As the 2024 US Election comes to a close, let’s decode Vice President Kamala Harris’ signature style. She has carved out a look that is unwaveringly intentional and resolutely modern, signalling authority without straying into pretence. Her wardrobe may be relatively simple but it is the simplicity that speaks volumes. Harris’s choices reflect not only the influence of American design but a woman’s careful negotiation of power in a world still inclined to see it through a male lens.
Power Suit Reinterpreted Modern Women
Harris’s wardrobe staple is the suit. But not the boxy, authoritarian variety associated with the boardrooms of the past. Her suits are by American designers like Carolina Herrera, Prabal Gurung, and Altuzarra. These are designers who have mastered the art of subtlety in fashion. Her tailoring is precise, with silhouettes that balance strength and elegance, never overshadowing the person wearing them. Each suit seems selected not to impose but to enhance, projecting a calm, steady authority that is refreshingly devoid of frills. This is clothing designed to support the person, rather than overwhelm the space.
When Harris wears a Michael Kors pantsuit, she signals a kind of authority that’s grounded and pragmatic. There’s none of the flash that we see in high fashion, nor the overbearing masculinity that plagued power dressing in the 1980s. Instead, she embodies a contemporary take on power dressing, one that nods to structure but has softened its edges, acknowledging the diversity and fluidity of modern leadership.
Colour Palette Is Commanding Without Competing
Harris’s wardrobe is a study in controlled palettes. She favours navy, charcoal, and black, colours that have become her professional uniform. Occasionally, she’ll step out in a richer tone like burgundy or a pastel suit that draws subtle attention, such as her Carolina Herrera suit worn during her historic victory speech. White carries symbolic weight as the colour of the suffragettes, reminding viewers of the long, arduous journey women have taken to reach the heights of public office.
Kamala Harris veers into pastel territory on occasion (Instagram)
This restrained colour palette is a message. In dark tones, she evokes a steadiness that feels unshakeable. Her colours reject flash in favour of understatement that directs the focus away from her clothing and toward her presence. They create a uniform that feels not only deliberate but also practical, a no-fuss approach that underlines her commitment to the work over the spectacle.
Converse Sneakers
Of course, Kamala Harris’s wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without her Converse sneakers, which have become as iconic as her suits. Paired with her suits, the sneakers bring a playful casualness that contrasts with the formality of her role. When Harris wears her white Chuck Taylors, she is rewriting the rules of the power shoe. Her sneakers say she’s here to move, to work, to step confidently into spaces that were once closed to her. The brand Converse aligns with Harris’s own narrative as a first-generation American shattering glass ceilings.
Kamala Harris is a woman on the move in her Converse sneakers (AP)
Signature Accessories
Harris’s accessories are a modern take on elegance. Her signature pearls from designers like David Yurman offer a classic touch that carries the weight of heritage and history. The pearls are a nod to her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African American sorority and a reminder of the legacy of Black women in American society.
Her minimal accessories are a modern take on elegance (Instagram)
Her jewellery choices are understated, often limited to simple stud earrings and minimal bracelets, which complement her look without drawing undue attention. Her accessories underscore her message of purpose and pragmatism.
Tips For Office Wear Inspired By Kamala Harris
For women looking to channel Kamala Harris’s brand of sartorial power, there are a few key takeaways:
- Embrace Tailoring: Harris’s wardrobe emphasises the importance of a well-fitted suit. Tailoring is essential to achieving her look. A perfect fit projects confidence and control. Choose suits in classic colours and focus on structure without excessive embellishments.
- Harris’s neutral colour choices are purposeful and unflashy. Her palette of navy, black and charcoal exudes authority and makes her presence felt without overpowering. In professional settings, these colours can help centre attention on one’s voice and ideas rather than the clothes themselves.
- Her Converse sneakers add a touch of authenticity and relatability to her look. Incorporating unexpected accessories and elements into professional attire (whether it’s a colourful scarf or a statement bag) can create a look that is both polished and personal.
- Opt for classic jewellery. Harris’s pearls are a signature piece, but they are also a timeless choice. Simple, classic jewellery that holds meaning or speaks to personal history can lend an outfit a sense of sophistication without overwhelming it. Less is more in creating a refined, coherent aesthetic.
- Find a uniform that reflects stability. Harris’s wardrobe serves as a uniform that is both familiar and reassuring. Establishing a reliable style that you can turn to day in and day out creates a visual continuity that reflects confidence and stability. A wardrobe of well-made, versatile pieces speaks to one’s reliability and presence.
True power dressing is about finding the balance between confidence and humility. Kamala Harris’s style isn’t about trendsetting or making headlines. In her structured suits, minimal jewellery, and functional footwear, she is shaping a new narrative around power dressing. It is a style that embraces substance over spectacle. She is rewriting the rules of fashion for women in leadership, proving that style can be powerful without being ostentatious.
