From neutral dresses to sparkly gowns, Kamala Harris’ fashion choices have taken the campaign trail by storm. While some outfits appear to be a safe retreat into a conservative style, others showcase Harris’s embrace of her liberal spirit. Here’s a review of some of her career fashion highlights and lowlights:
Harris before the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Legislative Conference’s annual Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington, Sept. 14, 2024
Dress: Harris’s sequin dress radiates as brightly as her smile. With a modest yet dazzling design that captures the eye of any voter, she certainly showcases her pride in this unprecedented presidential outfit. Sure, in a typical setting, this dress might raise a few eyebrows with its stiff shoulder cuts and conservative slant neck, but on a vice president? It’s nothing short of bold and empowering.
Shoes: Classic black heels — nothing too exciting, but they’re a perfect match for the dress. No complaints here.
Fit Ranking: 6.5/10
Harris meeting King Abdullah II. She wore a similar outfit in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 30, 2024
Outfit: In an iconic Columbia blue pantsuit, Harris struts into a crowd of supporters in Georgia, and I bet some of those cheers are for her outfit. This subtly vibrant and understated choice is a refreshing departure from the classic gray, blue and navy pantsuits often associated with conservatism. The lively color draws voters’ attention and projects a bright, optimistic energy to her audience. Her white top adds a quiet yet appropriate accent to the blazer, while the pearl necklace perfectly complements the look, adding texture and sophistication.
Shoes: The tan heels definitely complete the outfit, evoking a beach aesthetic. Her color choice adds a laid-back touch while keeping things polished and stylish.
Fit Ranking: 7.5/10
Harris swearing in Lloyd Austin on Jan. 25, 2021
Outfit: Yikes! Beyond the clash between the auburn pantsuit and the black top, the choice of auburn itself is the first mistake. As if the black and auburn mismatch wasn’t bad enough, Harris’s wood-colored necklace creates a nauseating clash with her pantsuit. At least she blends into the red flag behind — maybe she was going for a “camouflage chic” look. You’d think a vice president would know that wearing a disorienting mix of reddish-brown brown is a big no-no.
Jewelry: Kamala’s gold American flag pin and watch are nice accessories on their own, but unfortunately, nothing — even gold — can distract from this disaster of an outfit. But, at least her mask matches her top.
Fit Ranking: 1.5/10
Harris taking her oath for vice presidency on Jan. 20, 2021
Outfit: While I love this shade of blue, Harris’s slightly lighter blue top significantly detracts from her coat, giving her outfit a confusing and clashing aesthetic. A white top would have done her a lot of favors. Yet, the pearl necklace superbly complements the Chelsea blue, detracting from the fashion disarray. And I do really appreciate the inspiring feminist moment!
Shoes (Not pictured): Regular black heels. They’re not awful, but they don’t really suit the blue. White or tan would have been a better pick.
Fit Rating: 5/10
Kamala Harris at the 2019 Pride Parade in San Francisco
Outfit: From the bedazzled jean jacket to the shining gold earrings, this outfit is sure to secure some votes. This vibrant rainbow hue perfectly captures Harris’ charisma and energy, drawing in supporters and reminding everyone that politics can be both powerful and stylish. Her black top perfectly accentuates her outfit, radiating her vibrant progressive spirit across the rally.
Jewelry: While hard to see from this angle, Harris’s ornate bracelet perfectly maintains the light aura of her pantsuit. A beacon of feminist hope — Harris absolutely devours this outfit.
Fit Rating: 8.5/10
Harris with Sam Liccardo on Jan. 24, 2020
Outfit: I’m all for patterned tops, and I totally support a professional yet atypical photo outfit. But who thought it was okay for Harris to wear not two, but THREE different shades of black? From her pants to her jacket to her top, this tornado of clashes is truly hard to look at. Nauseating!
Bonus (Liccardo’s tie): Luckily for Harris, Liccardo’s tie seems to distract from her lackluster outfit. Nobody can pull off the notorious coral. Is it pink? Is it orange? Is it yellow? Whatever it is, it’s giving me a headache.
Fit Ranking: 1.5/10
Kamala Harris’s official headshot – she wore a nearly identical outfit to her Sept. 10, 2024, Presidential Debate with Donald Trump
Outfit: With a solid black pantsuit, and a collared white top, you know that Harris means business. This is clearly her game outfit — clean, neutral and professional — ensuring nothing distracts from her powerful words. There’s no better look to refute the false narratives surrounding dog and cat-eating immigrants and transgender “illegal aliens.” It may not be the most exciting outfit on the list, but it’s the perfect warrior pantsuit for winning the debate!
Shoes (Not pictured): Classic black heels — the perfect complement to Harris’ commanding presence.
Fit Ranking: 6.5/10
In the world of campaign fashion, Kamala Harris proves that style and substance can go hand in hand. From dazzling sequins to powerful pantsuits, her wardrobe choices not only make statements but also resonate with voters. Whether she’s rocking vibrant colors or navigating the tricky waters of black-on-black clashes, Harris demonstrates that every outfit leaves a lasting impact. And needless to say, she’s undoubtedly dressing better than her opponent — who hasn’t been more adventurous than a pink tie. So as the campaign trail heats up, let’s keep an eye on Harris’ fashion evolution — because when it comes to style, she’s not just aiming for the podium and the White House; she’s aiming for the runway!
