Candidates' wardrobes leave room for debate

The vote is in -- both candidates should make changes in their appearances.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
This Tuesday, Americans will elect a president.
After three debates and countless speeches, no detail has been left unexamined, except, well, maybe fashion. We've heard what they have to say. Now let's consider how they dress.
It's a given that both President Bush and Sen. John Kerry have assembled very patriotic closets: no shortage of blue and red ties, white shirts and dark suits.
"A world leader must exude power and confidence," says Los Angeles stylist Samantha McMillen, who has more than 10 years in the business. She has dressed many a dashing man, including actors Johnny Depp and Ben Stiller at last spring's Oscar ceremony.
She says the two candidates are also well turned out when it comes to casual attire, which they seem the most comfortable wearing.
Kerry's anorak jacket and relaxed-fit corduroy pants are suitable for stumping on a bale of hay in Iowa. Bush's black and silver Western belt and rolled-up sleeves are appropriate for a rally in Reno.
Appropriate appearance
McMillen grew up in Sacramento and has seen politics and celebrity co-mingle. She says a president is, in essence, running a business, and his appearance should convey that.
She believes there's nothing inherently wrong with Bush's appearance. He just appears more comfortable in boots and jeans than he does in a suit.
"He wears a lot of cuffed pants," McMillen says. "That's OK, but it's playing it safe. There's not much creativity there. My fantasy would be to see (Bush) in straight-leg pants without a cuff."
As for Kerry, she would love to see the senator opt for flat-front rather than pleated pants because they would suit his height. "Plus, pleated pants look so dated," she says.
Fit for duty
Offering a man's point of view is Pat Brousseau, who works at Julius clothing store in Pavilions. He is an instructor of sorts when it comes to helping men select clothing that complements both career and lifestyle.
Brousseau says he would jump at the chance to dress both candidates. His first suggestion? "Change the shirt collars."
For example, he believes that with Kerry's height and posture, he could use a higher collar with longer points.
He adds that he didn't think the suit Bush wore at last Wednesday's debate fit properly. Brousseau says he chatted the next day with a client who agreed.
"He felt it didn't lay properly around the shoulders, so there were lumps," Brousseau says. McMillen's style beefs are very candidate-specific. As for Kerry, the kitschy ties with lacrosse sticks and hot-air balloons are "really weak-looking."
"He clearly is trying to be a man of the people, but those patterned ties aren't serious enough."
McMillen suggests, because of his height, Kerry is well-suited to a pinstripe suit worn with a striped shirt, cuff links and wingtips. Inspiration might even come from the distinguished stylings of Sean Connery in his James Bond days.
She thinks Bush's color choices need updating -- especially when it comes to dress shirts -- with pale blue or gray instead of all white.
"I know he loves his Western wear, but stick with a classic belt with dress pants and shirts," she says.
Other factors
As for hair, the suggestions range from adding volume to Bush's coif to losing some of the fullness in Kerry's.
McMillen says the two men's smiles leave her confused. "Bush doesn't seem confident with his smile, and Kerry's has definitely been whitened."
And no candidate should build a look around a flag pin (Bush) or one of Lance Armstrong's yellow rubber Livestrong bracelets (Kerry).
Brousseau says a presidential candidate, like any successful business person, doesn't want to ruffle any feathers. "A candidate wants (the voter) to remember what he or she is saying, not what they're wearing."
If this presidential race is still at a dead heat, the choice of tie might indeed break the tie.