Michelle Obama and Ann Romney both wore pink to last night’s presidential debate. (Photos: Getty)
First Lady Michelle Obama (L) and guests sit in their seats prior to a town hall style presidential debate at Hofstra University October 16, 2012 in Hempstead, New York. During the second of three presidential debates, the candidates fielded questions from audience members on a wide variety of issues. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
First Lady Michelle Obama smiles as she watches the second presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, U.S., on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012. President Barack Obama repeatedly challenged the truth of challenger Mitt Romney’s statements as the two battled over the auto industry bailout, energy policy and social issues in their second debate. Photographer: Scott Eells/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama go to embrace after a town hall style debate at Hofstra University October 16, 2012 in Hempstead, New York. During the second of three presidential debates, the candidates fielded questions from audience members on a wide variety of issues. (Photo by Michael Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images)
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama embrace after a town hall style debate at Hofstra University October 16, 2012 in Hempstead, New York. During the second of three presidential debates, the candidates fielded questions from audience members on a wide variety of issues. (Photo by Michael Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images)
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama embrace after a town hall style debate at Hofstra University October 16, 2012 in Hempstead, New York. During the second of three presidential debates, the candidates fielded questions from audience members on a wide variety of issues. (Photo by Michael Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images)
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney kisses wife Ann Romney after a town hall style debate with U.S. President Barack Obama at Hofstra University October 16, 2012 in Hempstead, New York. During the second of three presidential debates, the candidates fielded questions from audience members on a wide variety of issues. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is greeted by his wife Ann Romney and son Matt Romney as U.S. President Barack Obama hugs wife Michelle Obama after a town hall style debate at Hofstra University October 16, 2012 in Hempstead, New York. During the second of three presidential debates, the candidates fielded questions from audience members on a wide variety of issues. (Photo by Rick Wilking-Pool/Getty Images)
President Barack Obama (C) shakes hands with a police as he and his wife Michelle Obama exit the stage after a town hall style debate at Hofstra University October 16, 2012 in Hempstead, New York. During the second of three presidential debates, the candidates fielded questions from audience members on a wide variety of issues. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
First lady Michelle Obama wore a ‘pepto-pink’ suit — as it was described by style watchers on Twitter — to the second presidential debate last night. Watching her husband President Obama from the sidelines in Hempstead, New York, Michelle paired the bright ensemble with a simple strand of pearls.
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Described as “a neon jacket and sheath dress by Michael Kors” by the Mrs. O fashion blog, the first lady’s look was very similar to that selected by Ann Romney for the occasion.
“Of note, both Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Romney wore pink dresses for the evening — described on Twitter as ‘pepto-pink’ and ‘bubblegum’ in hue. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, perhaps the color was chosen to support the cause?,” questioned the style outlet that chronicles the first lady’s fashions. As Ann Romney is a breast cancer survivor, that choice in support of this cause would be very fitting.
Yet, some fashionistas still brought out their claws to dissect the statement made by the women through choosing this shocking pink shade, whatever the underlying motive.
An edgy guide to all things chic, The Gloss commented, “although we’re not crazy about the color, we think she looked pretty great,” on the first lady’s take. “After all, if you’re going to wear a screaming shade of hot pink, you might want to keep everything else very simple and clean. And she did!”
Ann Romney did not fare so well under the fashion world’s intense scrutiny. From her supposedly clashing gem necklace, to brazen comments about Ann’s choice of foundation garments, for some — particularly on Twitter — Romney couldn’t win.
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Most reactions have been rather benign though, focusing on this opportunity to compare and contrast the presidential candidate’s spouses and have a bit of fun. A fashion face-off between these ladies was probably inevitable. Voting on who looked better in “pepto-pink” has provided the perfect fodder, and sprouted up on several sites.
“Both Michelle and Ann looked pretty in pink at the debate,” opined the E! online Pop & Politics blog, joining the trend, “but we want to know… who stole the show with her hot-pink look? Michelle or Ann?”
Definitely a great question. Take a look at the photos above and let us know which woman you think wore pink with the greatest appeal.
Follow Alexis Garrett Stodghill on Twitter at @lexisb.
