What's his leadership style? It's in the jeans

Russia's next president, Dmitry Medvedev, wore jeans when he addressed crowds in Red Square. (Yuri Gripas/Bloomberg News)

When Dmitry Medvedev strolled though Red Square March 2 to introduce himself to the Russian people as their next president, he wore a black leather jacket, jeans, and a cable-knit sweater. For most world leaders, that outfit would be an unusual choice. Not for Medvedev.

While his presidency has many political observers worried (Isn't he just current president Vladimir Putin's puppet, they whisper), the 42-year-old Medvedev should delight one constituency: those who like to see politicians looking casual on the job. Medvedev has attended public functions in jeans, a blazer, and a simple blue shirt.

If dressing down meant voters wouldn't take him seriously, it didn't matter: His victory was all but assured. And yet, some Russians actually seem to dig him. At events (a few of which the state has reportedly stage-managed), thousands of onlookers shriek and climb on each other to get a better view, as if he were a Spice Girl or Barack Obama. At one such event, Medvedev vowed to march the country into the future. He delivered the speech wearing a thick wool turtleneck and a casual light brown jacket. Perhaps in his Russia of the future, every day is casual Friday.

Of course, Medvedev dons his share of suits, too, usually dark with a bold, thickly knotted tie. (Dmitry, that burgundy one is fantastic.) But there are two sartorial differences that set him apart from most other politicians. First: His tailoring is superb. Second: He looks confident in his clothing.

Only Obama, Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai, Condoleeza Rice, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi look as formidable yet relaxed in their power getups. For a moment, it looked as if French President Nicolas Sarkozy would be the best-dressed man in world affairs. But after vacationing in baggy jeans with President Bush last year, that no longer seems possible.

Surely some would question whether talk of fashion has any place in government. Can't you hear Harry Reid now? "Sir, I have more important things to worry about than what I'm wearing." With any luck, Medvedev could change that. It remains to be seen what, if any, kind of leader he'll be. But at the very least, if he can inspire those in office to dress better, he's got my vote.