Kamala Harris and the Politics of Style in the 2024 Election
As a Swedish platform we often find ourselves surprised by the intense focus on female politicians' clothing choices in countries like the US and England. The headlines dissecting what a woman in power is wearing can be overwhelming, and at times, bewildering. It happens in Sweden, too, where public women face scrutiny for their outfits. The criticism often comes with a set of impossible expectations: look feminine, but not too sensual; don’t dress too masculine, or you’ll be deemed cold and unapproachable. It seems almost impossible to get it right in the public eye, especially if you’re a high-profile woman with a vocal group of critics.
Enter Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States and now the Democratic candidate for president in the 2024 election. Since she started climbing the political ladder, how she dresses has been far from coincidental. As is the case with many female politicians, her style choices have evolved over time, reflecting both her personal growth and the shifting demands of her public role. Men in politics also have stylists, but the level of scrutiny women endure—both from supporters and critics—is on an entirely different level.
So, should we engage in discussions about Harris’s clothing choices, or should we drop the subject altogether? It’s a valid question. After all, clothing shouldn’t be the focus of public discourse when it comes to a politician’s competence or vision for the future. However, fashion can also serve as a form of communication. Whether intentional or not, what a politician wears often becomes an extension of what they want to project: confidence, authority, approachability, or strength.
Kamala Harris’s style has, over the years, reflected her rise in prominence. As Vice President, she was often seen in tailored suits and comfortable Converse sneakers—a blend of grounded accessibility and understated professionalism. Her smile and colorful choices added an element of relatability, making her seem more approachable to everyday voters. But as she moves into the role of presidential candidate, we’re witnessing a shift toward more formal, powerful attire. Maybe an attempt to signal her readiness to take on the highest office in the country (by simply looking more like a man). Her two Vogue cover appearances are perhaps the clearest example of this transformation: from casual confidence to a more polished, authoritative presence.
August 16, 2024. (Allison Joyce)
Regardless of how one feels about her politics or her style, it’s important to note that no woman—especially a woman in politics—should be criticized for how she dresses. It simply isn’t relevant to her ability to lead. And while we’re not here to critique, we can observe how her style has shifted over time, aligning with the demands of her career (unfortunately). As she transitions from Vice President to presidential candidate, her wardrobe has evolved, we think, to reflect a more powerful, decisive image.
Harris is one of the few women to have reached such a high level in politics, and if elected, she would be the first woman to sit in the Oval Office. That alone will make her style a lasting source of inspiration and cultural debate. Women in leadership often face the dilemma (many times not much of a choice) of whether to embrace traditionally feminine styles or to adopt the more masculine, business-like uniforms that have historically dominated political spaces. For centuries, women stepping into roles once reserved for men have felt compelled to dress the part—often looking like men to be taken seriously. Rarely do we see men in traditionally female roles feeling the need to “dress like women.”
September 21, 2024. (Saul Loeb)
Perhaps the ultimate goal is a world where a woman can dress as she pleases—whether that’s in a bold suit, a dress, or anything in between—without her choices being fodder for public critique. If Kamala Harris does make it to the White House, it will be fascinating to see how she continues to evolve in her personal style. Will she embrace her femininity more fully in a role that has traditionally been held by men? Or will she continue down the path of structured power dressing? We don’t think she has much of a choice, but we wish.
Ultimately, what Harris—and any other woman in power—chooses to wear should reflect what they like to wear, not who they are or what society expects. If her journey tells us anything, it’s that while the election is a long, difficult road for any woman, how far they can go in shaping the narrative of women’s leadership, including through their fashion, maybe even further.