Washington Style: What Will the Next Four Years Hold?

November 4th, 2008 by crystal

On Election Day, it seems fitting to ponder what we’ll see in the next four years style-wise. Please do not confuse…this is NOT a decision affecting factor…just an interesting fashion musing.
It’s funny, because I don’t remember focusing this much on Laura’s style. Or, even Hillary’s. Though, there was some examination of Hillary’s Arkansas influenced wardrobe and hair. This election, however, we’ve examined Michelle’s home-town style, her budget shopping and her Jackie O. inspired silhouettes. We’ve analyzed Cindy’s designer duds, the price tags of her outfits and her sophisticated chignons. And, we’ve paid close attention to Sarah’s Alaska style, her signature glasses and up-do and her RNC-purchased designer wardrobe. Given all of the makeovers and stylist influences, it’s hard to tell what these ladies’s styles really are. So, let’s examine a little more…

Before the Campaign

The image of Michelle Obama is from an article about her in a 2004 edition of Chicago Magazine. She appears relaxed and casual with a pretty neutral, classic style.
Cindy and John are shown at a function in 2004. She’s dressed in a very conservative suit. The pale blue, flower on the lapel and pearl jewelry show her sophisticated attention to detail.
Sarah Palin is also at a function in this image from 2007. Going all out pink, she wears her pearls over her turtleneck and tops off the outfit with a flowery blazer.

On the Trail

Michelle Obama Sarah Palin Cindy McCain

Michelle wears her famous purple Maria Pinto dress. Maria Pinto, a Chicago based designer, also designed the dress Michelle wore when she delivered her speech at the DNC. Michelle’s incidental advertising for Pinto has allowed Pinto to open her own boutique in Chicago.
Sarah Palin’s makeover worked wonders. This image shows her after being made over by stylists and getting a new wardrobe from the famed $150,000 shopping spree (she didn’t actually do the shopping…it was purchased for her).
And, here is Cindy’s famed $300,000 outfit for her speech at the RNC. The dress is Oscar de la Renta and is not the source of the huge price tag, though the dress definitely wasn’t cheap. Her jewelry was what spiked the overall cost.

We’re Just Like You

Here, the ladies attempt to appear as regular citizens who shop with budgets just like everyone else.

Michelle Obama went on Jay Leno wearing what she called “a J Crew ensemble”. She says she does her own shopping, usually online late at night.
Sarah Palin ditched her designer clothes after being criticized for the steep prices paid for them, and wore jeans to a rally.
Cindy McCain appeared at a Biker Rally in Sturgis wearing jeans and a denim shirt. She looked just a tad bit uncomfortable.