Some fashionistas dream about Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - I dream about the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Who will wear what? Will my "bundle" method of packing suitcases with shirt, tie and accessory combos make it safely to baggage claim? Will the political elite log in to check their online style albums? Many of my clients are moving from C-SPAN to Primetime for the next two weeks and the stakes are higher.
While most politicians are not aiming for a spot on the best-dressed list, there is a uniform for standing at the podium: navy suit, white shirt, red tie (sometimes blue). The conventions are Poliwood's Sundance Film Festival with lots of meeting, greeting, and speaking; outfits even get better as the week comes to a close. Like walking the red carpet, the RNC and DNC conventions are a time to shine, so don't re-wear last year's best threads!
I asked Michael Steele, fashion plate and former Chairman of the Republican National Committee, to share his top three style tips for speakers at this year's RNC and DNC conventions. Here is what the political analyst for MSNBC and partner at Purple Nation Solutions advises:
• "Wear a suit your mother would be proud to see you dressed in!" Your suit should reflect your style even if you're not stylish. Add a pocket square and accentuate with a nice tie. Michael says many politicians are partial to the "George Bush baby blue" tie in a solid light blue, calling it one of the prettiest shades of blue connoting softness and strength.
• "Adding a tie pin and cuff links will set off a nice suit perfectly!" Michael says this is definitely an occasion to wear cuff links (even if you're not a cuff links person). Michael encourages speakers to "frame your words with your cuff links and tie pin" to complete your powerful look.
• "Comfortable underwear and shoes are a necessity." You will spend at least 12 hours walking around - Michael advises to be comfortable and make sure your clothes "fit in a way that you don't feel trapped." Need we say more?
Be sure to add your American flag pin and leave your button cuff shirts at home. And, look out for a stylish Michael Steele - he will be the tall guy in wild colors, striped shirts, and a purple seersucker suit.
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Reagan Elephant Cap
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
MSNBC Journalist Lawrence O'Donnell
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Red, White & A Sequined Vest
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Abraham Lincoln
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Matchy Matchy
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Orange You Glad?
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Future Voter
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Elegant In White & Blue
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
A Patriotic Couple
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Well Suited And Pinned
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Boater Hat
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Ryan Cook
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Sofia, Future Independent President
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Representative Allen West
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Those Are Some Trousers!
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Patriotic Tie on Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown (R)
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Ann Coulter and her 'MITT' Necklace
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Senator Mitch McConnell
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Ilya Katz
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Herman Cain
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Fierce Fringe
Carole Claros
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Christine O'Donnell
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Actor Jon Voight
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Jenny Beth Martin
Co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Planning Events In Style
Morgan Chaney and Monica Varner
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Donkey Stompin' Fun
Maggie
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Sheer Panels
Nadia Cortez
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Speckled Shades
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Red, White & Blue
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Patriotic Colors & Brooches
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
'Revolution' Temporary Tattoo
A Ron Paul supporter
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Senator John McCain
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
A Fedora For Romney
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Celebrate Your State
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Floral For The Win!
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Mismatching Prints
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
All-American
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Hooters-Themed Tie
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Deep In The Heart Of Texas
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Two-Tone, Wingtip Shoes
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
College Republican National Committee Members
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
USA!
This couple shows their patriotism with a USA flag-printed shirt and vest.
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
GOP Brooches
Phyllis Schlafly is the founder of Eagle Forum, a conservative, pro-family interest group. Apart from her sweet, baby-blue suit, we love Schlafly's patriotic brooches (especially that elephant!)
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Blue Steele
Former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele dresses down a suit with an untucked blue shirt and a pair of stylish sneakers.
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
National Anthem Dress
A classic side-draped red dress.
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Twice As Nice
Who says you only need one pair of glasses?
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Trend Alert?
Gene Shusman is a Tea Party supporter from Philadelphia with some very hip specs.
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Unconventional Cowgirl
This lovely lady brings some sass to the Convention, accessorizing a long, blue skirt with a crocheted top, wavy side-swept hair and big ole cowboy hat.
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Lobbyist Style
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Suited Up
Former Obama White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs takes the Convention in stride.
(Credit: <a href="http://www.tonystamolis.com/" target="_hplink">Tony Stamolis</a>)
Fashion Whip is a political style column in the Huffington Post by Lauren A. Rothman, inspired by Lauren's experience as the founder of Styleauteur, a style and fashion consulting firm.
Follow Lauren A. Rothman on Twitter:
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