Casting fashion ballots

The recent political conventions put fashion on the stage. The next two months will be a parade of looks to critique as much as the issues to debate.

We all love to criticize what people wear, but in this presidential campaign, the threads matter.

Ronn Torossian, chief executive officer of 5W Public Relations in New York, said campaign officials tend to every last detail when it comes to appearances.

"Be very clear that clothing is part of one's brand image," said Torossian, whose client portfolio includes entertainment mogul Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, who makes many best-dressed lists.

Campaign fashion needs to be sensible, not flashy, Torossian said. It's good to look good, but not stand out.

Which brings us to Cindy McCain's saffron shirtdress, which has fashion people clucking.

On its Web site, Vanity Fair magazine estimated that the Oscar de la Renta dress McCain wore on the first night of the Republican National Convention cost $3,000. Accessorized with a Chanel watch, diamond earrings, pearl necklace and Taryn Rose shoes, the magazine's editors estimated the cost of the ensemble at $300,000.

Carol Peterson, owner of Carol's Couture in Scottsdale, called McCain's look that night "polished and classy."

Paula Baxter, curator of art and architecture at the New York Public Library and a blogger on all things fashion, said she thinks McCain, who has been photographed in hues ranging from crab apple to baby blue, is holding back a little.

"She has excellent, conservative dress sense, but I bet she'd dress with a bit more flair if she becomes first lady," Baxter said via e-mail.

Torossian said McCain has it relatively easy, given her good looks, sense of style and ability to spend $3,000 for a dress. What some consider buttoned-up, others may see as sophisticated.

"To some degree, it's the Jackie O. look," Torossian said. "Frankly, she's a pretty woman."

Looks aren't an issue for John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, either. Palin has kept it simple, wearing monochromatic skirt suits in black or beige, her hair generally pinned back into a twist.

It may portray professionalism and experience. But for Diana Gruenig, owner of Phoenix Personal Shopper, it didn't work.

"That black suit, she looked like death warmed over," she said, referring to the suit Palin wore the day McCain announced she would be his running mate.

To be sure, women have it harder than men.

John McCain looked like the polished politico Thursday, the night of his acceptance speech, in a fitted black suit and goldenrod tie. Barack Obama carried through the Democratic Party's red fashion theme by pairing a red and white diagonally striped tie with his European cut suit. And Joe Biden exuded Capitol Hill style with a dark suit and red tie.

"For men, there (are) only so many outfits you can wear," Torossian said.

That's probably why water-cooler talk focused on the dresses, not the ties, after the Democratic National Convention two weeks ago.

Did Michelle Obama's turquoise dress work for the biggest speech of her life? How about Hillary Clinton's mango suit?

"I liked the (mango) pantsuit," boutique-owner Peterson said.

She loved Obama's style as well. She's a bit edgier, Peterson said, noting Obama's designer choice for the convention's final night and her rosette-adorned neckline the previous evening. The designer Peterson mentioned was Thakoon Panichgul, who created the dress described by the Los Angeles Times as a "sophisticated and fierce print with a retro, ladylike cut." Fashion insiders priced the dress at $1,250.

Peterson said she thought Obama could have accessorized better the night she addressed the convention. Torossian said the pared-down look was intentional.

"I think Michelle Obama has been seen as wanting to soften her reputation," he said. " . . . By dressing casual yet sophisticated, that's what she's trying to do."