Callista channels Hillary Clinton in this chartreuse suit.
Is there some sort of connection between extramarital affairs and colorful power suits? Although Newt Gingrich pushed for Bill Clinton’s impeachment after the Monica Lewinsky scandal, it is rumored he asked his second wife for an “open marriage” when he began his own affairs with soon-to-be third wife, Callista, in ’93. Whatever their history, nothing is more clear than Callista’s penchant for bright suits. She especially loves her red suit, but has been spotted in dark blue, light blue, and maroon, among others. Although Callista’s suits are undeniably softer than Hillary’s, her overall look is more severe. One wonders how she ever maintained both an affair and a perfectly coiffed, bleach-blond bob at the same time. Next to her 68-year-old hubby, Callista’s smooth, porcelain skin makes her look about 23 years younger than Newt. Oh wait, that’s because she is.
Ann Romney could go straight from cheering on her husband’s campaign to her kid’s intramural soccer game.
Ann Romney is Callista’s polar opposite. Read: babies do not cry in her wake. She’s been spotted in button downs and jeans, or a casual cardigan over a printed dress. Her hair is wavy and of a color that could almost be natural. You’d never guess the girl’s 62 years old – I will leave you to ponder what miracles of modern dermatology keep that forehead so taut. Ann met her husband in high school, and they’ve been married since 1969. Her look is overall more motherly and relatable, finished off by neutral lipsticks unlike Callista’s dark, outdated palette.
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Karen Santorum’s wardrobe begs for color.
Maybe Karen Santorum could learn from Callista in the power of a power suit to cover up a dirty history. Karen can clean up on rare occasions. When her hair is straight and she’s donned a turtleneck, she is a different person from the poofy- or curly-haired look she’s also rocked on occasion. Karen’s style is less-defined, unlike Callista’s professional look or Ann’s stay-at-home mom look. Karen often goes more under the radar, wearing black and gray, although it seems pale pink may secretly be her favorite color. Karen could certainly use some accessories to spice up those bland outfits. Maybe she could take a page from the book of every other politican’s wife in history and buy a strand of pearls.
The Pantone Color of the Year is Tangerine Tango. Still not sure that justifies Carol’s multiple orange suits.
Carol and Ron Paul have been married over 50 years, which makes them pretty darn cute no matter what their politics are. With four great-grandchildren, the Pauls seem too old to take over the white house, and likewise Carol’s style is too unrefined for the campaign trail. Carol dresses in shapeless suits, and her gray hair is too short for it to be styled in any notable way. You really just expect her to pinch your cheeks and feed you fresh-baked apple pie.
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This well-dressed couple doesn’t worry about being matchy-matchy all the time.
Although her husband’s out of the running, my guilty pleasure in Mary Kaye Huntsman’s style warrants a shout-out. From white pants paired with a crisp black blazer to preppy printed dresses, I wish I were two sizes smaller so I could borrow the clothes right out of her closet. I would not be surprised if Mary Kaye is a big customer of Lilly Pulitzer. In addition, Mary Kaye has a modern, longer blond hairstyle and wears (gasp) jewelry other than pearls, including dangly gold earrings. Besides the whole Mormon thing, I kind of want to be her.
The First Lady drew much attention to the J.Crew Collection after wearing this outfit on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Michelle Obama revolutionized American political fashion in a manner similar to that which Kate Middleton did for the British royalty. Michelle Obama dresses affordably, favoring J.Crew above all, but also known to wear brands like Gap. In bright colors, quaint dresses, printed shirts and cardigans galore, the tall first lady always commands attention. Michelle accessorizes with belts around her waist, chunky bracelets or broaches. Her best accessories, however, are the equally adorably-dressed Malia and Sasha.
Who’s your favorite First Lady style contender?