The economy is tanking. Jobs are scarce. Gas prices are high. Hollywood glamour is the last thing working people want to see politicians enjoying.

So elected officials appeared as a vast sea of blandness - not counting Michelle Obama's sparkling ensemble - and the fashions were J. Crew snoozers.

It's clear why.

Barack Obama had trouble appealing to working-class voters in the primaries, and John McCain's campaign has tried to paint him as an elitist (see the ad comparing him to Paris Hilton).

So the Democrats have to work harder for the Everyman vote.

Monday night's glitzless event was designed to introduce the Obamas as the black First Family-next-door. And the family next door doesn't wear Christian Dior.

The event wasn't a complete fashion bust. Rosalynn Carter's lemon-yellow pantsuit was striking.

And how could you miss the Sunkist orange tie of Michelle Obama's big brother, Craig Robinson? (Of course, it's only because he is the basketball coach for orange-and-black Oregon State University. So much for style!)

But the politicians I regularly rely on to make strong style statements just didn't do it.

Nancy Pelosi's pale yellow pantsuit was exquisitely tailored, as usual, but just too predictable. Caroline Kennedy always looks demure, but the simple black jeweled-neckline sheath was far from a stunner. (The speech given by her uncle, Ted Kennedy, who is suffering from brain cancer, was.)

Even Maria Shriver was uninteresting in a somber black suit.

The overall fashion blahs of the evening, however, did set the stage for Michelle Obama's glamorous late-night appearance.

Obama has always managed to pull herself together well - blending her personality with her emerging role.

But with Barack watching the convention via satellite, the spotlight was on a softer Michelle. She was a natural. Her hair bounced. Her makeup was flawless - did you notice the eyelash extensions?

The turquoise Maria Pinto, double-faced wool, three-quarter-length shift dress was beautiful.

According to Laura Schwartz, former adviser to Teresa Heinz Kerry, the floral pendant Obama wore came from her jewelry box. It's reminiscent of Barack's rising-sun campaign logo. And the children - Sasha and Malia - played their parts fabulously. Who can resist a little girl squealing "Love you, Daddy" on national television? How's that for a perfect family?

One thing is clear. While the economic climate may force the Democrats to downplay their personal style, a potential first lady has to be the exception to the rule. Because despite what's going on in the country, her job is to be fabulous - she will never get a fashion pass.