Last night at the first presidential debate, we got to see the candidates–and their wives–in the same room at the same time for the first time ever. While we will leave the discussion of who “won” the debate to the pundits, we think we’re more than qualified to weigh in on some of the fashion choices that happened last night.

Obama wore a blue tie and Romney wore red–standard Democrat/Republican colors. The FLOTUS recycled a royal blue/purple Preen dress and jacket from the label’s fall 2011 collection (she’s worn it twice before according to Mrs. O). Ann Romney eschewed the leather get-up she rocked on Leno last week and went for a rather prim creamy white suit. Both of the wives had perfect political helmet hair, too. Why isn’t it ok to have a bit of a beachy wave when you’re a political wife? Anyway.

Our very own Leah Chernikoff chatted with Current‘s Jo Piazza about the choices of the candidates and their spouses–and the result is equal parts entertaining and informative. Read on:

JP: Ties! They seem like a big deal for the men. Why?

LC: It’s really the only space for expression that guys get. The suit has to be black and innocuous so the focus can be on their words, not what they’re wearing. They need to dress the part. This is the reason Scott Disick will never be president.

JP: I thought Mitt went a little off-brand by rocking the diagonal stripes. That was a little car salesman-y to me.

LC: I hate to admit it, but stripes are very in this season. I like that Obama’s tie also had a little texture to it.That added a bit of interest.

JP: We saw Michelle Obama rock an indigo purple three quarter sleeve Preen jacket over a matching dress. It seemed to match Barack’s tie perfectly! That was nice for their anniversary. God they’re cute.

LC: Yes! Shows how strong their union is doesn’t it? And, Preen! I love Michelle’s suit. Men have to wear those black suits. Obviously the night is all about the candidates and what they have to say, and those TIES, but the women! They can have some fun.

JP: Yes! Michelle rocked those fabulous light blue nails that the New York Times claims all women over forty are totally coveting.

LC: Yes and Preen is an edgy, super-cool British label.

JP: Ann Romney stepped away from the edge. She wore a simple zip-up white suit. What does that represent? Virgins? Brides? Virgin-brides?

LC: I think it was in reaction to the black leather thing she wore on Leno.

JP: I liked that. It was very biker grandma chic.

LC: I liked it too, because who saw that coming?

JP: Can we declare a fashion winner from the first debate?

LC: It’s a tough call. Everyone looked good. Did Mitt say he would kill Big Bird? I’m only just now catching up.

JP: That’s a whole other conversation.

Photos: Getty