By Lauren Bishop
Enquirer staff writer

With President Bush's and Sen. John Kerry's daughters showing up at events ranging from political party conventions to the MTV Video Music Awards, the media have paid almost as much attention to what the girls are wearing as what they're saying.

We're no exception. But we couldn't let the daughters' parents - from whom they inherited some of their fashion sense, or lack thereof - escape scrutiny. After all, clothes make the man - especially if he's a presidential candidate.

So we asked fashion and style experts to rate some recent photos of the candidates, their wives and daughters in similar situations. Here's what they said.

George Bush

Jeff Cahall, owner, Crosley's Menswear and Custom Clothier His choice of shirts under his navy blazer indicates an interest in a personal style, (showing) a nonconventional and more fashionable approach to his shirting. His choice of a navy blazer and gray flannels keep him connected to his Ivy League background as well.

Corwyn Thomas, owner, Corwyn Apparel: This is just ridiculous. Blue check shirt, power red tie, navy blue sport coat and black pants. He brings new meaning to the "Rainbow Coalition." How many of those solid red ties does the president have?

Donna Wesselman, owner, Bella Donna: He seems more relaxed and I like that pop of color in his tie. I think it shows not only confidence but a comfort in his situation. He is also well groomed.

John Kerry

Jeff Cahall: His choice of shirts is more conventional and more off-the-rack (than Bush's).

Corwyn Thomas: I have never been a fan of the presidential candidates in the tone-on-tone or monochromatic attire. Monochromatic colors offer very little contrast and may be considered boring unless there is diversity within the design. I do, however, like the dark suit with the light blue shirt, but French cuffs offer a more polished look. A darker blue tie would offer him just the contrast his outfit needs.

Donna Wesselman: His attire demonstrates his personality, a bit stiff and formal, very "banker" looking, very proper. He appears well -groomed and I'm sure his suits are custom-made. They seem to fit well and it is very appropriate for the occasion.

Jenna and Barbara Bush at the MTV Video Music Awards

Jeff Cahall: The Bush twins look a little more fashion-forward and together (than the Kerry sisters).

Corwyn Thomas: What can I say. They just look country. The one on the left looks like she went to Western Depot and the one on the right looks like her top was once part of an 18th-century tablecloth. You're beautiful, young, rich and famous. Look like it. Take some tips from Paris Hilton. Absolutely no style points for either.

Donna Wesselman: They look great - typical styles of someone their age. They seem hip and fun and sure of themselves. I love their tops and the jeans seem to fit them well.

Vanessa and Alexandra Kerry at the MTV Video Music Awards

Jeff Cahall: The Kerry women look a little more "off the rack" and disinterested in their clothing choices (than the Bush twins).

Corwyn Thomas: Xena the Warrior Princess and her trusty sidekick. Are they accepting an award for the worst-dressed dynamic medieval duo?

Donna Wesselman: The one brown dress is awful - it looks like a cave woman style. With all the fabulous fashions at their fingertips, they could come up with something better than this. The black dress is fine, but it looks like she just stuck the white jacket over it at the last minute. Neither outfit is very flattering.

5. Bush casual

Jeff Cahall: His choice of jeans and cowboy boots along with a metal-tipped belt keep him connected to his Texas heritage.

Corwyn Thomas: President Bush looks right at home in his Texas attire. His appearance appeals to every hard working man in America. This is a great look for public partnering and leveraging support from middle class Americans.

Donna Wesselman: He dresses true to his personality and emulates the character of the cowboy - steadfast, no nonsense, common sense. He looks comfortable and casual and very appropriate for his ranch (boots, jeans, work shirt).

6. Kerry casual

Jeff Cahall: His choice of accessories (belts and shoes) indicate a desire to be more comfortable than stylish.

Corwyn Thomas: Great endorsement. To the public he comes off looking like a coach rallying the troops. To the kids, a team player and motivator. I also like the gym shoes with the oxford/khaki look. Donna Wesselman: He looks like someone from prep school and a little out of his element. This is not the proper attire for a pick-up football game.

7. Laura Bush at the Republican National Convention

Jeff Cahall: Mrs. Bush always seems to be pretty coiffed and pretty together.

Corwyn Thomas: I like the Caribbean blue suit that Mrs. Bush is wearing. She looks fabulous. Her hairstyle is also great. She is well prepared to do business. Donna Wesselman: The color is great on her - she wears it well but she could get a little more "jazzy" in her design. The suit is tailored and very acceptable in the public circles she deals with. But I think she could show a little more updated styles rather than be so sedate - something fun and feminine, a tweed boucle jacket with a little fringe over a simple skirt in a pretty color like salmon or raspberry.

8. Teresa Heinz Kerry at the Democratic National Convention

Jeff Cahall: Her hair is just out there. She and Mrs. Bush seem to be wearing the same pair of shoes.

Corwyn Thomas: Everyone knows that it is fashion suicide to wear white after Labor Day. Even though it's not after Labor Day , she is cutting it close. It looks like she's wearing a bed sheet. If she insists on wearing white, it should be an elegant dress with a casual neckline and plenty of length to cover up her legs.

Donna Wesselman: Her suit is very elegant and looks good on her. Again, she could also jazz it up a bit and make it a little less stiff.

9. Bush at a campaign rally

Jeff Cahall: He seems to have a real sense of style in his dress. His clothing choices are a little less conventional than Kerry's. His trousers are obviously tailored to fit him, as Kerry's seem to be pre-finished (store bought).

Corwyn Thomas: A standard white shirt always looks great with dark pants, and the red tie is a plus as well. Everyone knows that red is a power color, and the president of the United States is the most powerful man on the planet. The First Lady is all a match, but she should stick to blue variety. Blue is a constant traditional, not to mention patriotic - given the occasion.

Donna Wesselman: Both the men are essentially the same, rolled up shirt sleeves, shirt and tie with dark pants. Very appropriate for their events - seems to show they are working hard. Laura Bush looks pretty in her suit. Again, very sedate and tailored, but the scarf adds a little color. As before, she could wear something a bit more relaxed - a pretty colored cardigan, blouse and slacks - maybe a colorful brooch on the cardigan.

10. Kerry at a campaign rally

Jeff Cahall: Kerry definitely has an East Coast preppy style to his dress. In two of his pictures, he is seen wearing a button-down sport shirt in a check pattern. He also is seen wearing cotton chinos in two of the photos.

Corwyn Thomas: I like the cotton blue checked oxford look. Soft, mid-sized checks are often non-distracting and always a complement to khaki pants. Mrs. Kerry looks comfortable as well in her navy blue and white, but she definitely needs some work in the posturing department (i.e. her foot position).

Donna Wesselman: Teresa Heinz Kerry looks the part of a northeast woman - black and white. The look is simple but plain. She could have added a neat belt, scarf or brooch for a little punch. She could lose the shoes - a black slide or mule would have worked better.

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E-mail lbishop@enquirer.com