The unofficial best-dressed contest is underway — and some California politicians may have more to worry about than the ballot count when it comes to their Election Day outfits.
California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra and Los Angeles mayoral contender Nithya Raman cast their ballots on Election Day, while Mayor Karen Bass voted Sunday. The three politicians arrived in notably different looks, giving celebrity stylists plenty to discuss — and criticize.
None delivered true red-carpet glamour at the polls, but two fashion professionals still identified a clear style standout, along with one candidate whose wardrobe could use a serious refresh.
Becerra arrived at Sacramento’s Belle Cooledge Community Center with his wife, Dr. Carolina Reyes. The Democrat kept his outfit decidedly relaxed, wearing an olive-green sweater, loose faded-blue jeans and black Adidas sneakers — a casual combination that looked more suited to a weekend outing than a major political event.
Celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch gave Becerra’s understated ensemble a middling 5/10, suggesting the candidate was aiming for an approachable, everyday-voter image instead of making a fashion statement.
“He’s definitely appealing to the grassroots kind of voter,” Bloch told the California Post. “I would say all three of them definitely left the glitz and glamour of the red carpet at home. Nobody brought it to the polls, that’s for sure.”
Still, Bloch had plenty to say about Becerra’s specific fashion choices.
“I’m really surprised. Fashion says something. Fashion is drag… his drag says ‘I’m a drag,’” Bloch quipped. “It’s a mediocre sweater. He did not get this on Rodeo Drive… he did not get into his political slush fund.”
Los Angeles stylist and interior designer Jessy Cain was even harsher, scoring the gubernatorial candidate’s look just 3/10.
“I wanted to see more polish for Election Day,” Cain told The Post. “The chunky, muted green sweater and light-wash jeans feel too casual for the occasion. I’m usually a fan of classic Levi’s on men, but this combination doesn’t feel special enough for the moment.”
Raman, meanwhile, went to the polls at Silverlake Community Church on Tuesday with her husband, Vali Chandrasekaran, and their son and daughter.
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The DSA-backed 4th District representative wore a long-sleeved black top, an orange wrap skirt and black boots. Bloch gave her a 7/10, noting that the outfit appeared thoughtfully assembled rather than hastily pulled from her closet.
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“She gave it a vibe. She got up and thought about it at least, the boot with the top,” Bloch said.
Even so, Bloch found one fault with the look: “I am not an orange and black fan because you look like you’re at Halloween.”
Cain also placed Raman at the top of the style rankings, though she was slightly less generous with a 6/10 score and shared Bloch’s concerns about the colors.
“I appreciate that she put some thought into her ensemble,” Cain said. “I like the boots and the neckline of her top, but the orange skirt paired with black feels a little too Halloween for me.”
Bass was the first of the three to vote, casting her ballot Sunday at a Koreatown YMCA. The Los Angeles mayor opted for a business-casual combination of a black top, black trousers, camel-colored blazer and Adidas sneakers.
Bloch awarded Bass a respectable 6/10, praising the practical outfit even if it failed to make a major fashion impact.
“I like that her clothes fit her. She’s got a worker’s wardrobe. I think for her, I like these colors for her coloring,” Bloch said, adding that the mayor is “not a style girl.”
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Cain wasn’t quite as generous, giving Bass a 4.5/10 and suggesting the mayor’s wardrobe could use a refresh.
“I like the black base with the Adidas sneakers — they bring a little California cool to the outfit,” Cain said. “The blazer, though, feels tired, and the color doesn’t do much for the overall look. A winter white suit would have looked incredibly chic and pulled together.”
Still, when it came to declaring an Election Day fashion champion, the two stylists were in complete agreement: Raman had won the style vote.
“I think Nithya brings it. You can go a lot of different places in that outfit,” Bloch added.
While the election results remain to be seen, the fashion verdict is in: Raman takes the crown, Bass lands in the middle, and Becerra and his lazy dad jeans look finished dead last.