Presidents are known for their scandals. Bush had Lewinsky, and Reagan had Watergate, but what does Obama have? 

Obama had a tan suit as his scandal.

On August 28, 2014, Obama addressed the US Military in response to ISIS saying “We don’t have a strategy yet.” This address was all said wearing a tan suit. 

“It is unpresidential, there’s no way, I don’t think, any of us can excuse what the president did yesterday.” US Representative Peter King commented on the suit. 

The tan suit was deemed as “unpresidential” and “rave ready” by republican candidates. 

But why is clothing so divisive in politics?

”We live in a very visual society.” Says Corey Roche, a stylist that works with both Hollywood and Washington clients.

The importance of how presidential candidates dress themselves causes opinions especially for centrists to form, which adds pressure for them to dress the best they can all the time. 

This can be seen with the Nixon and Kennedy debate, where those who watched the debate online tended to vote for Kennedy better since they viewed him as more attractive. 

In the case of Obama, he usually wears dark colors when addressing the nation, so wearing a “bright” color for a serious conversation was viewed as a wrong move on the president’s part.

Obama isn’t the only one that has been a victim of fashion choices affecting their reputation. The entire 2016 election was focused on Clinton and Trump’s attire.

During the presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Clinton sported a white suit while Trump wore a slightly oversized suit and a horrible tan.

Clinton was viewed as more “dignified” with her suit, portraying herself as the “saving grace of America” as Lauren Rotham, author of “Style Bible: What to wear to work” says.

Trump on the other hand, did not have the same positive reaction.

His oversized suit and messy hair made him appear more disorganized and hassled. People thought that he looked older than he was, letting Hillary be made out to look better on style alone. 

Fashion continues to play a big part in politics, dominating many people’s minds even if subconsciously. 

This can be seen with other people as well such as the former queen of England. 

The queen usually sported a cinched waist with bright colors, usually incorporating a pattern and a matching handbag.

Her iconic fashion choices allowed her to cement herself and her silhouette as a staple in politics and fashion. 

Another example can be Princess Diana and her famous “Revenge dress”. An off the shoulder black dress and a statement necklace was cemented for everyone, especially Americans, as the outfit to wear when getting revenge.

The outfit spoke heavily for itself, showing the end of her marriage, and the beginning of a new chapter. She was praised for her outfit and was constantly admired for new fashion trends.

Politicians and presidents constantly have to look the part. From seamless suits to statement accessories, the way that they carry themselves plays a large role in how much people like them. By pushing the fashion envelope, they also push the political one, showing the importance of knowing policies and the importance of looking hot and iconic.