Over the past two weeks, presidential candidates have swept the Plymouth campus and with that they brought the gammet of fashion do’s and don’ts. Though candidates get up just like the rest of us and get dressed, they may be privy to an expert opinion on what would be a good choice for a certain event. Whether it is a political team or a spouse telling them what to do, one thing is for sure: sometimes mistakes are made.
We kicked off our presidential candidate parade with 65 year-old Joe Biden on October 6. I guess weekends are an excuse to dress down, since Biden showed up sporting a navy blue polo shirt and grey slacks. He gave a speech and then ran on down to the field to root for the Plymouth State University Panthers. So to his credit, he did what we would call a dual-purpose outfit. Those who are booked solid will have to do one of two things, either wearing a neutral outfit fitting for all engagements or play movie star and go through multiple costume changes. Joe played it safe.
On October 9, Barack Obama, the 46 year-old Senator from Illinois, took the female students by storm while on campus. Some were listening to what he had to say, while many were looking at what he was wearing. Obama took the stage in a shiny black pressed suit with a baby blue button-up dress shirt, which worked great against his skin tone. He looked young, fresh and eye catching. He sported this look for half of his speaking engagement, and then decided that he would turn into Cher and take off his jacket and hand it to one of his assistants. This outfit receives a high-five.
On October 11, at almost 60 years of age, Hillary Rodham Clinton graced the stage wearing an age appropriate Oprah-like outfit. Though she was well put together and accessorized as always, it was brought to my attention while searching the web, that this outfit is not a campaign original, as it is one she can be seen wearing in a multitude of pictures. Maybe this is her way of showing “the road to middle class” by sporting the same attire for multiple engagements. Give us some variety, please! Maybe it is time to retire this particular outfit and donate it to charity.
On October 16, Tom Tancredo, age 62, visited Plymouth. He was wearing a dark navy blue jacket with black dress pants, and although he wore it with confidence, it was still not a matching combo.
And who can forget Robert Haines, who tore rubber onto our campus some weeks past. If you’re confused to whom I am referring to, think back to those nights on the corner of Prospect and the HUB featuring late night dance parties. If you still don’t remember, you clearly don’t go here. I remember him for the above and of course, his insane get-up. Let’s see, the big-kid cowboy hat followed by his iron-on at-home original “Vote for Me” polo, along with the ridiculous duck taped gun holster filled with business cards. I mean you don’t need me to critique this outfit. It is clear what is wrong with it…. Everything!
All in all, no matter how rich you are and no matter how well you speak, you can still fall victim to bad fashion choices. Step it up, candidates!