Dressing For Success
As the race for the White House tightens, and we get closer to November, no detail about the candidates is being overlooked - not even their wardrobes.
CBS News Early Show Co-Anchor Jane Clayson interviewed Galina Espinoza from People Magazine Friday to talk about what the candidates - and their wives - are wearing this election and what it says about their style.
No cookie cutter politicians here, Espinoza says.
"They have very distinct looks about them - very distinct personalities. And their clothes are very revealing. We can learn a lot about the candidates by looking at what they're wearing," she said.
This year the Democrats appear to have a hipper, sharper look while the Republicans have stuck to classic, more conservative dress.
Al Gore already made headlines when he made the big switch from dark, sober suits to earth tones at the recommendation of his campaign and the women in his family.
Espinoza says "we have seen a real change in Al Gore over the course of this campaign. . . He always heard he needs to loosen up, lighten up - not be so stiff ... He's taken that to heart and applied it to his clothing choices."
Gore remains attuned to he importance of his wardrobe, consulting his wife Tipper and daughter, Karenna Gore-Schiff, and selecting clothing that portrays him as "the guy next door, the guy you can hang out with." Espinoza believes "his clothes have really humanized him."
Tipper has helped Al break out into his own look, and she has one of her own too.
People dubs Tipper "The Hipster" for her look that appeals to baby boomer soccer moms.
Espinoza says "She knows she's not 20 years old anymore, she's knows she's not a size 6 and she's not trying to prove anything different. . . Her look is casual professional ... When she needs to get more glamorous, she doesn't reach for sequins or fluffy lace. She goes for a slimming silhouette in a basic knee-length dress with a long fitted coat over her that gives her body shape."
Tipper's style is "practical and stylish," defining the typical mom-with-kids style with some flair.
On the GOP side, things are a little more traditional.
Labeled the "Straight-Shooter" by People, George W. Bush is going for what he describes as an American look.
"He is not very fussy with his clothes. He's trying to downplay his image as this East-Coast, Ivy-Leaguer elitist." Espinoza says. "He's saying, 'No, I'm a good old boy, I'm a Texan,' and he does that by wearing custom-made cowboy boots."
Bush's wife, Laura, follows his lead, but is much more fastidious. Tagged the "Suitable Spouse" in the magazine's spread, the first lady of Texas strives to always dress appropriately.
Espinoza notes "she has a very traditional, first lady-in-waiting sort of look because she also likes a lot of suits, knee-length skirts with a fitted jacket on top. She ha her outfits custom made for her by a tailor. So they always have the perfect fit and they never crease."
And being Laura's so careful about her appearance, in order to keep track of which clothes she has worn, she has her own little tracking system.
Espinoza says, "with all these public appearances [Laura] doesn't want to repeat her outfits. She writes it down on a piece of paper and attaches it to the hanger of the outfit - when she last wore it last and what she wore it to."
Looking to the other half of the tickets, Joe and Hadassah Lieberman by far are the freshest faces of campaign fashion.
"They never have been on the national stage. They are more fun with their clothes. He'll pick a quirky tie every now and again. She likes bold colors, though we are seeing them toned down. They are obviously getting some help."
Hadassah sports the East Coast "Connecticut" look, which works well on her athletic build. She also tends to coordinate her outfit with her husband's - her dresses often match his ties.
On the other hand, GOP running mate couple Dick and Lynne Cheney are very traditional.
"They have been around Washington for a long time and dress like the true political insiders. He doesn't have a casual look. Tried to find him dressed down. It's rare. You will never see him in anything other than the most immaculate blue suit. Lynne Cheney is used to being on TV and the spotlight."
Lynne has a very Washington-type of appearance. Being an experienced political wife, she is clothes-savvy and won't be seen dressed inappropriately. She has all her clothes custom made.