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What Should Kamala Harris Wear on Inauguration Day? Our Stylists Have Some Ideas
Clothes aren’t everything, but they can definitely send a message.
In just a few short days, Kamala Harris will be sworn in as Vice President of the United States. She will be the first-ever female vice president, the first Black vice president, and the first vice president of South Asian descent. Regardless of which side of the aisle you’re on, we can all acknowledge that her reaching the White House is historic—and hopefully, a sign of more progress on the horizon.
Senator Harris’s words and actions are far more important than her outfits—but clothes do have power and can be used to make a statement. Our soon-to-be VP has shown that she knows how to harness the power of self-presentation to send a message, and we look forward to seeing what she picks. In the meantime, we asked a few M.M. stylists what they’d love to see Senator Harris wear for the big day. Here’s what they chose, and why.
Chris
“If I were dressing Kamala Harris for her inauguration, I’d choose our ivory suit (the Bennett jacket and Mejia pant) with the Beverly top in alabaster and Koio sneakers. After analyzing her campaign style, I’ve learned that she loves to balance statement pieces with comfort. You’ll often see her in jewel tones, saturated colors, or a head-to-toe neutral look that makes a lasting impression. Since she spends so much of her day on the move, she’s been known to wear a walking-friendly shoe to bring her outfits together—power casual at its best, and a shift toward a more laid-back style than we’ve seen from candidates in the past. The Koio is the perfect sneaker for her: stylish yet practical and, most importantly, comfortable. Finally, an all-white outfit serves as an ode to female suffragists and highlights the historic nature of her inauguration as VP.”
Malaika
“For Vice President Harris, I would pick the Arden jacket and Tinsley trouser in biscuit, the Malki top in baltic blue, the Lyssa earrings, and two shoe options: the Ginger pump in night sky or the Koio sneaker (because VP-elect Harris loves a good sneaker).
As a stylist, I like to always think outside the box. Everyone loved her white suit, so I wanted to stick with the theme of neutral coloring. The hint of blue, of course, represents her political party. The fact that she’s the first multicultural female vice president is historic in itself, and it gives America a new face, in a sense. So I wanted her look to be new, feminine, fresh, and authentic. She represents all of these things, and her clothes should, too. Lastly, all of these pieces are comfortable and warm, which is important for an event like the inauguration, as it will last all day.”
Flaka
“Inauguration Day is about accepting new responsibilities, but it’s also about celebrating major accomplishments. Looking at women who have been part of the inauguration ceremony in the past, you’ll notice that their outfits strike a balance between professional and slightly more playful than what they wore during the campaign.
The somber events of the past year, and especially the past few weeks, inspired me to choose a black suit. The Horton pant and Neale jacket combination reads as serious, but because the jacket is cropped and doesn’t have lapels, it moves away from being purely business to being a bit more celebratory. The purple shirt sends a message of unity, something the country desperately needs right now.”
Joanna
“When I’m working with a customer, I like to get some insight into her life and personality, which helps me put together outfits that embody who she is and make her feel comfortable. The Bennett blazer and Horton pant in camel are not only comfortable, but they also reflect Senator Harris’s personality—the suit is powerful and polished, just like her. The Sloane top in machine-washable silk will portray her elegance, and it has a pop of garnet, since we know she loves a bit of color. This suit makes a statement, just as Kamala Harris has made a statement by breaking barriers and reaching the White House.”
