Making a statement-Hillary's color choices
Has anyone else noticed the progression of Hillary Clinton's outfit colors as the primaries progress?
image source
“Hillary Clinton’s biggest criticism is how harsh she is,” said Mary Lou Andre, president of Organization by Design Inc., a professional image consulting firm in Needham. “I think by wearing certain feminine colors, she will connect with voters. I think the public knows she can do the job. It’s her likability that’s the issue.”(source)
Evidently a way to appear more accessible, she wore red in Texas, ginger in South Dakota and buttercream in West Virginia. It certainly sets her apart from all of those somber dark gray, black and navy blue suits out there in on the campaign trail. I am fascinated by how far color psychology can penetrate into marketing strategies. Just look at most official uniforms- navy blue is favored because the message it sends says: authority, dependability, and strength.A Washington Post article dubbed her, "Clinton-the-human-color-wheel". But it's a smart way to set herself apart, to communicate more of her message through the colors she wears.
What do you think? Is it chauvinistic to focus on Hillary's clothes, or do we do the same for her male counter-parts? Do you think what the politicians are wearing have any bearing on their appeal as candidates?
4 comments:
I have gone on the "record" on my blog to discuss the lack of diversity in the male candidates neckties! So commenting on Hillary's color choices is fair game. Although I think she has taken it to a place that is unrealistic, who wears that much color?
Since every move and comment of hers is deliberately choreographed... it just seems that her consultants whether fashion or political are lacking expertise. Poor Hillary.
I think she would have been better off selecting a handful of flattering colors - peaches, mid-toned blues for instance - and creating a uniform, monochromatic, look within a limited range of colors. This would have given her a softer (more likeable) yet consistent impression.
Male politicians are judged on looks - specifically height - the taller man usually wins. More women running will possibly lower the height standard.
Sometimes I think its too hard for me to decipher why I judge one way or another. I probably take everything into account without knowing it.
I like that there is discussion about the colors she is wearing. We are still trying to define women in power, and I don't know how long before we figure it out. There is definitely a gender battle out there, and its bigger than color. I don't think we discuss a man's necktie as often, but I do think that his "people" are thinking about the impression a color will project.
I still consider what I am going to wear based on how I feel. I will never wear black or navy when I'm feeling down, although sometimes I'd like to wallow.
This took me back to the 90's when Hillary wore the pink suit on national television as she defended herself about making 100K in profits from cattle futures. So demure! ahem....
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