Robert McCallister from 'Brothers & Sisters'
It's odd how much more likable television characters who are politicians are than their real-life counterparts. Take, for example, Robert McCallister (Rob Lowe) of Brothers & Sisters, airing Sundays on ABC. Like President Jed Bartlet of The West Wing, McCallister seems to always be on the right side of the issues and actually understand them.
He also understands that to be a politician in this country, you need a wardrobe that consists of little more than four colors -- red, white, navy blue and gray. Stray too far from those options, and your candidacy stands as much of a chance as Amy Winehouse does passing a Breathalyzer test. So, since we are knee-deep into a presidential campaign, we thought it might be nice to help outfit any of you looking to throw your hat into the ring using Sen. McCallister as a role model. It is the ultimate definition of "dress for success."
Almost every minute of every day Sen. McCallister is wearing a white button-down dress shirt with barrel cuffs. As far as politicos are concerned, French cuffs went the way of freedom fries and are too froufrou to be taken seriously by red staters. A great choice is the forward point pinpoint dress shirt from Brooks Brothers. It also comes in blue if you're feeling especially cheeky while in New Hampshire.
In fact, Brooks Brothers also has a perfect selection of suits for fundraisers and glad-handing. But as a word to the wise, choose from the label's 1818 collection in charcoal and navy. Its Golden Fleece collection tends to shout "high-end lobbyist." Other designers with classic selections include Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Hickey-Freeman. No matter the label, avoid patterns, double-breasts and peaked lapels.
With a top-notch navy suit coat you can then be daring and mix it up by adding gray dress pants such as Risalto flat fronts from JB Britches. Pleats tend to make us think you're OK with global warming.
But what really seems to differentiate the Mondales from the Reagans (yep, we reached back for that one) is the neckwear. Remember, you might be wearing the nicest pants in the world, but behind a podium all anyone cares about is your tie. McCallister has listened to his advisers and keeps things smart with the whopping choice of red or blue -- in subtle patterns or stripes. If you want to look as if you're already the most powerful man in the universe, you need neckwear from designer Sanford Bryant. Trust us, they're a great investment.
Of course, for politicians the devil is in the details, and it's here where Sen. McCallister excels. If it weren't for the proper fitting, the perfectly hemmed pants (no cuffs!) and the dimpled tie, Kitty might never have fallen for his platform.
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