In politics, a handbag is never just a handbag.

We scrutinize the styles of Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain like they're windows into the soul. Was Michelle Obama's understated green jersey dress during her speech at the Democratic National Convention a sign that she is uncomplicated at heart? Do Cindy McCain's conservative St. John Knits mean her values are also ''Made in USA?''

What's certain is that both women are hyper-aware that their silk and tweed will be parsed as symbols of class, means, decorum, judgment, even morality.

So can anything organic be gleaned from all this sartorial dissection? Only, perhaps, that both women hope, naturally, that their duds help their husbands land the biggest job in the land.

But for every vote earned through the subliminal approval of a chunky black belt (how modern!) or a neat, red suit (how reliable!), another may be lost because of it. One style never suits everyone.

Then again, neither does one presidential candidate.

Here's what local fashion experts think.

Weyleen Ma, Fashion professor at the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute and image consultant

McCain: Her suits are very structured, and that always means authority and power.

Obama: We really need to get her a stylist. When somebody's sending me mixed messages with their appearance, are they credible?

Designer Karelle Levy

McCain: She seems like an older, classy lady.

Obama: Every once in a while, I'll catch her wearing something and I'll say, ''Is that Marni?''

Sylvia Donnenfeld, owner of On My Own boutique, Aventura

On Obama: I didn't mind the brooch. Remember: It's Middle America, guys. If Michelle Obama went on TV wearing Fendi and Gucci and things the American woman can't wear, I would go, ''Huh?''

Julia Brown, former regional director of Gen Art and owner of public relations Brown & Company.

On McCain: She understands that she is dressing for the job that she wants and that politics is very much a game of ''perception is reality.'' She always looks like a power dresser. And she doesn't always look comfortable in her clothing, even though she looks great.

Brooke Siegel, Miami editor of DailyCandy.com

On both: Hepburn-esque Michelle favors local designers like up-and-coming Chicago native Mario Pinto, where as Cindy's often seen in high-end established lines like Escada.

Michelle is runway, and Cindy is catalog. Michelle's not afraid to take risks in a sleeveless dress or patent leather belt. Cindy leans more toward the tried and true.

Julian Chang, designer and owner of Steam boutique, South Miami; and Julian Chang, in Miami

Obama: I don't think she knows exactly what her style is. She wasn't really into fashion, but she's been improving as she's noticed how important fashion is. They want a fashionable, elegant First Lady.

McCain: Cindy is flawless. Probably she's a lady who has worn suits forever. She's very well put together. Cindy doesn't really reflect what Miami is about. She's very dressy.

Charlene Parsons, fashion director at Miami International University of Art & Design

Obama: She's been compared to a Jackie Kennedy because of her presence -- she's tall, good-looking and also well groomed -- but she has a little bit of a different style of her own.

McCain: I think she does a good job, truthfully. She looks extremely well groomed at all times.

Laurie Brookins, senior fashion editor of Ocean Drive magazine

Obama: Michelle Obama has made some bold choices. She totally works the fuschia and bold blue, and that's a great lesson that you don't have be afraid of color. It sends a message that I'm a risk taker. She's not a frilly woman. It's not about ruffles or flounces.

McCain: She doesn't want to wear anything that's too ''designer'' so she doesn't get flak for it. When Jackie Kennedy was in the White House, she got some flak for wearing French designers rather than American designers.

For the most part, these women are under the microscope so much that they get criticized more than praised.

Rene Ruiz, designer and owner of Rene Ruiz Couture, Coral Gables

McCain: This summer she's been wearing lightweight dresses and light-colored suits. The tailoring is always impeccable.

Obama: Michelle is young, and of course she is still finding her way. The dress she wore on The View I thought was cute. Was it out of this world? No, it was not. It was cute because Michelle Obama was wearing it.

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