Kamala Harris Dismisses Media Fashion Critiques on Her Tan Suit

In a surprising turn of events, Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris made a memorable entrance on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

During her remarks, she offered high praise for President Joe Biden, who delivered the closing speech of the evening. However, it was her choice of attire that caught the eye of many attendees and commentators alike.

Harris chose to wear a striking tan suit, diverging from the traditional convention colors of red, white, blue, or black. This sartorial choice was noted by observers and appeared to be a deliberate nod to previous critiques surrounding political fashion.

Some commentators drew parallels to the outrage expressed by conservative pundits a decade ago when President Obama wore a suit of similar color to a press conference. At that time, Fox News host Lou Dobbs labeled Obama’s attire as “shocking,” while Congress member Peter King (R-NY) decried it as “unpresidential.”

Harris’s fashion statement aligns with the campaign’s sharp image, showcasing a confidence in her choices irrespective of media and political commentary. Since her nomination, discussions around her wardrobe choices have often shifted towards whether she will make bolder fashion statements, leading to a sense of tedium and annoyance among her supporters.

Not long after the campaign began, major publications like The New York Times criticized her choice to stick to the “dull” wardrobe of neutral pantsuits typically favored for vice presidential appearances, questioning her presidential appearance.

Walking onto the stage in her tan Chloé pantsuit, Harris emphasized the absurdity and inherent sexism behind such critiques. Her attire is meticulously analyzed to uncover supposed political messages and meanings, prompting her to present her style unapologetically from the start.

As a prominent female figure in politics, Harris’s fashion decisions are inevitably subjected to scrutiny. The discussion surrounding her clothing choices can overshadow deeper political conversations, compounding the challenge that women in authority face regarding their public image.

The curiosity over Harris’s potential change in style continues, as societal norms lack a clear template for female leaders. Having served as vice president, senator, attorney general of California, and district attorney of San Francisco, Harris’s wardrobe reflects her proficiency in understanding what is deemed appropriate for positions of power.

The real question remains whether her clothing choices should influence perceptions of her capabilities. Unfortunately, they do, given that Harris, due to her gender, will have her fashion considered far more critically than her male counterparts.

Looking back, Hillary Clinton faced similar challenges throughout her extensive political career, with her fashion repeatedly becoming a topic of discussion, from her preference for pantsuits to her occasional changes in finer details such as hairstyles and necklines.

The prevailing idea that a woman’s suit might be seen as “unpresidential” starkly contrasts against the relatively uniform fashion template applied to male candidates. For men, being “presidential” typically involves dark suits and classic ties. This narrow definition of style raises concerns of double standards and highlights the absurdities surrounding gendered expectations in politics.

The pressure on Harris to showcase a “bold” image while also facing penalties for any slight fashion misstep creates a turmoil that her male opponents do not experience. Comparatively, while Donald Trump may dedicate time to hair and makeup, he is largely free from anxieties over fashion statements or the symbolic meanings of his accessories.

The response to Harris’s tan suit illustrates that her attire will always be subject to intense examination, either celebrated or critiqued. From her cherished pearls to her trendy Chuck Taylor sneakers, or calls to incorporate the fashions of trailblazing figures like Shirley Chisholm, every aspect of her appearance is vigilantly observed.

In her appearance on Monday night, Harris conveyed a straightforward message through her fashion choice: she is running for president, and should she secure that position, her attire will be recognized as presidential by virtue of her role.

Source: Los Angeles Times