Fashion and Politics

Seeing as fashion the outward expression of one's inner self, much information about a persons character and personality are perceived from appearance alone. It is vastly important among celebrities and their desire to always look stylish and on the cutting edge of fashion trends. However, it is even more important for those in the political rat race, especially during campaigning time. 

Men often do not receive the same amount of scrutiny as women running for a office because political men have a staple style to follow that they know is acceptable. This style consists of a dark colored suit (black or blue) of different cuts that are tailored to what makes the candidate look his best. For women, attire turns into a world of challenging fashion selections. Because these people are running for an office that is chosen by the people and as a representative of those people, what they wear can make all the difference in whether they become a popular candidate, so selection is crucial. This is an interesting time to witness women in politics seeing as women are gaining the support to run for more influential government positions. We are seeing the transformation and hybrid between the fashion of the first ladies of the past into the respectful, trendy political candidates of today. 

As of lately Senator Hillary Clinton, Governor Sarah Palin, and First Lady Michelle Obama have been the center of conversation in the political world when it comes fashion. Whether for Senator Clinton's transfer from dark pant suits that were comparable to a mens suit to her colorful pant and skirt suits as of recent, Governor Palin's heightened fashion sense, brought on by the $150,000+ spent on her campaign wardrobe, to Michelle Obama's enamored sense of fashion and cutting edge trends while keeping a powerful, classy look.  With all the glory of being at the center of attention comes the overwhelming response of scrutiny. And budgeting correctly for that look is also under close eye because the public sees their spending habits on the campaign trial as a representation of how they will manage the Nation's budget. These women are condemned if they have any sort of fashion mishap, while still expected to balance conservative, classic looks with cutting edge fashion.