…appearing on the Jay Leno show: biker chic.
It’s a little much, but I kind of like it. How many 63-year-olds could pull this look off? Very very few.
The comments at HuffPo are interesting. Some actually approve, despite not liking Ann herself. Some say she looks like a whore. Funny, in this day and age—and she is so covered up, how could this be?
I think it’s because she’s an inherently sexy woman, and something even a tiny bit suggestive on her looks pretty hot, whether there’s much skin showing or not. It looks like she’s revealing more than she is.
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Previously a lifelong Democrat, born in New York and living in New England, surrounded by liberals on all sides, I've found myself slowly but surely 
October 6th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
I am sorry to see her playing the “cool” game like Obama and Clinton (did Dubya ever succumb to this?).
I was hoping, and still hope, for a president who isn’t “cool” but ^competent^ (dammit). I want an ^adult^ leading us, not some ^%$#ing kool kat.
October 6th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Is she competing with Michelle? Her outfit is pretty striking.
October 6th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
Hmm! I tried for a minute to understand the new styles in women’s shoes, then gave up.
When did well dressed women stop wearing stockings? I know a few generations who would be jealous.
I will say that Ann Romney can likely do no wrong in my eyes. Classy woman. I really like classy women. Laura Bush will always be my measuring stick.
I even admire the things they knock AR for–owning high level dressage horses–and working to ride dressage to the best of her own ability. Wish I could have afforded a couple of decent ones for my daughters (they struggled with well loved nags). No more beautiful human-animal partnership.
October 6th, 2012 at 2:26 pm
I think she is slyly thumbing her nose at Jay. I would have done the same thing, only I wouldn’t have carried it off quite as well. Um, make that nowhere near as well.
October 6th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
I don’t care for that look, but she certainly wears it well and doesn’t look 63!
October 6th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
She’s being sassy towards America’s most famous ‘biker’… Jay Leno.
I.E. It’s a ‘gag’ dress.
October 6th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
On her very worst day and in her worst ever choice of outfits she still will always put Michelle to shame. There is no denying a ‘lady’ no matter what she happens to be wearing at the time. It’s in the carriage and character. That can not be bought no matter how exclusive the ‘designer’.
October 6th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
She does look good at 63. But I’ll agree with OldFlyer, Laura Bush set the benchmark.
October 6th, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Confident men like confident women.
October 6th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
She looks great, but I still pine for the days when nobody really cared who the candidate’s spouse was, what she looked like, her favorite recipes, etc.
October 6th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
conrad: do you think those days really existed? I don’t recall them.
I think people have always been somewhat interested in First Ladies and what they wear, etc.
October 6th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
My first impression? I’m disappointed at the image.
Maybe it’s critical to the campaign for her to say that if she can pull this off, her husband’s not a stuffed shirt.
October 6th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
I think neo is right, Conrad. I’m not sure how much influence the wives have had on the elections themselves (and they are probably not really a significant influence this year) but Americans have taken an interest in First Ladies going all the way back to the founding of the Republic – Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Dolly Madison etc.
October 6th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
Police Say Hookers Drug and Mug Rich Men in Plush Midtown Hotels
http://observer.com/1998/02/police-say-hookers-drug-and-mug-rich-men-in-plush-midtown-hotels/
October 6th, 2012 at 6:21 pm
I think she looks fantastic. And I think this makes Michelle Obama look even more unfortunate – some comparisons are just harsh. (And yes, considering all the gushing about how MO was soooo stylish and such an icon, we can make the comparison.)
October 6th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
I just orgasmed.
Not really but I wanted to remind you
all that women were exclaiming that about Bill Clinton.
October 6th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
Yum! Strong older women (and 63 is not that old) who are experienced and honest are typically beautiful in both looks and in intelligence.. . Ann has it and so too does you know who with the apple.
October 6th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Even though she has the good looks to pull off this somewhat fussy goth outfit, I’d really like to see her wear more classic clothes. It’s time for the adults to be in charge.
It’s also time for middle-aged/older women to stop trying to look like 30-year-olds. It won’t work…ever….without special lighting or photoshop. Laura Bush managed to dress properly without looking like an over the hill frump.
I spend about 2 hours each day watching people (and web surfing) at my local Starbucks. It’s a great place to enjoy the human comedy.
Most women, young and old, just look like crap. Older women tend to stuff themselves into unflattering outfits with too many gew gaws, while many younger women wear tops that look like they were found in the rag bag.
Thank goodness for blue jeans. If the right size, they look good on almost everybody.
Michelle Obama set the tone for godawful outfits that make no sense figurewise or colorwise. Ann Romney should avoid trying to look like a Michelle wannabee. Yucko. Feh.
