The 2024 election is one like no other. Not only is it one of the most polarizing elections in history, but America could also possibly elect its first-ever female president. Fashion can be extremely political. Political statements are often made through symbolic choices. After all, the clothes you wear influence the way you feel and how others perceive you.
Presidency is extremely reliant on optics. You can’t just be a leader, you must look like one. Female and non-white candidates have to battle stereotypes when dressing daily. As a result, Vice President Kamala Harris must be very intentional about her appearance.
Harris’ intersectionality is working against her on multiple different fronts. Her outfit choices are incredibly crucial to her image and subject to much more scrutiny than that of a male candidate. So, what does an aspiring future first Black female president wear? Do her fashion choices help or hurt her chances of winning?
Let’s first backtrack to 2016 when Hillary Clinton made history as the first woman in history to represent a major party in a U.S. presidential election. Throughout her campaign she sported “lady politician garb,” using her rainbow pantsuits as a symbol of female iconography. In her memoir, Clinton wrote that “as a woman running for president,” she liked the “visual cue” that she was “different from the men but also familiar.” In my opinion, the bright colors and feminine silhouette definitely achieved her goal of differentiating herself from men. While still appearing political, she doesn’t come off overpowering. Her “feminine icon” strategy could have worked for her or against her.
Harris’ appearance gives off a different vibe. In contrast to Clinton’s mandarin collar jacket and carrot leg bottoms that portray a softer look, Harris styles more of a power suit. Her shoulder pads and boxy silhouette present a more masculine build, which contrast with her feminine accessories and bow blouse.
Additionally, Harris does not shy away from symbolism. She has more than just her gender to balance. Her race plays a large role in her identity and the way that she is being perceived by Americans. I admire how Harris embraces her Black identity through her political outfits. An example of this is her signature pearls. They are representative of her historically Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Harris also often wears Black designers such as Chloé to depict her support for Black businesses.
A slight deviation from her typical uniform was her outfit on Inauguration Day outfit in 2021. According to Vogue, “The purple-hued Inauguration look served as a symbol of bipartisanship — a mixture of the Democratic blue and Republican red.” Her bright purple ensemble seemed fearless. She knew she was making history and made sure to do so in vivid color.
Harris’ fashion is representative of what I believe to be good character and self confidence. She is unapologetically herself and doesn’t leave parts of herself at the door to please others. She is a wonderful role model for dressing for the part.
