At the Sept 11 Remembrance Day in 2010, Michele Bachmann literally overdosed on pearls. Accessories should come with a warning label: Drop pearl earrings worn with massive pearl chokers may prove fatal to a political campaign. Voters just don't like too much frou-frou and jingle-jangle. Makes 'em nervous.
Michele Bachmann brought a little sunshine to the 2008 Republican Convention with her pastel yellow sleeveless dress. Of course this was years prior to her GOP presidential nominee bid. So I think we can excuse the dainty Ladies Who Lunch look.
Michele Bachmann looked a little wishy-washy in beige introducing the Middle Class Job Security Act at a news conference in 2008. Everyone knows pale skinned brunettes look better in bright colors. This is something she quickly discovered when she began her bid for the GOP presidential nod
At the 2011 CPAC, Michele Bachmann learned an important political fashion lesson: Become a part of the patriotic decor whenever possible to hammer home a visual message. Red, white and blue will naturally become her TV wardrobe staples.
Michele Bachmann attended Time's Most Influential People party wearing a sophisticated black strapless dress. Bravo. Then she totally destroyed it with a sad limp turquoise doily. A sheer shawl is not worn for warmth. Therefore, it sends a message that means you lack confidence. And in a roomful of perceptive, influential people, that's not smart.
At the Minnesota debate, Michele Bachmann tried to be one of the guys in a white shirt and all-business blazer. Take a fashion tip from former First Lady Hillary Clinton who wears ladylike suits but can hold her own with the big boys around the world as Secretary of State.
At the announcement of the Promises Act, Michele Bachmann chose a black cotton sleeveless shift with white piping. We're gonna be honest here. As her advisers should be. Sleeveless is not a strong look for her. Sure, Michelle Obama can get away with it. But unless Bachmann's gonna grow a tricep or two, we advise not baring arms. It makes Bachmann look soft to voters. Does Hillary Clinton go sleeveless? No, no she does not.
Touring Iowa, Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann wears an outfit that does not project a confident, intelligent politically savvy woman. Yes, it's the ruffled jacket. And there's those truly heinous shoes. She shouldn't wear Louboutins but let's step up from Payless. Even GOP VP candidate Sarah Palin managed to spark a Naughty Monkey red high heels trend.
Finally! At the last Iowa debate, Michele Bachmann actually got it right: A snazzy satin skirt suit in a cool metallic blue. This ensemble reads modern, smart, savvy and strong. And she also goes easy on the pearls. This one definitely gets our vote.
At the Iowa Straw Poll in August, Michele Bachmann wore a spiffy slightly military-inspired safari jacket. It either telegraphs that she can be tough with terrorists or that she plans on taking an Abercrombie and Kent luxury safari. Either way, we like the look. And it's got sleeves.
This is the same dress that Michele Bachmann wore to the Promises Act news conference. We're in favor of recycling on the campaign trail. It shows that the female candidate is busy with important issues and doesn't have time to shop. But this does raise that unfortunate sleeveless issue again. Yes, she has a constitutional right to bare arms. Just not so often, please.
Campaigning in South Carolina, where ladies do like to wear their Sunday Best, Michele Bachman chose a sweet pastel pink sleeveless dress accessorized with loads of pearls, drop earrings and a very obvious over-done French manicure. South Carolina Republicans might not vote for her but hey, wouldn't she'd fit right in at the next Junior League Luncheon
At a South Carolina Town Hall meeting, Michele Bachmann made the grave error of letting her inner Southern belle ring. Sadly, there's nothing like a black top with a printed A-line full skirt to make you look like the Liberty Bell. And would black shoes have killed?
Michelle Bachmann arrived for the GOP debate at the Ronald Reagan Library in California looking casual in a belted white tunic, black pants and pearls. A little too casual, if you know what we mean. On a politician, an untucked shirt, even with a belt, screams untidy, disorganized. Great look for lunching in Malibu, but not for an important political campaign appearance.
At another GOP debate, Michele Bachmann flaunts her incredibly long French tipped nails. The problem is that a French manicure is supposed to look natural. These do not. They just look dangerous. Her talons look like she could poke her own eye out and may not even be able to button her own jackets. This screams helpless female, not a get-their-hands-dirty POTUS.
Michele Bachman wore a fatally unconstructed red blazer, a round neck white top (with pearls, of course) and a vertically striped full skirt to the Florida debate sponsored by the Tea Party and CNN. Michele, if you want to be a serious presidential candidate, you have to stop dressing like the home room teacher. She looks like she may assign homework.
At the California GOP Fall Convention, Michelle Bachmann was a fashion hit in a simple belted bright red dress with elbow-length sleeves (thank heavens) . Red is a great color for a serious Republican candidate. And it sends that red state message loud and clear.
Michelle Bachmann wore a sharp white military-inspired jacket to the GOP Presidential Pre-Debate Party. We like it. But maybe it's too Michael Jackson, John Phillip Sousa or Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. We can't decide. Let's take a vote.