They Move Up, Then Dress Down

To look like a really rich and powerful guy, wear the clothes of the working class. That’s the message from top American business and political leaders. It’s no wonder that the country couldn’t pick a president--the candidates don’t look the part.

Ever since the Kennedy era, candidates in staged “photo opportunities” toss footballs to look athletic and, like Al Gore, less like eggheads. And now, corporate titans play dress-up in the garb of ordinary, aw-shucks folks, even though they hold some of the most concentrated power on the planet. Only the miniature monogram on his button-down shirt shows that Bill Gates might be the world’s richest man. And there’s George “Dubya” Bush, dressed in standard Texas rancher wear that’s starched and pressed to repel dust and manure. As if . . . .

Yet if a powerful woman strays from the narrow definition of what’s an appropriate business look, she’ll be hazed, as Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris has been for wearing “too much” makeup.

Men aren’t so bold. Throughout the 20th century, the world’s political and business powers almost universally adopted the Western-style business suit. We can hardly wait until they copy our new casual style too. Ball caps on the golf course in India? How about come-as-you-are state dinners? Why not? After all, casual style has worked so incredibly well here in America.