I am the editor in chief of the Northern Star and Tuesday of last week, instead of being consulted on an editorial decision, I was critiqued on my choice of sweater.

The fact that the blue knit hem reached my knees may not be mainstream, but I connected this to what seems to be a growing trend.

On Jan. 18, The New York Times published an article titled, “Speaking Chic to Power.” In it, writer Lizette Alvarez contended that Nancy Pelosi’s choice to don Armani on the day she was sworn in as Speaker of the House for the 110th session of Congress warranted equal coverage with her new political position.

What is it about women in power – or in the public eye, for that matter – that warrants equal attention to their clothing as to what they do in their line of work? I’m sure Pelosi looked lovely in the burgundy pantsuit praised by Alvarez, but to be honest, I wasn’t paying attention. If George W. Bush decided to devote his entire closet space to the Sears collection, I doubt any news venue would care. If Pelosi, Hillary Clinton or Condoleeza Rice did the same, however, this may warrant a free pass to the fashion hall of shame.

I get that the idea of a voluptuous woman in a low-cut frock is aesthetically pleasing. Fine. Let the designers get their free publicity from the stars plugging their work during awards pre-shows. But next time Johnny Depp expresses his eccentric nature by donning a straw hat with a feather, can someone note his lack of mainstream fashion adherence? Like others in the acting profession, owning a unique image is key to being distinguished from all the other Hollywood hopefuls. But according to fashion critics, image and fashion taste aren’t friendly with one another.

If Nancy Pelosi wears a burgundy pantsuit, the only worthy fashion-related comment should praise the Democrat for not showing up on the House floor clad in a dirty T-shirt and jeans that look like they were used as a dog’s playtoy.

Helen Mirren, Best Actress Oscar nominee, once said, “All you have to do is to look like crap on film and everyone thinks you’re a brilliant actress. Actually, all you’ve done is look like crap.”

Apparently, all women in the professional world have to do is look pretty and conform to popular fashion and they’re considered successful in their line of work.

Wow. That doesn’t seem skewed at all.

Nyssa Bulkes is the editor in chief of the Northern Star.