed in the way a politician dresses. In the CNN article, Emily Barnett (a fashion professor) predicted that for the presidential debate tonight, Obama and Romney would lean towards, “he same tie colors but opt for hints of the opposing color -- to promote a more bipartisanship, moderate tone in a tight election.” Very interesting, considering one of our class discussions touched on how a candidate can remain bipartisan in a debate.

On top of all the things we as American’s are already required to think about in relation to the election, now dress has been added to the list. Perhaps some of our politicians should be featured on “What Not To Wear” in order to avoid losing the election…