Political Style – The Romneys vs. The Obamas

Asking if it matters what a politician wears is like asking whether it matters if the sun comes up in the morning. Of course it matters. Albeit not as much as economic growth plans and health care and education.

But it matters.

Republican or Democrat, the President has to maintain and project America as the world’s Coolest Country, an image built on blue jeans and rock n’ roll. We cannot lose this title to The Great White North, land of the denim-on-denim tuxedo. Now that would be embarrassing.

                                     Presidential Style

President Obama

Image: Obama has us all convinced he’s one hip dude, one cool cat, one rockin’, jazzy President. He has surpassed Clinton and JFK in terms of a “with it” image. How does he do it?

Obama’s campaign uses social media, late-night appearances, and hip bands to seem young and in-touch. But when it comes to his wardrobe, the man is nothing but suave and sophisticated. He wears a suit very well – he blazed the campaign trail in Ermenegildo Zenga. Even ultra-fashionable France went wild for the Prez in Prada.

Hits: His go-to suit with a pop of red tie and crisp, white button-down

Misses: Tapered ’90s dad jeans and over-sized baseball jacket

Approval rating 80%*

*by percentage of outfits the author approves of

Michelle Obama

Image: When it comes to style, Michelle Obama mastered sweetly sophisticate. But the constant comparison to Jackie O isn’t exactly accurate. Her style is much edgier. She is the first First Lady to rock skinny jeans!

Hits: Metallic skinny jeans worn to Kid’s Choice Awards

Misses: The blue satin cocktail frock she wore to a State of the Union address. It bulged over her non-existent belly, and erupted a rash of pregnancy rumors.

Approval rating: 85%

Mitt Romney

His style swings from “I-should-be-golfing” to “I am the dad in one of those family photos that comes with picture frames.” That is: Lots of khakis and boat shoes. Not a lot of creativity.

Hits: Dark suit, blue tie, American flag button on the lapel

Misses: The aforementioned tucked-in button down ensemble needs to go. How can anyone take him seriously in this?

Approval Rating: 50%

Ann Romney

Rich lady Ann Romney’s doesn’t do classic and she doesn’t do boxy black pantsuit. She flirts with the trends. While Romney appears stiff in his button-ups, she’s next to him in bold patterns, belted cardigans, and loud colors. The accessory she wears the best: confidence.

Hits: The pink-lemonade cardigan paired with a black dress that shimmered at the neckline.

Misses: The reportedly $990 bird shirt she wore on morning television. We imagine she choose this after the “Put a Bird on It” episode of Portlandia. Note: They didn’t say put an ugly bird on it, Mrs. Romney.

Approval rating: 60%, mainly because of the bird blouse

Looks like when it comes to fashion, the Democrats have it.

Bio: AHalm likes to tell you what to wear, what to eat, and about the latest in fashion, especially women’s jeans.