The recent political conventions put fashion on the stage.The next two months will be a parade of looks to critique as much as the issuesto debate.

We all love to criticize what people wear, but in thispresidential campaign, the threads matter.

Ronn Torossian, chief executive officer of 5W PublicRelations in New York, said campaign officials tend to every last detail whenit comes to appearances.

"Be very clear that clothing is part of one's brandimage," said Torossian, whose client portfolio includes entertainmentmogul Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, who makes many best-dressed lists.

Campaign fashion needs to be sensible, not flashy, Torossiansaid. It's good to look good, but not stand out.

Which brings us to Cindy McCain's saffron shirtdress, whichhas fashion people clucking.

On its Web site, Vanity Fair magazine estimated that theOscar de la Renta dress McCain wore on the first night of the RepublicanNational Convention cost $3,000. Accessorized with a Chanel watch, diamondearrings, pearl necklace and Taryn Rose shoes, the magazine's editors estimatedthe cost of the ensemble at $300,000.

Carol Peterson, owner of Carol's Couture in Scottsdale,called McCain's look that night "polished and classy."

Paula Baxter, curator of art and architecture at the NewYork Public Library and a blogger on all things fashion, said she thinksMcCain, who has been photographed in hues ranging from crab apple to baby blue,is holding back a little.

"She has excellent, conservative dress sense, but I betshe'd dress with a bit more flair if she becomes first lady," Baxter saidvia e-mail.

Torossian said McCain has it relatively easy, given her goodlooks, sense of style and ability to spend $3,000 for a dress. What someconsider buttoned-up, others may see as sophisticated.

"To some degree, it's the Jackie O. look,"Torossian said. "Frankly, she's a pretty woman."

Looks aren't an issue for John McCain's running mate, SarahPalin, either. Palin has kept it simple, wearing monochromatic skirt suits inblack or beige, her hair generally pinned back into a twist.

It may portray professionalism and experience. But for DianaGruenig, owner of Phoenix Personal Shopper, it didn't work.

"That black suit, she looked like death warmedover," she said, referring to the suit Palin wore the day McCain announcedshe would be his running mate.

To be sure, women have it harder than men.

John McCain looked like the polished politico Thursday, thenight of his acceptance speech, in a fitted black suit and goldenrod tie.Barack Obama carried through the Democratic Party's red fashion theme bypairing a red and white diagonally striped tie with his European cut suit. AndJoe Biden exuded Capitol Hill style with a dark suit and red tie.

"For men, there (are) only so many outfits you canwear," Torossian said.

That's probably why water-cooler talk focused on thedresses, not the ties, after the Democratic National Convention two weeks ago.

Did Michelle Obama's turquoise dress work for the biggestspeech of her life? How about Hillary Clinton's mango suit?

"I liked the (mango) pantsuit," boutique-ownerPeterson said.

She loved Obama's style as well. She's a bit edgier,Peterson said, noting Obama's designer choice for the convention's final nightand her rosette-adorned neckline the previous evening. The designer Petersonmentioned was Thakoon Panichgul, who created the dress described by the LosAngeles Times as a "sophisticated and fierce print with a retro, ladylikecut." Fashion insiders priced the dress at $1,250.

Peterson said she thought Obama could have accessorizedbetter the night she addressed the convention. Torossian said the pared-downlook was intentional.

"I think Michelle Obama has been seen as wanting tosoften her reputation," he said. " . . . By dressing casual yetsophisticated, that's what she's trying to do."