The impulse to separate style from politics is never more evident than during a presidential election year. Discuss the more significant meaning of a candidate's outfit, dissect a piece of merch or a collective style statement from a group in the crowd, and you’ll find yourself on the receiving end of the question: “Why are we talking about what they’re wearing and not their policies?” But, sometimes, one can be a significant indicator of the other. Fashion and beauty, especially in politics, are often a form of communication that can speak louder than words.
At the 2024 Democratic National Convention, the meaningful intersection of style and politics was evident everywhere, from Ella Emhoff’s casual outfit on the first night that had conservatives up in arms to another one she wore, designed by Gen Z designer Joe Ando, which she signaled herself as a representative for young people (the whole making of process was documented on TikTok after all). Kamala Harris’s choice of a tan Chloé suit night one was possibly a not-so-subtle nod to Barack Obama’s tan suit from 2014, perhaps a way to not only draw comparisons to their shared messages of hope but also an acknowledgment of a historic moment bound to be met with a silly backlash featuring sexist and racist rules of decorum. The navy suit she wore to accept the historic nomination was possibly a less symbolic choice than many had assumed but still carried a message of what was to come. New York Times critic Vanessa Friedman surmised that this was perhaps on purpose– a way to step away from the feminist symbolism of a white suit and strike a tone that spoke to her abilities to do the job. But still, she wore Chloé, one of the few luxury brands with a woman at the helm. (And for what it’s worth you could still signal that you can do the job in a dress or a bright color; famously women can do that).
Of course, there was the crowd, too. Keffiyeh’s worn by the uncommitted Democrats showed support for Palestinians in Gaza. Sold-out camo hats are set to be a signifier of anyone supporting the Harris-Walz ticket. There was DIY merch, including TikTokers wearing shirts that read: “Twinks for Kamala,” and young people exchanging Taylor Swift concert-esque bracelets.
Everywhere you looked, fashion told the story.
But this isn’t exclusive to the convention or even the democratic party. Throughout the campaign trail, we will see Harris, Walz, and all of their families making sartorial nods to her political priorities. Some will be subtle — a sneaker and suit from Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff highlighting how he’s down to earth, America’s Dad or something along those lines. Others will be points of contention. Already, Harris wore a Tiffany necklace that sparked discourse about its price (a whopping $60k). Some critics said it was too flashy, while others pointed out that she has every right to wear nice things that she bought, proudly and repeatedly – her opponent certainly does.
And while the Trump family appearances have been few and far between this year, they will surely do the same. Donald Trump’s bulky jackets and multi-colored MAGA hats are an obvious attempted signal of his “toughness” and maybe even his commitment to the bit that worked in 2016. Melania Trump famously wore a literal message on her jacket when her husband was in office – surely, she has more of this up her sleeve if she intends to move back into the White House.
The lesson is pretty apparent: pay attention to the fashion and the beauty of politicians and those who surround them. Because if you don’t, you might actually miss the message.
