Prada may be for the devil, but Versace dedicated its spring 2009 fashion show to Barack Obama, and John McCain’s wife frequently sports a Chanel watch on her wrist. With presidential hopefuls and those affiliated with them being constantly examined under a magnificent, nationwide microscope, even an errant hair or a tie gone askew can be crucial. Thus, the relationship between fashion and politics has grown to be more you-got-chocolate-in-my-peanut-butter than ever. Conservative and liberal students alike agree that though a candidate may not have to strut down a runway or vogue for the camera to get their votes, appearances are critical when it comes to this election.

Looking Oval Office-ready before even calling the Lincoln Bedroom their own is something Katie Guinn, Lafayette, Calif., junior conservative, values in candidates.

“During an election, it is always better to be overdressed, because it lets people know that you are serious,” she said. Guinn also said that the way candidates presents themselves was important to her. When a presidential hopeful is dressing the part properly in dapper suits and other smart sartorial choices, Guinn senses they mean business. “Obviously people want someone who is running for office to be business-like and professional.”

Dave Samms, Wichita sophomore, said that in his time interning for the Democratic Party over the summer, he saw the need for showmanship in those preparing for White House residency. However, he does not care about what label might adorn the lining of our future president’s garments.

“As long as they wear a suit and don’t look like they dressed in the dark, I’m okay with it, I guess,” he said.

The women involved in this election are especially scrutinized for their wardrobe choices. Because women have a few more options beyond the traditionally male suit-and-tie staple, their hemlines, hairstyles, necklines and name brands are all up for inspection. Guinn approves of Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin’s attire that exudes professionalism without abandoning femininity.

“What she wears is a feminine statement but also businesslike. She’s covered on top completely but she adds a feminine touch with a pencil skirt,” Guinn said.

However, Samms sees Palin in quite a different light.

“Hillary Clinton got a lot of flak for wearing pant suits, as if it were a problem. On the other hand, you have Sarah Palin, who looks like a teacher who may try to seduce students,” he said. The line between just perfectly feminine and sexy headmistress is a fine one, Samms said.

“There’s really no middle ground, but then again, none of that really matters, but the superficiality of politics makes it seem like it does matter. In my opinion, as long as women in politics never wear Uggs in public, they should be good to go,” he said.

Potential first ladies not only have the pressure of being the perfect political accessory, complementing their presidential hopeful husbands just so, but they have their own accessorizing to consider. With talks of Michelle Obama possibly being the next Jackie Kennedy and of Cindy McCain’s collection of silk Oscar de la Renta frocks, this pair of possible first ladies could reach pop culture heights by becoming modern fashion icons. With both women possessing distinct tastes for fine fashion, it is difficult to determine who could wear the pill-box hat crown as our modern-day Jackie.

Guinn said she saw qualities in both first ladies that could appeal to the masses.

“So much of what makes someone a fashion icon is not only peoples’ desire to look like them, but to be like them. Nobody would want to look like someone they didn’t like, even if they were beautiful,” Guinn said.

Not only does Barack Obama’s “change” typography look eerily similar to the font used by the famed fashion house Chanel, but he also has the support of a bevy of fashion designers. Aptly entitled “Runway for Change,” the pieces for sale in Sen. Obama’s online store include designs from relevant names in the fashion world, such as Vera Wang and Marc Jacobs.

Guinn said she thought that this would make Obama appeal to younger voters who may not have made a concrete decision for whom to vote.

“To those who are independent, or don’t really have much of a view, I think it will make it more appealing for them to buy one of Obama’s designer shirts,” she said. “But ultimately, it’s not the value of the clothing that matters; it is the value the person wearing it puts behind it that matters.”