Over the decades, there has always been so much talk about the wardrobe of the First Lady of the United States. Of course, that hasn’t changed. However, now, we get the added fashion benefit of keeping our eye on the Vice President’s fashion style as well.
Among the many ground breaking and exciting things about the USA’s very first Madam Vice President Kamala Harris, is her style. While little would have been said about any previous Mr. Vice President’s suits and ties, today, Madam Vice President has been saying a lot through her fashion choices.
One of the first things to note about Kamala Harris’s fashion style is that she always dresses appropriately for the occasion. Whether she’s out on the campaign trail speaking to her supporters, attending a fund raiser or formal event, at the Senate floor while serving as the senator from California and of course now, at the White House, her attire is always fitting for what the occasion calls for. Fitting in more ways than one.
Regardless of what she’s wearing, be it a pantsuit, skirt suit, a dress, a coat or even jeans, Kamala’s garments always fit her perfectly. You’ll never see her looking unkempt in an ill-fitting ensemble. To ensure that she doesn’t only dress appropriately but also looks sharp and impeccable, Kamala's outfits are made to measure, especially for big events.
While she’s always had a serious profession, including attorney general, senator and now, vice president, that doesn’t mean her clothes are uptight and boring. Kamala’s power suits are often complemented by chic patterns, including plaid and checkered prints, as well as a combination of neutral and bold colors. Think burgundy pantsuit instead of the traditional black or grey checkered instead of the good old solid grey suit. Take inspiration from Kamala and channel the power woman in you by wearing your own custom made blue plaid pantsuit. Complete the look with a pearl necklace of your own.
Today, recognized not only in the US but in the international stage, one could say that three things are now synonymous with Kamala’s personal style – power suits, pearls and Converse. Yes, you read that right, Converse sneakers. While out in the campaign trail, Kamala combined her power suits with the classic sneakers, seamlessly combining professionalism with practicality. Not to mention, relatability. A suit jacket with trousers or even jeans, worn with sneakers is an outfit that anyone can easily and comfortably wear and look good in.
It comes as no surprise that Vogue has proclaimed that Kamala has rewritten the rule book on political style. In fact, not only did Vogue proclaim it but to mark her historic achievement as the very first female Vice President of the United States, Kamala has graced the magazine’s February cover. Two editions of the fashion magazine’s cover exemplify both Kamala’s personal style and her political success. Wearing pearls and a light blue pantsuit in one cover, as a subtle homage to her democratic party’s blue color and in the other cover, wearing, you guessed it – Converse sneakers.
Kamala doesn’t only make strong political statements but she also makes loud fashion statements. While making headlines across the globe, Kamala has specifically chosen significant and meaningful outfits, most especially for every big event leading up to the US inauguration. Kamala often uses what she wears to show what she stands for, following the adage to “wear your values.” In fact, even her frequently worn pearl necklaces aren’t just another fashion accessory. While pearls are associated with wisdom and refinement, Kamala wears them as a nod to her sorority at Howard University. Her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority was the first black sorority and was founded by a group of women who became known as the “twenty pearls.”
Upon winning last November’s US elections, then Vice President-elect Kamala Harris appeared with President-elect Joe Biden and gave her victory speech wearing a white pant suit and a matching white silk pussy bow top. A power look that many can wear themselves. Far from a random color choice, the white suit not only represents purity and virtue, but white is among the three colors associated with the women’s suffrage movement. As women campaigned for the right to vote, particularly in the US and Great Britain, suffrage white became the symbolic color that would appear bright and clear across the black and white newspapers of that time.
Kamala Harris is not only the first female Vice President of the United States but she is also the first black and South Asian leader to hold the position. She made sure to represent this diversity in her outfit choices throughout the events that marked the US inauguration. On the eve of last week’s historic inauguration, while attending the Covid-19 memorial alongside her husband Doug Emhoff, President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Kamala set the tone and wore a camel colored coat, with a chic wave design and pleated detail at the back, over an all-black outfit and boots. The stylish cost was by the New York-based brand Pyer Moss. The brand’s founder and designer is Haitian-American Kerby Jean-Raymond, known for his work that aims to challenge social narratives. We definitely hear her fashion statements loud and clear.
While all her outfits have great significance and elevate the new generation of American designers, their timeless style and classic silhouettes mean that women in the US and beyond its shores can easily emulate the Vice President’s style for themselves.
In the words of Kamala herself, “First but not the last.” This may be the first time we’re writing about her style but we’re sure it won’t be the last time.
