In the past couple of years, I’ve noticed that Washington men are paying more attention to the fit of their business attire. Where oversized suits, shirts with excessive fabric, and mismatched belts and ties were once commonplace, we’re seeing more tailored suits, slim-fit shirts, skinny ties, even colorful pocket squares and socks. In fact, Washington seems comparatively better dressed these days when you visit other cities in the United States. It’s clear that “Mad Men” going mainstream had something to do with this trend. The globalization of fashion plays a role, too–Charles Tyrwhitt, an import from London’s Jermyn Street, recently opened in Washington, and I’ve noticed men are eschewing stores like Jos. A. Bank for these better-cut styles.

This trend is the reason why Paul Ryan’s seriously massive suits gained so much media attention. I really think that eight, maybe even four, years ago, only the most serious fashion followers would have thought something was off–but back then, most everything was off about Washington fashion, and his oversized clothing certainly wouldn’t have been national news. This year, however, we have two extremely well-dressed presidential candidates, a slew of fashionable women in politics, and a capital city in the midst of a fashion transformation. While some of the commentators were likely malicious, the majority–myself included–really think that Paul Ryan could look fantastic, and wonder why he chose the outfit he did for such an important occasion.

Rep. Paul Ryan, Wisconsin Republican and GOP vice presidential nominee, addresses the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., on Aug. 29, 2012. (Credit: Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

In my new Washington Times piece, I dissect the reaction to the candidate’s oversized suits and what his appearance last night means for his message. An excerpt:

Wednesday’s suit was a minor improvement — almost any suit would have been — but it was still no extreme makeover, perhaps intentionally. Mr. Ryan would have dazzled in a tailored suit and skinny tie, but a ticket with two sartorially dazzling candidates might turn off ordinary American voters who don’t have a lot of money to go shopping these days.

And more importantly, his complete disregard for fashion lends credibility to the budget hawk’s frugal rhetoric — if he won’t spring for a new suit, or even a nip and tuck at the tailor, you can bet he won’t squander taxpayer dollars, either.

But, I argue, it doesn’t mean he shouldn’t dress well. Click here to read the whole thing.