Kamala Harris Wins the Style Vote According to Montclair State University Fashion Students

Montclair State University Fashion Design and Merchandising students have spoken, and Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as the fashion winner over her Republican opponent, former President Donald J. Trump, as the 2024 race for the White House heats up. The students, drawing on their studies in classes Fashion Proactive: 1990 to Today, Fashion History: Prehistory to 1800 and Culture and Appearance, analyzed various outfits worn by the candidates at campaign events and in formal settings. According to recent polls, the election remains close, but when it comes to fashion, Harris takes the lead.

Under the guidance of Professor Abby Lillethun, students examined the messaging behind fashion choices, discussing how Harris and Trump use their attire to communicate. Lillethun encouraged them to assess without bias: “We want to hear your opinion as a fashion scholar. How do you see the candidates presenting themselves? Do you think it’s effective, given what you know about appearance as a communication tool?”

What Fashion Students Say About Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s Style

Arriana Johnson: “Kamala Harris is making it known that you don’t always have to wear a black pantsuit or a blue or red tie. You can change it up and still be professional and show that you are serious about the job.”

Julie Halma pointed out the contrast in approach: “Trump’s suit is basically the same look every time, it feels very repetitive and very stiff, whereas Kamala has variety; you see more color in her clothing, and that just comes off as more friendly and appealing.”

The creativity in Harris’ fashion was appreciated by Grace Mills, who said, “It’s interesting to see something new; the fashions are fun and something we haven’t seen before. Her fashion choices show she is willing to be creative but stay within the bounds of dressing for her job.”

Jacqueline Mancia Hernandez added: “Her variety in clothing makes her livelier and more enthusiastic. When I see Trump in his regular suit, it looks the same and serious; it’s hard to tell what debate or event a photo is from. With Kamala Harris, you can tell where she was because of her different clothing.”

Harris also earned style points for going from loose-fitting suits while in office to more classic, form-fitting suits while on the campaign trial, all while staying on trend; being comfortable in a variety of clothing, including Converse Chuck Taylor kicks, bright colors and her signature pearls, a nod to her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha and sisterhood.

Zuriel Vargas said he appreciates that Harris can be casual, noting that her Chuck Taylor’s and a T-shirt “conveys the idea that she’s modest, as well as coming from the same background as most people,” while adding a blazer suggests an air of distinction.

Lillethun’s analysis supported that of her students. “I’m not sure I’ve seen a picture of a first lady in tennis shoes. I think she shows a little youthful energy there.”

The Politics of Pantsuits

While presidential candidates and politicians have long been critiqued on appearances, students explored the deeper implications of Harris’ pantsuits in class discussions. Vargas pointed out that Harris’ choice of shoulder-padded pantsuit jackets conveys power: “The shoulder padding creates this frame that’s powerful and signals that she’s on the same playing field.”

Yamila Chege reflected on the gender dynamics in fashion: “They’re not even comfortable with having a woman [in the race], let alone a woman in a dress.” The pressure for women in politics to conform was echoed by Haniyah Khurman, who suggested Harris avoids dresses to keep the focus on her message: “Her appearance would come more into focus if she wore dresses or skirts. Her body, makeup, hair – all of that would come into question.”

Lillethun agreed that Harris, an attorney by profession, prefers “the focus to be on her formality, her authority, her documented capacities rather than her physical attributes since women are so often commented upon relative to their physical attributes.” Her more tailored suits, she said, convey “I am a woman, and I can be president, along with I am solid as a rock.”

With regard to formal wear, the professor concurred with a student who pointed out that a long-sleeve sequined gown was toned down but in a fun color. “It’s kind of become a thing at state dinners for the first lady and vice president to wear solid sequins…,” Lilllithun said, “For the reasons that you’re stating, it evokes that formality without the details of lace or anything feminine, like florals or ruffles.” The students and professor agreed that Harris could have worn more flattering accessories, such as a silver handbag and high heels, rather than black.

Dissecting Donald Trump’s Signature Look

Lillethun, also a fashion historian and author, noted that women have traditionally had more opportunities for experimenting and accessorizing, while men in Western culture – at least for the last 200 years – have adhered to more narrow fashion codes. While Harris experiments with her attire, Trump sticks to his signature style, a move that students also analyzed closely. Kelvin Leyda observed that Trump’s long red ties and blue suits are part of his brand. Mills agreed, saying, “That’s what you think of when you think of Donald Trump.”

According to Nelson Dela Cruz, the long tie could be a deliberate choice to make him appear more slender: “A shorter tie makes him look bigger.” [According to former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s memoir, Trump suggested the governor wear longer ties to make him look thinner.]

The class also noted that Trump’s style is emblematic of the American flag, as he often pairs red ties with blue suits and white shirts. His avoidance of patterns and bright colors reinforces a sense of consistency and tradition, as evidenced by the notch lapel on his single-breasted business suits. “For Mr. Trump, the red, white and blue has become a signature style,” Lillethun agreed. “It’s all he wears when he’s presenting in a debate or on a stage. His brand is very solid there.”

The students and professor also discussed interpretations of Trump always wearing open suit jackets and never taming his tie with a clip. “He’s doing it on purpose. He doesn’t like the buttoned up look,” Lillethun said. “There could be internal, personal reasons as well, about his body shape or size or something but it’s definitely, in a certain sense, being inviting. ‘I’m a regular guy.’”

About his ties often blowing in the wind, one student suggested it was a “power move,” signaling that Trump is “free flowing” and signals a strong sense of comfort. Or “another interpretation may be that he can be easily buffeted by the wind,” Lillethun said.

Montclair fashion students were clear that while both candidates use fashion to communicate, Harris’ diverse wardrobe sends a message of inclusivity and creativity that resonates more strongly with voters, particularly younger voters, in today’s political climate.

“The more positive qualities that students are mentioning reflects that she’s participating in our life, meaning American life, because sometimes Trump’s stiff and unchanging look doesn’t reflect what our lives are like,” Lillethun said. “We’re negotiating our roles, responsibilities and activities constantly, which Kamala seems to be doing, and she does it with aplomb because she always looks well dressed, even in her pink tee-shirt and white jeans.”

I’m a ______, tell me more…

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn more about Fashion Design and Merchandising in the College of the Arts or plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic.