Comfort and confidence aren’t the only benefits of clothing. A fashion style can become a political statement, as fashion and politics have always been subtly woven together. Having your say is a pivotal part of politics, and with this in mind, a presidential candidate can ensure their voice is heard in more ways than one.
Confidence in Color
The psychology of color isn’t a new phenomenon and hasn’t been overlooked by political figures. Red is often used to evoke a sense of power, passion, and control. Centuries ago, Chinese warriors and Roman soldiers donned the color red in battle for this very purpose, and this continues today as the color red speaks volumes in the contemporary political arena.
Donald Trump became synonymous with the red tie when he first ran for president. This item actually emerged 40 years ago when his success was defined in real estate. The red tie is now a go-to clothing choice for many Republican candidates, while most Democrats have adopted the color blue. In addition to evoking confidence, blue is also associated with serenity, rationality, and intelligence.
Casual is Key
Political candidates don’t overlook the importance of clothing style. Looking back at the fashion files of former presidents, formal attire hasn’t always been the obvious choice when making a fashion statement. While a formal suit wasn’t always discarded, a more casual, relaxed style often won the day.
The Hawaiian shirt made its mark in the White House in the mid-1900s. President Harry S. Truman loved its laid-back holiday vibe and owned a massive wardrobe of Hawaiian shirts. The public could relate more easily to their president’s casual attire, which resulted in a general feeling of trust and understanding. But Truman wasn’t the only president following a casual style—John F. Kennedy’s blue cardigan sweater was also a firm favorite.
Denim initially found its way into the working class cupboard, but past presidents have elevated denim jeans, dungarees, and shirts up through the socio-economic ranks. This proved to be an effective way of acknowledging all societal classes. Ronald Reagan’s cowboy hat, George W. Bush’s noticeable belt buckle, and Barack Obama’s comfy jeans continued this trend.
President Obama was notorious for sporting a neatly rolled-up sleeve. His message was clear: formalities can take a backseat. Instead, he wanted to focus on what needed to be addressed and effectively get the job done.
A Focus on Footwear
Originally designed to prevent basketball players from slipping on the court, the traditional Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker appeared on the fashion scene over a century ago in Massachusetts.
The sneaker has made its appearance in all walks of life, including the political arena, and current Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris is no exception. The comfy, casual feel of the shoe is an obvious reason for its popularity. Politically speaking, the sneaker’s message is more complex: the wearer is practical, proactive, young at heart, and ready for movement.
Time to Suit Up
Candidates on either side of the political fence also need to know how to convey the right message with formal attire.
Recently, there’s been a shift from the traditional gray blazer with an open-collar shirt to the navy blue suit and loosely knotted tie. The most effective formal style will send a clear message to voters.
While variety can be a positive thing, repeating a certain formal trend can provide familiarity among voters. What is seen as familiar can evoke feelings of safety and security.
Conclusion
You might be wondering which candidate has the 2024 president election best odds? Well, that’s still to be determined. However, we have to acknowledge the role that fashion plays in U.S. presidential campaigning. Communication channels between candidates and prospective voters need to be effective for a successful campaign. This is where fashion and politics can be expertly woven together.
Fashion style can be an integral key in developing a candidate’s public identity, whether they’re dressed down in jeans and open-necked shirts or dressed up in a formal suit and a sleek tie. The increasing use of social media in the political sphere suggests that the importance of fashion in politics is here to stay. A multitude of factors influence voter perception, but a candidate’s style choices shouldn’t be left at the back of the closest.
##
