The cornerstone of politics is often based in debating public affairs in hopes for a change. Change is what politicians strive for, in fact it is often the centerpiece in campaigning. Pitching change to an entire country is no easy task and to deliver that sort of message requires looking the part. Whether your candidate wore khakis and a red hat or a white pantsuit and pearls, what the candidates wear, says a lot about how they’re trying to portray themselves.
Politicians are limited in their expression in fashion because the look must be just right so they’re seen as professionals. On most occasions, it tends to be many forms of the same business-style approach, usually with a 2-piece suit, according to Longwood University design professor, Leslie Cook-Day. Whether it’s a male or a female, the political uniform tends to be neutral tones, minimal accessories and hardly any patterns.
“Overwhelmingly, the political style is highly masculine,” said Cook-Day. “Very safe colors, very safe patterns. You don’t see a lot of innovation, in terms of style, in the political arena because sometimes that can be a little off-putting for people … If (politicians) are too creative in their dress, it can be taken as a sign that they are not as interested in representing the values of people around them.”
Political fashion’s main purpose is to appeal to constituents and gain support through using dress as a means for displaying that message. President-elect Donald Trump often does this in a seemingly well-balanced manner as he appealed to his audiences, wearing a more casual look for his rallies.
With khaki pants, a slightly unbuttoned white collared shirt, an open suit jacket and his signature “Make America Great Again” red hat, Trump tried to convey to his crowd that despite his billionaire status, he’s a man of the people.
Malina Foldesi, Longwood College Republicans president said, “(Trump) is trying to relay the message that he is just an everyday American like the rest of us. He has chosen to distance himself from Washington, D.C. and believes that this look will connect with voters. His signature hat is letting the American people know that he represents them as everyday Americans.”
Secretary Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, had a lot more freedom with her choice of style because the political uniform mainly applies to men since the presidency has been, and remains, a man’s job. Clinton’s larger range of options is mainly used through color and suit style, since her signature look remains consistent with the political uniform, using mainly suits.
“Hillary Clinton is definitely trying to portray herself as the more qualified candidate,” said Foldesi. “Her famous pantsuits give off a professional vibe, one that Donald trump has lacked. Hillary is trying to show that woman can also be in control. She is portraying the feminist movement that women can be, say or dress in any way they please.”
Perhaps one of the most interesting things to look for in these next four years will be if either of the front-running candidates will keep up with their signature looks, post-election.
Will Clinton continue to wear the Nehru-esque suit that displays her feminine stance, or will she revert to the modern women’s pantsuit in pin stripes, sporting a skirt? Perhaps more wondrous would be if Trump will continue to dress down his look when speaking to the people, despite his new status.
Dress says far more about a person than one would initially think, and in coming years, it will be our first impressions when President-elect Trump addresses our nation.
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