Washington Times
September 14, 2011
The style primary: Palin tops Bachmann in fashion face-off
By : Samantha Sault
“I think she dresses a lot like my mom,” _Bristol Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/bristol-palin/) , the 20-year-old
daughter of former
Alaska _Gov. Sarah Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) , snipped to the celebrity
tabloid website PopEater in June. _Mrs.
Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) was referring to
U.S. _Rep. Michele Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) , Minnesota
Republican, an early, albeit slipping, leader in the
race for the 2012 _GOP_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/republican-party/) presidential
nomination.
As Republican women, savvy leaders in the tea party movement — and
potential opponents in the Republican primaries — _Mrs. Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) and _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) inevitably are compared
to each other.
Aside from the occasional black suit or flag pin, however, the two rivals
do not dress alike. In fact, their wardrobes could hardly be more different.
Between analyses of _Mrs. Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) ’s beliefs and
speculation about _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) ’s 2012 presidential
aspirations,
the conversation often turns to physical appearance, which is par for the
course for women in American politics. The usual suspects ritually denounce
the media as “sexist” for dissecting female politicians’ shoes and hair
while ignoring the ill-fitting suits of the male candidates.
Why not examine the women’s attire, though?
If they’re like any other women in the public eye, they thought, at least
for one second while brushing their teeth in the morning, about the image
being projected by their appearance. We’ll never know if the sartorial
choices of _Mrs. Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) and _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/)
are coincidence or part of a carefully calculated branding strategy, but
either way, these choices give us insight into how these women view themselves
and, perhaps, how they want voters to view them, too.
Besides, the fashion enthusiast knows that until _Mitt Romney_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/mitt-romney/) and _Rick Perry_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/rick-perry/) show us something more
exciting than a
predictable suit and tie, we have no option but to examine the clothing of
these pioneering _GOP_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/republican-party/) women candidates,
who must brave the campaign trail even on bad hair
days.
Round 1: In the spotlight
As the first Republican woman to represent her state in the _U.S. House of
Representatives_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/us-house-of-representatives/) , _Mrs.
Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) broke a glass
ceiling in Minnesota. When she’s in the spotlight,
such as during the Sept. 7 Republican debate, her style is reminiscent of
another glass-ceiling smasher: _Hillary Rodham Clinton_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/hillary-rodham-clinton/) . Whether
calling for lower
taxes or light-bulb freedom of choice, _Mrs. Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) ’s staid suits mean
business.
_Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) also
smashed a glass ceiling as the first Republican woman to be nominated for vice
president. She, however, has commendably declined to join the
boxy-business-suit club. _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) is, instead, perfectly
polished in tailored jackets and fitted skirts
from designer labels. She may be attempting to make up for her
less-than-polished interviews in 2008 — or she may simply prefer the cuts of
Valentino,
Escada and Tahari. Either way, _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) is in control and in
style.
Point: _Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) . While
they both wear suits, _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) ’s are sleeker. She may
have had some help in 2008 from the
_Republican National Committee_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/republican-national-committee/) , but
her style has remained chic ever since.
Round 2: The campaign trail
The difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is lipstick — and,
perhaps, a leather jacket. While touring the country, _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) has embraced the role of
“Mama
Grizzly,” popping up in leather jackets, t-shirts and jeans. This rugged style
works for the wilds of Alaska, but does it work for the rest of America?
The foster mother of 23 children, _Mrs. Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) has a look that’s
more PTA meeting than
town-hall meeting in basic separates and dresses. American women may identify
with her casual style, but do they want a casual commander in chief?
Point: Tossup. We like _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) ’s edgy style, and leather
is hot this fall. We also
appreciate that _Mrs. Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) has worn feminine
dresses on the campaign trail, even if they are a
tad matronly. Sorry — too close to call.
Round 3: Formal attire
_Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/)
and _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) both
attended the gala celebrating Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the
World in New York on April 26. Their dark outfits with lace accents may seem
similar, but take a closer look.
_Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) ’s
ensemble is a fashion “Do” in a trendy black lace jacket, slim pencil skirt
and
leg-lengthening platform pumps. _Mrs. Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) ‘s, on the other
hand, is a fashion “Don’t”
: an ill-fitting strapless dress and — horror! — shimmery nude pantyhose
with open-toe sandals.
Is _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics
/michele-bachmann/) telling the world that she doesn’t care about fashion —
or did she
really miss the pantyhose memo?
Point: _Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) . We don
’t love _Mrs. Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) ’s business suits —
but we simply cannot condone her pantyhose.
Round 4: Shoes!
It’s rare to find a woman who doesn’t love shoes. _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) has a covetable
collection, from
the red Naughty Monkey brand peep-toe pumps that made headlines in 2008 for
their affordability to her tall black suede boots, similar to those that
got Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attention in 2005.
_Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/)
apparently loves shoes, too, because we’ve seen her in a number of
youthful, strappy sandals and casual wooden heels. However, they’re often not
quite
right with her buttoned-up clothes.
Point: _Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) .
Although both women have lovely shoes, _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) is more skilled at
pairing the right shoes with
her outfits. And as Ms. Rice demonstrated, the right shoes can instantly
connote power.
Round 5: Signature style
Although we worship the runways, every fashionista knows it’s important to
maintain your own sense of style regardless of the trends. Both _Mrs.
Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) and _Mrs.
Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) understand this
concept.
_Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/)
maintains her serious but low-key look in conservative outfits and
predictable pearls a la 1984 Democratic vice-presidential candidate Geraldine
Ferraro, the first woman to run for vice president on a major party ticket.
But —
her hair is the star, as salons across the country have reported
that women are requesting _Mrs. Bachmann_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) ’s updated cut and
color.
_Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/)
likewise maintains a distinct look with her signature updo and glasses. It’s
recognizable and suits her. When your signature look becomes a popular
Halloween
costume, however, it may be time for a change.
Point: _Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/)
. While her style is not especially fashion-forward, her clothing is
classic and appropriate and works with her modern hairstyle.
Conclusion
After tallying the points, _Mrs. Palin_
(http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) is the clear fashion
winner. Are Republican voters
comfortable with the idea of a polished fashionista in the White House? Or
would
they prefer the ordinarily dressed woman from the Midwest — or even a
familiar navy blue suit and tie? Regardless, it’s a positive step for women
that we can be taken seriously as politicians while wearing fitted suits or
comfortable dresses.
The campaign trail is a long, difficult road, so if you’re going to take
it, you might as well wear sexy shoes.
--
Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community
<[email protected]>
Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism
Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org
