As the 2008 presidential election approaches, it's time to wear your political choices on your sleeves, around your neck and even on your mouth — literally. You can speak your patriotic mind with fashion and never say a word. From shoes to T-shirts, from hoodies to lipstick, going to the polls has never been so glamorous. Even your dog can take part in the parade.

Here are a few ways to support your stylish voting right this fall:

— Take a few steps toward change. Go for a statement shoe to show which side you are supporting. TOMS Shoes offers a great pair of khaki-canvas flats printed with your choice of a "Republican" elephant or a "Democrat" donkey. And for every pair of shoes you buy, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need. Purchase for $45 at www.piperlime.com.

— Do some lip service. You don't necessarily have to take sides to talk politics. Stila cosmetics is inspiring women to exercise their right to vote with its latest "Rock the Vote Red Lip Color."

A percentage of the proceeds from sold lipsticks will be donated to "Rock the Vote" in support of efforts to mobilize young people to become involved in the political process. Stila's website also gives makeup shoppers the opportunity to register to vote with the click of a button. Find lipsticks for $17 at www.stilacosmetics.com.

— Go undercover. At select Victoria's Secret stores, you can show your passion for voting with its Pink apparel. From underwear to tees, sweats, pins and more, there are plenty of ways to join the political process with these comfy clothes.

— Promote awareness. Designer Kiran Rai's collection "Sir Alistair Rai" creates clothes with timeless messages of "peace," "passive resistance," "love" and "truth." Her unique statement designs reflect Rai's Indian heritage and love for rock 'n' roll fashion, which promotes global awareness.

Celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Halle Berry and Jessica Alba love her scarves that come with personal messages. Her website look-book asks: "Will Sir Alistair Rai's collections change the world?" "Probably not," it says, "but it could remind the person that wears it that their actions can. After all, beauty, truth and love never go out of style. That said, live truthfully." Visit www.siralistairrai for more information.

— Keep it subtle. If wearing political messages is not your style, then there are other chic ways to be patriotic and have fun with fashion. Designer Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss, another Hollywood favorite, gives her sexy collection of dresses a red, white and blue twist with graphic prints — they make both a political and fashion statement. Go to www.shoshanna.com to view the dresses.

— Going to the dogs? They may not be able to vote, but that doesn't mean your pooch can't participate in a little political action. How about showing them off in red, white and blue dresses or jammer shorts with matching hair bows? Check out www.justdoggiestuff.com.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.