Laura Bush knew how to dress. Except for the time she wore the burkha. That was a sad day for Americans. I never could view her again with the same respect.
October 6th, 2012 at 8:05 pm
BTW, Sarah Palin ALWAYS looks great. She’s a gorgeous woman who knows how to dress for the occasion. Even though she actually rides a motorcycle, she never dressed in an ugly biker chick outfit. She wore a beautiful biker chick outfit.
October 6th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
What Promethea said.
Progressives can’t STAND it when Republican women look great. They beclown themselves. Ann’s giving them that opportunity. I love that.
October 6th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Could not agree more Promethea…..I can’t recall ever seeing Palin looking other than appropriate and chic. From a tee and jeans to a heavy snow parka and boots she looks terrific. In a suit and peek a toe shoes she looks fabulous.
October 6th, 2012 at 10:40 pm
For whatever its worth, men (and women too!) have always judged a man by “his” woman.
October 6th, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Uh, uh. Get rid of the stylist!
(Dollars to donuts she didn’t pick that one out herself. And I’m guessing that it wasn’t any of her daughter-in-laws either.
From the neck up: beautiful. From the waist down: Quel horreur! The skirt on its own… great. Teamed with simple cashmere turtleneck and high-heeled shoes – stunning, sexy. An unusual detailed piece — chic and fashion forward. with
As for the shoes…yuck! They wouldn’t look good on ANYone. They make the ankles look thick and their just heavy looking – the very opposite open, airy, and light effect that sandals should suggest. They are just plain ugly! (in my opinion).
Another option would be to choose the jacket and make it the focal point. It’s edgy, and fun and the cropped length is flattering. If Mrs. Romney had worn some simple tailored trousers in black or even a contrasting color, the jacket would have dressed it all up. A fun look, and, yeah, hip.
One more thing: bare legs. Just can’t get used used to it and I find it much less attractive than stocking’d legs. Pretty obvious that I grew up when it was de rigeur to wher pantyhose/stockings. I mean the sheer natural color ones or lightly tinted ones. They hide a multitude of sins (from varicose veins to bruises) and lengthen the leg with the smooth perfecting effect. Plus there was the added benefit when the invention of knitting lycra into the top part eliminated the need for girdles and tummies, butts, and thighs were firmed up and good-bye to the lumps and bumps. Even a spray tan can’t do that.
All that having been said, it sure looks like Mrs. Romney was having a great time wearing the outfit, feeling young and chic and hip. So no big harm, really.
However, there does come a time when “women of a certain age” (like maybe a grandma 15 times over!) can’t pull off what an 18 – 20 year old can.
October 6th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Forgot the last line:
When in doubt, always remember: less is always more!
October 6th, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Just enlarged the image — didn’t realize the top and skirt are actually a matched outfit — looks like lacy perforated leather top and skirt.
Still think it’s too much. And the metallic gold or silver nail polish, lose it.
October 6th, 2012 at 11:18 pm
Hey, now you know how Romney ended up with 5 sons. The man has it going on all over the place.
I hope he wins just so we can continue to see pictures of his wife.
Rowwrrrrrr!
October 7th, 2012 at 12:20 am
Looks good for someone nearly my age. It would not be what I would suggest, but image is all. The base isn’t going to revolt, but some flakes may take a second look.
October 7th, 2012 at 1:57 am
One more thing: bare legs. Just can’t get used used to it and I find it much less attractive than stocking’d legs. Pretty obvious that I grew up when it was de rigeur to wher pantyhose/stockings.
I absolutely detest pantyhose, and am beyond thankful that they are no longer “de rigeur.” I can’t think of a more dated, uncomfortable and useless piece of female apparel, unless it’s shoulder pads in blouses.
October 7th, 2012 at 2:47 am
I like her attitude, her confidence, and, yes, class. She’s classy whatever she’s wearing.
October 7th, 2012 at 4:00 am
She carried it off, and very well indeed.
…stunning.
FWIW.
Women wear what women wear. If it’s gawdawful, the worst thing any man should say is, “You look nice today.” (That’s never a lie: you aren’t necessarily commenting upon their mode …perhaps you’re focusing on their smile, or spirit. Whatever. Buy a clue.)
If you can’t be at least that polite …shut.up.
Don’t be boorish. Don’t be a bloody cad.
October 7th, 2012 at 5:21 am
This commentariat is a bit s l o w on the up take: the dress was a GAG prop oriented strictly for the show.
Hello….
—
At least Jay Leno got the joke.
October 7th, 2012 at 5:45 am
}}}} Some say she looks like a whore
… or it could be that they’re just looking for ANY kind of excuse to diss the wife of the opposition’s nominee.
