U.S. presidential election

While men show a more unified presence in their two-and-three-piece suits, augmented by the ubiquitous power necktie, women have an interesting range of options for garments. Yet it hasn’t gone unnoticed that Hilary Clinton, while on the campaign trail, wears trousers as much or more than skirts. Nor does she don many dresses.

Personal appearance is a key factor in any campaign for elected office. Since fashion, however, is often a window into a person’s psyche, a look at Clinton’s, Obama’s, and McCain’s dress sense is justifiably revealing. Their political advisors (as well as spouses) have weighed in on their clothing. At present, McCain is running third in the sartorial sweepstakes, but he may have no problem with that. The last Republication to look really good in a suit was Ronald Reagan. Want more perspectives on the quiet competition between the sexes? Search in CATNYP under the heading Fashion—Psychological aspects.

The Punch and Judy Show, which has become the Democratic Party’s campaign for presidential nominee, calls for analysis of every last detail. So why not fashion? At this point in time, Hilary wins hands down for her versatile wardrobe effects. Her pastel pantsuits have grown stronger in color, embracing cobalt, coral, rust, turquoise, and ever-cheery yellow. Her matching costume jewelry choices are truly awesome to me, and she drapes a truly elegant scarf round her throat when she wishes.

Gender studies related to clothing first appeared in full force in the 1970s. One of the best, however, is a Smithsonian Institution Press study from 1989, Men and women: dressing the part. Will this year’s presidential election be about two men in suits slugging it out, or be a true battle of the sexes?