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Reinventing the Cool
This election year is redefining corporate and political style. Sen. Barack Obama is in part responsible for making the “no tie” look acceptable fashion in arenas known usually for their formalities.
By C. Todd Williamson, III
Every generation has that leader that defines male fashion for the era without society making note of it. Many of these leaders have been presidents, candidates for the presidency, entertainers, business leaders, and the common man that no one has ever heard of.
Andrew Jackson rid America of the knee breeches made popular during the Colonial era and Teddy Roosevelt made the neck tie a political regular as opposed to the black silk wrap ties worn by politicians of previous generations like Daniel Webster and Henry Clay.
So it only seems poetic that the Democratic Party’s bright beacon of light, also known as Sen. Barack Obama has set a trend of his own. Mind you the word ‘set’ and not ‘started’ is used. If you’re a citizen of the great Hawkeye State of Iowa, you’ve probably seen the “no tie” look more than any other group in America.
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Sen. Barack Obama without the traditional tie. |
Obama’s strong and serious speech delivery style on the campaign stump is equaled out sometimes by his ‘casual’ presence sans necktie. Obama’s “no tie” look caught on back in early 2006, as it paralleled his introduction of youth and cool in a political world that often times can be stuffy and stuck on old traditions and rivalries.
Now it appears commonplace to see males at the top echelons of the corporate, entertainment, and political ladders sporting what The Wall Street Journal has dubbed the “Obama look.” Although Sir Richard Branson, the chief of Virgin Group, has been sporting the look probably as far back as his
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teenage years when he published his first magazine entitled The Student.
Branson, the “rebel-billionaire,” is considered a maverick in the business world. The easygoing style that he and Sen. Obama share has caught on with other business and political leaders as well. Boeing CEO Jim McNerney, Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer, Sen. John McCain, Sen. Joe Biden, and Sen. John Edwards have been seen without ties during moments of unveiling new company products and universal healthcare plans respectively.
Photos have often depicted President Reagan tie less during major events such as celebrating the anniversary of the opening of the Statue of Liberty or signing major legislation from his California ranch, “Rancho del Cielo,” in the 1980s. But what may look good on some, can fail others miserably. Wide collar shirts as opposed to Oxfords can make a difference as clear as night and day.
The type of jacket accompanying your shirt has another major effect on the tie less look as well. Have you ever seen anyone wear a black suit jacket with thick pinstripes worn with regular black slacks?
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Virgin Chief Richard Branson in his usual tie less look. |
The results can be disastrous, to say the least. A two button blazer and dark slacks with properly ironed dress shirt can make the difference between appearing as the modern man in a classic look and a rejected member of an off Broadway showing of Guys and Dolls. |
In Washington, D.C. once stuffy K Street firms are implementing less formal dress codes that extend longer than the usual ‘casual Friday.’ Capitol Hill has long transformed from the double-breasted all boys club to an atmosphere run by a legion of tomorrow’s best and brightest barely in the shadow of 30.
During August and November recess periods, usually a time when members of Congress are busy fulfilling promises in their home states, youthful staffers can be seen sporting jeans, comfortable slacks, and occasionally in the summer, flip-flops.
A necktie on Capitol Hill during recess needs protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The Obama look is changing dress codes in the hallways of power both corporate and political, but can the look affect the public’s perception of an individual and provide a candidate a real boost in the polls?
On June 9, 2007, Wall Street Journal columnist Ray Smith asked former Bill Clinton adviser Chris Lehane a similar question on the subtle fashion statement.
“For Mr. Obama and other candidates like John Edwards who have gone tie less in public appearances, the look could help convey youthfulness and openness to change, said Mr. Lehane. “But the downside is; does it reinforce any issues regarding whether he has enough experience or gravitas to be president?"
At the end of the day, that’s the $100 million dollar question.
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