Blue silk ties, the fashion statement for US presidential hopefuls

It is hard to believe, but incumbent U.S. President George W. Bush, Republic presidential hopeful Senator John McCain and Democratic Party frontrunner Senator Barrack Obama do have something in common, but in the most unexpected of areas - fashion.

Washington, Sept.19 : It is hard to believe, but incumbent U.S. President George W. Bush, Republic presidential hopeful Senator John McCain and Democratic Party frontrunner Senator Barrack Obama do have something in common, but in the most unexpected of areas - fashion.

All three, according a CBS report, have a liking for blue ties, that too, those made of silk.his bipartisanship in fashion was quite visible last week, with all three sporting blue ties.

"It really lightens up a man's face, and he comes across as more decisive, but in a human sort of way," CBS quoted Democratic consultant Donna Brazile," as saying."Blue is the new red," she added.

Local fashion experts say there's a reason why presidential candidates show up at events dressed alike.

Tim Sitzmann, the owner of Mr. B., which offers professional and casual men's and women's wear, says they want to fit into the average guy look. They don't want to be flashy. They want to be understandable to most people," he adds

It keeps the focus on the candidates' policies, not their wardrobes, Sitzmann said.

But some candidates have trouble getting even the safe navy suit right, according to Nathan Hewitt, the owner of Ambush, a business styling and marketing company.

Hewitt and Sitzmann were asked to analyze what is right and wrong in candidate clothing, and they came up with some interesting revelations. The focus was only on male fashion, so Hillary Clinton did not figure.

Hewitt and Sitzman said that their ideal presidential candidate should project and stay real. or instance, they said that a candidate having long hair projected a feeling that he couldn't manage it, so how would he be able to manage the nation's affairs if elected.

Voters also wanted their candidates to look healthy and fit, not someone with a pale complexion. A tanned would give voters a suggestion of a vigorous outdoor campaigner.

A shirt that didn't fit would give the impression that a candidate is sloppy, said both fashion designers.

They both vouched for the blue shirt worn by Senator Joe Biden during a Democratic debate on August 19, saying it conveyed tradition and appropriateness.

Rolled up sleeves sent a message that a candidate "isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and get in with the people," Hewitt said.

However, a buttoned down shirt was even better, as it gave a great look for a casual event like the fair, said Sitzmann.

Ties, they said should be of conservative colour like blue or red, and perfectly knotted.

Cuffs should show 1/2 inch to an inch, conveying that a candidate knows what he's doing.

Accessories were equally important in conveying a message to the voters that the candidate is in touch with the times, and has a human side to him.

As far as pants were concerned, Obama's suit dress should serve as the example for other candidate to emulate.

Baggy jeans were a complet no no, the designers said.

According to a report in the American site statesman.com, Obama is something of a fashion plate.

He projects a sartorial splendour. Obama is featured on this month's cover of GQ, the first time a politician has been on the magazine's cover in 15 years when Bill Clinton and Al Gore appeared together.

Earlier this year, he appeared on the cover of Men's Vogue, in a photograph shot by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz.

ANI