Kamala Harris at the DNC on Thursday night, Jailyn Jang for The New York Times
So much is at stake right now, yet there continues great interest in the “issue of clothes” and their symbolism during the DNC. There were countless articles written about Michelle Obama’s warrior-like Monse midnight blue crisscross jacket and tuxedo-cuffed trousers.
There was Ella Emhoff’s Thom Browne pantsuit and the homemade dress she wore on Thursday night designed by an up-and-coming Tik Tokker, Oprah Winfrey’s purple Christian Siriano pantsuit, and Tim Walz’s plaid shirts, a symbol of his folksy, down-to-earth person. But of course, the eyes of the world are focused on the leading player, Kamala Harris, as she cements her place in history.
“Just as President Obama was able to figure out a system for looking nice every day that didn’t distract from his job, so must Harris”: Amy Odell, “Kamala Harris: The Anti-Fashion Plate.”
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in Philadelphia, photo courtesy Getty Image
As noted in my previous article, “Defining A New Presidential Style,” July 19, I have often found Harris’s jackets too long, boxy, and broad-shouldered for her 5’4″ inch frame. But I’ve observed a noticeable improvement.
The navy pantsuit designed by Chemena Kamali for Chloe (see lead photo,) which Kamala wore on Thursday evening, was a perfect choice. From the sedate, ceremonial color (blue, of course, symbolic of the Democratic Party) to the minimal styling, it was chic, non-distracting, and more than appropriate for the groundbreaking moment.
“Kamala Harris is tough, tested, and a total badass,” – Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan.
The challenge going forward is how to best incorporate fashion into the vice president’s wardrobe without making her seem like an elitist fashion plate. One thing is for certain: regardless of what Harris wears, her sartorial choices will be closely scrutinized, continually picked apart, criticized, and commented on. The bottom line is that you can’t please everyone.
Adam Lippes Luca Jacket in khaki technical wool, $2990, adamlippes.com
Sharp tailoring, for day and night, is the bedrock of Harris’s wardrobe. If I were Kamala’s stylist, I would tweak what works, focus on the jackets’ cut, make sure they fit, look for distinctive tops, and try to emphasize American designers, some more under the radar than others.
Frederick Anderson midnight blue cocktail suit, pre-fall 2024, photo courtesy of Frederick Anderson
Harris wants to look powerful and commanding and be taken seriously. I don’t see Harris abandoning her uniform of tailored power suits. Still, the Vice President is attractive, and she doesn’t always have to dress like her male counterparts.
Another Tomorrow fire engine red single button jacket, $1090 and trousers,$690, anothertomorrow.com
Kamala looks superb in neutrals, predominantly white, ivory, camel, tan, and all shades of gray. The monotone look is especially flattering and chic, but so is the stark contrast. I would add a touch of unexpected color for the day and evening.
BY. Bonnie Young Tailored Coat and trousers in cream recycled heavyweight velvet, $3596, shopbonnieyoung.com
Since we are heading into cooler weather, I love the idea of a distinctive coat instead of a jacket. BY Bonnie Young’s tailored coat and matching trousers in luxurious heavyweight cream velvet is exceptional and glamorous yet straightforward. The same style is also available in black, gray, tan, and denim blue, made from a variety of upcycled fabrics.
Brandon Maxwell Fall 2024 Ready-to-Wear, Photograph by Monica Feudi for Brandon Maxwell
I also love the idea of a coat with a detachable scarf or something similar to Peter Do’s ultra-modern, ultra-chic gray coat ensemble from his Fall 2020 ready-to-wear collection. I adore the authoritative high collar.
Kamala almost always wears a silk pussycat bow blouse or crew neck top with her signature pearls. There is nothing wrong with either one, and Kamala is a very attractive woman.
Nautical Girl navy satin and white striped shirt, $395, sarahalexandra.com
What about something with a vertical stripe to break up the monotony of the solid colors from time to time? I would also like to see her play that up with face-framing tops with more distinctive necklines. If Kamala wears a bow blouse, why not make it with a pronounced bow that stands on its own and can be transformed into a chic stock tie?
Ralph Lauren Collection Cotton Broadcloth Tuxedo Shirt, $990, ralphlauren.com
A crisp white cotton poplin shirt with a detachable black tie is always a good idea beneath a dark jacket. Similarly, a white cotton broadcloth tuxedo shirt is a wardrobe workhorse that can be worn for the day and evening. I love a great tailored blouse with a sculptural collar.
Kamala looks great when she wears a black turtleneck, and it is always flattering. BY. Bonnie Young’s $994 fine ribbed silk and cashmere turtlenecks in black, ivory, navy, and steel blue are perfect for year-round wear. Fallon & Ava prides itself on its long-sleeved and sleeveless stretch viscose turtlenecks in black, beige, and powder blue. They are non-bulky and perfect for wearing under a jacket, and in fact, that is all they make.
As Harris has at least a 50% chance of winning the election in November, it’s not too premature to think ahead to Inauguration Day. On Inauguration Day in 2021, Harris wore a striking purple dress and coat by Christopher John Rogers, symbolizing bipartisanship and unity. The choice of purple, a blend of Democratic blue and Republican red, was a deliberate nod to her commitment to bridging political divides.
Sergio Hudson 12 dart coat in iris mohair, $2995, sergiohudson.com
I doubt Harris will want to repeat the color, but if she does, why not something more fitted and perhaps less overpowering, like this Sergio Hudson wool coat in a beautiful shade of iris?
Tom Ford black and white wool herringbone funnel coat, $4950, tomford.com
Let’s face it, Kamala would have had to fight quite a battle to get to this position so Tom Ford’s military style funnel neck beauty in black and white wool herringbone, is more than apropos.
Michael Kors Collection Fall 2021 Ready-to-Wear, photo courtesy of Michael Kors
Kamala loves tailoring and some sparkle, so for the evening festivities, I can envision Madame President wearing something like the dramatic gold and silver coat ensembles that closed the Michael Kors Collection fall 2021 runway show.
Brandon Maxwell Willow pleated silk crepe maxi gown,$3995, netaporter.com
What about something in a vivid shade of Democratic blue or, better yet, red, which could be seen as a peace offering to the Republican Party?
Sketches by Ralph Rucci
Harris will undoubtedly have something customized to her specifications, and I believe she will opt for an American designer. Who better than American couturier Ralph Rucci to design something exceptional and memorable to mark the historic event?
Peter Do Spring 2023 Monica Feudi Courtesy of Peter Do
Of course, one of the most non elitist designs Kamala could possibly wear for such an important occasion, is this very straightforward, incredibly chic tuxedo coat and white satin trousers from Vietnamese American designer Peter Do, a very talented designer with such an interesting back story.
Latest Comments:
Let his name live on for what HE designed so he can rest in peace.
Marilyn! What a wonderful and informative article you have written. I so loved Bendels, although (in my opinion) it was…
Merci beaucoup for the article!
Thank you for featuring me and my designs in your article! What a lovely event and how many gorgeous ensembles!
How interesting! Bendel’s was always a favorite store of mine. Miss those days…Thanks for another great article.
Such a LOSS! I feel Bendels was to NY what Venice is to Italy.
Love the stories you create around elements of design!
Always love the look of a high “pussy “ bow. Especially now that I am older, it hides the neck…
Fashion changes with the times, and ways to present it must change creatively too.