Politics Meets Couture: Fashion as a Power Tool

By Dawn Sturmon

Let’s be honest: no one’s tuning into political events for fashion inspiration— at least, not consciously. But then there’s that moment when a political figure steps onto the global stage, and suddenly, it’s not just about policy anymore. It’s about the outfit. Clothes, after all, have this unspoken power to communicate without words, like a slick side-eye or a wink. And for political leaders, they wield fashion like a diplomatic tool— something as vital as a well-crafted speech.

Fashion Diplomacy: More Than Just a Pretty Dress

Take inaugurations, for example. It’s the red carpet moment of political theater, but instead of Oscars, the prize is influence and— hopefully— a solid approval rating. When Michelle Obama wore that white Jason Wu gown to the 2009 Inaugural Ball, the world didn’t just see a First Lady; they saw a vision of America, gliding across the dance floor in a dress that said: here’s a fresh start. Wu, a relatively unknown designer at the time, was catapulted into the spotlight because, let’s face it, who you wear at these events can make or break a designer’s career.

Designers as Power Players

Designers like Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Ralph Lauren have long been called upon to dress the political elite— not just because their clothes are beautiful, but because they understand the language of power. Dressing a First Lady is about more than picking a pretty dress. It’s about crafting an image that balances approachability, authority, femininity, and strength.

Jackie Kennedy: The Original Fashion Diplomat

Jackie Kennedy, the OG of political fashion, knew this better than anyone. It wasn’t just the pillbox hats or oversized sunglasses; it was the aura of Camelot she curated. At state dinners, her Givenchy gowns whispered refinement— but they screamed cultural diplomacy. She was a walking ambassador in the best couture, signaling that America was young but sophisticated. Her looks were diplomacy wrapped in A-line silhouettes.

Royalty Rules: A Masterclass in Style

Royals have a way of turning political fashion into an Olympic sport. Queen Elizabeth II, famous for her colorful coats and matching hats, knew that bright hues ensured visibility amid crowds. Beyond that, she famously used her handbags to send secret signals to her staff— fashion as a power move.

Meanwhile, Princess Kate seamlessly blends approachability with elegance. From a casual striped jumper and jeans to perfectly tailored gowns, her wardrobe reflects her ability to connect with the public while upholding royal prestige. Whether attending a charity event or a state banquet, Kate’s style strikes the perfect balance between relatability and regality. She wears her role with grace, proving fashion can be both a diplomatic asset and a way to connect with the public.

Kamala’s Uniform: The Power (and Restraint) of the Pantsuit

Kamala Harris’s neutral-toned, predictable, ill-fitting pant suits may not excite, but they’re deliberate. While this relatively masculine attire projects confidence and professionalism, it often creates the perception that femininity is the opposite of confidence and professionalism. There’s something almost frustrating in the lack of excitement— a lost opportunity to wield fashion as a more dynamic tool for expression and influence. And perhaps that’s precisely the point: for Harris, the pantsuit is armor, meant to deflect focus.

RFK Jr.: Tailoring a Legacy

In contrast, RFK Jr. brings old-school sophistication to modern-day politics. His meticulously tailored suits and skinny ties pay homage to the Kennedy legacy— refinement paired with rebellion. His choices are razor-sharp, reminding us that fashion, for some political figures, is a continuation of family legacy.

Melania Trump: The Impeccable First Lady

Then, there’s Melania Trump— fashion perfection on legs. Every appearance she made as First Lady was a masterclass in glamour, poise, and tailoring that could cut glass. From her sleek Dior pantsuit at the State of the Union to her Dolce & Gabbana floral coat in Italy, Melania’s style is effortless yet precise. Her wardrobe reflected the administration’s commitment to excellence, reinforcing America’s global position with confidence and class. Despite her flawless style, Vogue notably excluded her from its cover. Was it a political snub? Absolutely. But the lack of media celebration in no way diminished Melania’s impact as the epitome of grace and sophistication.

The Iconic Red Tie: Trump’s Power Uniform

And then there’s Donald Trump. You can’t talk about political fashion without mentioning that red tie. It’s not just a tie— it’s a uniform. Paired with a navy suit and white shirt, the red tie has become as iconic as Steve Jobs’ black mock neck. The red tie is Trump’s fashion exclamation point, a deliberate choice that reflects authority, love of our country, and, quite frankly, branding genius. Like Jobs’ minimalist uniform, Trump’s outfit is a visual identity as much as a statement of power.

The New Era: Tucker, Tulsi, and Vivek

Modern political figures like Tucker Carlson, Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy are also playing the fashion game. Tucker’s classic preppy uniform of khakis, a navy blazer, and a gingham shirt, Tulsi’s sleek non-frumpy pantsuits (Kamala, take note), and Vivek’s tailored looks reflect a new era where fashion intersects with brand identity. Each has crafted a look that aligns with their public persona, ensuring their image is just as polished as their political rhetoric.

The Intersection of Politics and Fashion

At the end of the day, fashion and politics are more intertwined than we give them credit for. Clothes don’t just make the man— or the woman— they help shape the narrative. Whether it’s Jackie’s timeless elegance, RFK Jr.’s sharp tailoring, Kamala’s utilitarian pantsuit, Trump’s power tie, or Melania’s flawless couture, fashion is used to influence, inspire, and, in some cases, change public perception.

The next time you watch a political event, pay attention to the outfits. In the grand theater of politics, the clothes often say more than the speeches.

A freelance writer, Dawn has crisscrossed the country in a unique path— from holding cue cards on Saturday Night Live to working on Super Bowl commercials. A lover of truth, interior design, french fries, and fashion, you can find her dressed in a hoodie or for the Met Gala— there’s no in-between.