5 U.S. Politicians Who Speak Fluent Fashion

The theater of American politics would be incomplete without intentional fashion. After all, we don’t refer to “the national stage,” without reason. Being a successful politician means creating a public persona, and part of that characterization is costume. Too often the coverage of political fashion is misconstrued as overshadowing political figures’ policy making, particularly when they are women. But it is an indisputable truth that fashion is and forever will be a tool for communicating. So wouldn’t it be foolish not to utilize it? Especially for female and/or other minority leaders, should they not use every possible tool to their advantage? And does discussion of political fashion truly overshadow policy if is it being wielded at will? In short: politicians of all genders, races, and across party lines use fashion purposefully. Some, much better than others. 

Just recently, for example, First Lady Jill Biden stirred the Twitter-verse with a pair of fishnet adjacent tights. Photographed while deboarding Air Force One, The First Lady’s sheer stockings produced an invented personal scandal online for the Biden White House. Bull artists from far and wide flocked to the photo with comments like “trashy,” and comparisons of Dr. Biden to Cardi B and Madonna. Why being like two of music’s most influential (and fashionable) stars is a bad thing, was never explained. But many came to the First Lady’s defense as well, clapping back at other (incorrect) claims that Dr. Biden was “too old,” for the ensemble.

Unfortunately as #Melania began to trend on Twitter, the comebacks began to do more harm than good. Users shamed the ex-First Lady for having posed nude, an equally problematic response to the already sexist thread of commentary. Putting down Melania for wearing a colonial white pith helmet to Kenya, $3,000 Delpozo dress to speak about child hunger, or notorious “I really don’t care. Do U?” jacket to the border where families were being separated would have been in better taste. 

Unnecessary controversy aside, Dr. Biden’s hosiery was indicative of the playful personality she has played up since stepping into the Washington spotlight. A personality that pairs perfectly with her husband’s Ray Ban clad caricature. Both exude an energy younger than their actual ages. One that is distinctly approachable, affordable, and American. These qualities align also with President Biden’s overarching mission to unite the country and reclaim a more inclusive “soul of America,” as the President (really) likes to say. Coincidence? Certainly not. 

Here, take a look at six other American political figures who’ve made the most of their Washington wardrobe.