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Presidential Debate Fashion Face-Off: Michelle Obama Vs. Ann Romney

by Hilary George-Parkin | 10:39 am, October 4th, 2012

Whether it was President Obama or Mitt Romney that won last night’s presidential debate is a matter for, well, debate (even if the media seems to have pretty much made their choice). But we’ll leave that to the political pundits and focus on the other contentious issue of the evening: the style choices.

Michelle Obama opted for a vibrant indigo Preen dress and matching jacket from the Fall 2011 collection (an ensemble she has worn twice before), but while her colorblocked dresses from the label have made for some of our favorite sartorial outings from the First Lady, this look fell short. The cropped, shrunken jacket paired with the high-waisted skirt shortens her waist, while the color, though undoubtedly a flattering choice for Obama, has the unfortunate effect of making her blend in to the backdrop. The details were hit-and-miss as well — we love the shiny, geometric fabric on the dress’ bodice (if only we could see more of it) and the pleats around the collar of the jacket add subtle interest to the look. The metallic pumps however? More cocktail party than party politics, unfortunately.

Ann Romney, meanwhile, wore a fitted ivory skirt suit with for an effect that was both pristine, poised, and (thanks to the stretch material and zip-up front) ever-so-slightly sporty. The look was topped off with a strand of pearls, a chunky mother-of-pearl bracelet, beige patent pumps, and *gasp* is that a hint of a peplum we see? Despite this fact, however, the ensemble didn’t take much of a sartorial risk — unless you count wearing white after Labor Day, that is — but then her recent foray into the daring world of black leather didn’t exactly pan out so well, so we think the conservative attire was the right choice for such a large stage.

What do you think? Was it Michelle or Ann who got your vote last night?




  • http://twitter.com/Styleisclass Pam E

    Loved Ann outfit! Wearing White After Labor Day is ok to me, As a Fashion Blogger I love it And her bracelets are awesome! Michelle’s Dress suit looked tiny on her and Made her Look super TALL! in it,but Next to Prez Obama It made him look short.. I don’t think she wants that But she still Looked Classy none the less.
    Xo,Pam
    http://fashionlovebypam.blogspot.com/

  • Anonymous

    Really, Ann’s outfit looks like a nurse’s uniform, and didn’t fit exactly. She has not been a woman with a flair for style in the past, this is no exception.

  • Anonymous

    Ann Romneys outfit looks like one of the suits my Mother wore in the late 50′s. The style was ugly then, & it’s just as ugly now.
    And seriously, who besides the fashion gestapo, gives a shit about wearing white after labor day?

  • Anonymous

    All I really noticed was that Ann Romney’s outfit was too tight – surely with all the money they spend on clothes, she could get some that fit?!? I thought Michelle Obama looked GREAT! Normally, clothes make her look too pear shaped – this didn’t. As for the men, I notice that they are both Summers – Obama being beige-ish & Romney being softly ruddy. They should focus on more soft, greyed shades rather than the harsh, bright tones men usually wear. Charocal, and slate-blue suits, rather than black & navy. Ties can be given a pass if the shirts are softer than harsh white, because the collar being closer to the face can counteract anything really glaring from the tie.

  • Anonymous

    Romney’s horse is better dressed.

  • http://www.facebook.com/blue.bird000 Blue Bird

    Both outfits were bad, But Michelle overbite must go, sick of seeing it is just gross!

  • its brenda

    They both looked lovely.

  • Not impressed

    As a designer, FLOTUS is always chic and stylish in whatever she is wearing. On the other hand, wearing white after Labor Day is a No, No! So we weren’t impressed with that look at all.

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