MetaChat - SOTU - What's with the Red Blazers?

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29 January 2008

SOTU - What's with the Red Blazers? I only watched a few minutes of the State of the Union, but→[More:] it seemed like every female there aside from Pelosi had a red blazer on.

So, bunny sisters, how many of you have a red blazer, or jacket, or whatever, and do you get it out and wear it on "power" occasions?

Just curious.

post by: danf at: 12:49 | 17 comments

I bought a red blazer at a thrift shop about 2 years ago. I thought it was cute and well-made, but every time I put it on I feel ridiculously bright and conspicuous. So I take it off.

So I've never actually worn it for more than 20 seconds at a time.

posted by iconomy 29 January | 12:52

February is Heart Healthy month, and I know one way they encourage people to support the cause is to wear red. Maybe they were gettting a head start?

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 29 January | 12:56

I don't know, but it reminds me of one of the best lines I ever heard on The Daily Show, many years ago, in a story about Congress:

"Four hundred white guys in blue suits and red ties tooks steps today to ban human cloning."

posted by BoringPostcards 29 January | 12:59

Except for that one chick in the tangerine-colored thing. It was fun trying to find her in every shot.

posted by dismas 29 January | 13:00

I certainly don't (although yesterday I bought a pair of red flats, and they make me feel so aggressivly present).

posted by muddgirl 29 January | 13:10

Nope, never owned a red blazer. I don't think I've owned but maybe two or three blazers in my whole life and don't own any at the moment.

Not that you asked, but bright red doesn't look good on me (I'm too pink) and I prefer softer reds.

posted by deborah 29 January | 13:18

I thought Hillary's red blazer was totally fierce. I don't think a red blazer would fit in with my wardrobe, though.

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 29 January | 13:25

No, I'd never own one. Far too Butlins.

posted by essexjan 29 January | 13:32

I've got one. I married mrs chewie in it. But like ico, I feel pretty damn conspicuous in it otherwise.

Sounds like it woulda been a good drinking game. Red blazer, bottoms up! I couldn't stomach SOTU w/ MonkeyAss still on the throne. The SOTU is, sucky.

posted by chewatadistance 29 January | 14:28

I had a red blazer but I felt so flight-attendant-y in it that I gave it away.

posted by sperose 29 January | 14:32

It is a bit of a stereotype for female politicians. They want to fit into the boys' club, but they also want to stand out a bit. It's like the males' yellow or red ties, I suppose.

posted by mrmoonpie 29 January | 15:31

That IS fierce!
≡ Click to see image ≡

posted by danf 29 January | 15:55

What MrMoonPie said -- I've even read features and political columns about the ubiquity of the red suit for the female politico. Diane Feinstien famously always wears red. It's one of the narrow palette of colors that politicians feel they can wear without making too strong a statement and alienating the public - and for women, looking serious has been a priority. I can remember reading about this as far back as Pat Schroeder's bid.

Here's a great NYT piece about how Nancy Pelosi's flair is influencing women's fashion on the HIll.

posted by Miko 29 January | 16:08

I do have a red suit. I very rarely wear it because it makes me feel like that real estate agent on the Simpsons.

posted by crush-onastick 29 January | 16:13

Ditto crush, except for the owning-a-red-suit part.

posted by box 29 January | 16:17

I think red is popular since it's a color, which makes it more "feminine" than black or navy, or pinstripe. However, it's not a pastel, so it doesn't say that the wearer is weak. Plus, flag colors are always popular.

posted by kellydamnit 29 January | 17:19

Nancy Pelosi's flair is influencing women's fashion on the HIll.

Please, anything! I'm no fashion plate (at all!) but the women's fashion in D.C. is truly dreadful.

posted by Claudia_SF 29 January | 17:33

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