Palin comparison
STYLE | The gov could look even better with a bit of makeover
Before the announcement of Sarah Palin as a vice presidential candidate, pundits were discussing gas prices, Iraq and the economy.
Afterward, everyone wanted to know what glasses Palin wore.
(AP)
We're not saying it's right. But the introduction of a woman to the race has added a new issue to the national debate: style.
The former beauty queen is unquestionably attractive. Her signature look, however, is proving more divisive than her politics. Allow us to break it down for you voters.
"It hurts me to look at that outdated pageant hair," says Terence Noonan, author of Starring You!, a guide to appearing on television. The teased, sprayed updo is meant to look smooth and professional, but critics say it's more appropriate for a debutante ball.
Noonan thinks letting her hair down would soften her look, and recommends adding some layers and highlights.
"While I am sure that hockey moms are great parents, it's still no excuse for bad hair, especially from a woman who wants to be vice president of the United States," he says.
Megan Anne Michie, head stylist at Lincoln Park's Guise Chic boutique, agrees. "I think she is aging herself with the mousy brown hair and dated skinny highlights," she says. "This color does nothing for her complexion."
Palin may be a bold woman, but that's not what her clothes say, according to public relations consultant Chris Martin. "I would advise her to dress in darker colors more often," he says. "She shows a propensity for wearing light colors, and these don't give her the gravitas she needs."
For her big convention speech, Palin wore a boxy eggshell jacket and black skirt. What designer? Her spokeswoman Maria Comella wouldn't say. "I'm not sure it really matters what she's wearing," she told the Associated Press.
Eric K. Boone, an image and PR consultant, didn't care for what Palin wore for her big speech. "She could have projected more authority -- as well as elegance -- with a tailored suit that was not that bland and unflattering neutral-colored ensemble," he says. "She appears to have a great complexion, and deep, rich colors look very good with her skin tone."
In one area, at least, Palin receives high marks. The night Sen. John McCain announced that she would be his running mate, she wore a pair of killer red patent-leather, open-toed pumps. Bloggers tracked down the style: It's called the Naughty Monkey Double Dare Pump, and runs $89.95 at endless.com.
This is clearly a woman who is no stranger to cosmetics. The foundation mask is always in place, and the contouring eye shadow is deftly applied. But some minor tweaks would make her more accessible, says Boone. "Have a makeup professional apply a lipstick shade that is understated yet elegant, as apposed to the in-your-face, overdone lip gloss," he advises.
If Robin Walker, a Chicago style consultant, could change just one thing about Palin, it would be her lipstick. "I think she has to know there are better colors, but she likes this one," she says. "I think people will find that more endearing than offensive. Like an orange pantsuit."
Palin's rimless, rectangular specs are now as famous as she is. The Kazuo Kawasaki design can cost up to $700 a pair, depending on the lenses. But not everyone is a fan. "First, we have to lose the glasses," sniped Nina Garcia, a judge on "Project Runway," to People magazine. "Lasik or contacts."
Others aren't so dismissive. Michie recommends a new pair of glasses. "Something a little edgier, perhaps a tortoise frame," she says. "The whole new look would definitely boost her sex appeal."
No problem there, insists Martin. "She is very Tina Fey-esque," he says. "Brains equal sex appeal."
Finola Hughes, the host of Style Network's "How Do I Look?," has recently gone public with her own glasses, and applauds Palin. "It's great to see another strong, smart woman out there wearing eyewear with confidence," she says. "The right eyewear gives any woman instant elegance and sophistication, and commands respect from those around her."