“Reeeeowr!!! Phttt! Phttt! Phtttt!”
October 7th, 2012 at 6:52 am
Love the outfit on Ann Romney. But I wished Ann and Mitt would boycott all talk shows. The obamas have demeaned the Office of the Presidency appearing on t.v. in every venue, every second of every day. President Kardashian and Moochelle are crass, mannerless, and disgusting faux celebrities.
Romney/Ryan 2012.
October 7th, 2012 at 7:09 am
Gag or not, how many 23 year olds could have pulled off this look this well?
October 7th, 2012 at 7:42 am
blert: the fourth comment, from “Marine’s Mom,” mentioned that already.
But whatever her motives for wearing it, my point was how she looked in it, and also the reaction of the HuffPo commenters to it.
October 7th, 2012 at 7:47 am
Random Thoughts: I agree that pantyhose are one of the worst inventions ever. It’s almost humorous that they are/were touted as an advance over old-fashioned stockings with garters, when they are a net negative in the comfort arena. If I recall correctly, they were invented when miniskirts came in, because the skirts were too short for gartered stockings to work.
October 7th, 2012 at 8:19 am
I think she looks great. It adds whimsical and daring to the list of wonderful things she has going for herself.
October 7th, 2012 at 8:42 am
Pantyhose, a modern day Gordian knot for 17yr olds in the chevy backseat at midnight.
October 7th, 2012 at 11:25 am
Even as a gag outifit, that looks pretty darn good. I wouldn’t want to see the First Lady dressed that way – but then again, FL Obama has worn some outfits that were hideous.
Glad someone else jumped on the fascination with First Ladies. I read some of the grand old ladies’ magazines (like McClure’s) and there was an absolute interest in having interviews with First Ladies – even asking them to pen a column themselves on occasion.
re: pantyhose. I wish I could find an old-fashioned garter with stockings (not those awful corsette combos to which every on-line search invariably leads me). I got to wear them once, borrowed from an aunt for a play, and they were wonderful – I could actually run and climb stairs in them without runs.
October 7th, 2012 at 11:36 am
Works for me. You go girl.
October 7th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
VAAA-VOOOOOOOOM, Missus Romney!!
You GO, GIRL!!
October 7th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Good Lord! She looks fabulous, even if one doesn’t care for the outfit itself (I think it’s fine). As a 56 year old woman who can still rock a bikini, I’m all for women wearing whatever they look good in, and who cares about those jealous ones who say (God, how many times have I heard this?) “a woman should look her age.”
What does that mean, anyway? What is a 63 year old woman supposed to look like? A dumpy frump? And for the record, though she was (and is) classy I think Laura Bush dresses rather frumpily.
October 7th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Kathy: Agree about Laura Bush. A beautiful and gracious woman who looks far younger than her age, she nevertheless dresses quite a bit like Queen Elizabeth II.
October 7th, 2012 at 3:16 pm
That’s smokin for ANY age.
October 7th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
She’s just like christmas in the morning …
Let it Rain
October 7th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
A first lady, like Carla Bruni…
October 8th, 2012 at 8:27 am
And she raised five boys…wow!!
October 8th, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Where are her stockings? I agree with the person above who wonders why well-dressed women are not wearing hose. Not too many women have legs that couldn’t be improved with some nice stockings. In the UK, I see that Duchess Kate, who no doubt would look good with or without, wears them and looks quite polished.
BTW . . . I am an admirer of Ann Romney.
October 9th, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Well, as far as I can see, M.O. has been trying to pull off the edgy-chic-but-not-trashy look for about 3 years now without success, and A.R. just nailed it right out of the gate.
Just to show she can do it, I hope, and not to make a habit of it.
October 10th, 2012 at 7:09 am
purely from a fashion p.o.v., the shoes don’t work (shouldve worn boots, heh) but the rest looks fine.
not seeing how it’s unseemly. it covers a lot, isn’t sheer, isn’t form-fitting, yadda yadda. looks mature to me. i really don’t see that as a young woman’s outfit (like leopard prints…only older women wear stuff like that… a bit too fussy for the younguns)
October 10th, 2012 at 8:39 am
Re: pantyhose. Growing up in the ’70s-’80s, I assumed you had to wear them to work, church, occasions, etc. But sometime around 2000, after moving to the West Coast, I realized I was the only one wearing them and felt like such a granny. Back East, some wear them, but most women my age do not.
November 8th, 2012 at 11:58 am
I think a page from Kate Middleton and how she wears fine hosiery on her legs, would improve this ‘not quite finished’ look.