Definitions

When I write about these subjects, I'm talking about style not fashion. I don't know what fashion is and I don't care. It's usually silly. If I followed fashion I'd be telling you to buy pants three sizes too big and to wear your baseball cap sideways.

Style means your style not what everyone else likes or thinks is cool.

It's not just about how you present yourself, but your comfort as well.

Presidential Style

The men who occupy the White House have always been under intense scrutiny for everything from policy to personal style. These are some guys that brought a little flair with them to the Oval Office.

JFK cool. Like having Steve McQueen as Commander in Chief. He looked loose and confident in everything he wore.

Ronald Reagan. Maybe it was his Hollywood pedigree, but he was always immaculate in his personal style. Well tailored suits, Windsor knots in his neckties. Sharp as a tack.

Much has been made of George W's boots, both positively and negatively. The truth is, that it is perfectly acceptable to bring something regional to traditional clothing. LBJ and Reagan wore them as well and nobody gave them a hard time about it. America has cultures within cultures and Bush's western roots showed his personal preference. I'm good with that.

President Obama carries off classic tailoring with his athlete's frame. He always tops it off with a killer necktie. He's a clothes hangar that suits were made for.

There are many more examples of note. FDR's hats and pince nez. Truman's white linen double breasted suit and panama.

Each inhabitant of the White House brings their own idea of how the Leader of the Free World should present himself.