During 1860 campaign, a group of New York Republicans advised Lincoln that he "would be much improved in appearance, provided [he] would cultivate whiskers, and wear standing collars." And an 11-year-old girl wrote him a letter stating that "You would look a great deal better for your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husband's [sic] to vote for you and then you would be president."

Lincoln replied: "As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affect[ta]tion if I were to begin it now?" Nevertheless, immediately after the election he grew a beard.