After Michelle Obama caused chatter with her Maria Pinto dress at the Democratic National Convention, we were waiting to see what the Republicans pulled out.

It looks like Cindy McCain’s expedition to the Oscar de la Renta showroom earlier in the summer paid off. John McCain’s wife wore a gold shirtdress by the designer for her plea at the Republican National Convention about hurricane Gustav relief.

She paired the dress with a three-strand pearl necklace (hmm, taking style inspiration from Democrat Jackie O?), a diamond pin and a white Chanel J12 watch.

She was joined onstage by First Lady Laura Bush, who also wore de la Renta. She donned a cream-colored knit suit.

It definitely seems like either way this election goes, we’ll have a more fashion-concious first lady. We’re excited about the prospect of a first lady who can be feminine and fashionable, which both Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain seem to pull off.

[Image: Sipa Press/Rex Features; Source]