Come November 5 2024, Americans will choose between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and Democrats and Republicans alike gearing up to dominate the final stretch in campaigning. From televised debates to recorded interviews and rally appearances, the candidates have made their voices heard — in style, to boot. Ahead of polling day, we take a look at the best fashion moments and style of US vice president and Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris.
In a male-dominated political landscape, US vice president and Democratic nominee for the 2024 elections Kamala Harris stands out — not just as a measured voice in a maelstrom of misinformation, division, and unrest. Leveraging her razor-sharp wit, Harris, 60, has garnered a reputation for being effortlessly articulate, a quality she has demonstrated time and time again across multiple appearances spanning rallies and interviews to her September debate with former president and Republican candidate Donald Trump.
But beyond all that, Kamala Harris is also known for her incredible sense of style, owning some of the best fashion moments to ever grace the political trails. We take a look.
Embracing femininity
While many of her peers in global politics are prone to adopting sterner aesthetics in the interest of ‘fitting in’, Kamala Harris has never had any trouble taking the beaten path. Like Jacinda Ardern, who cultivated an image of grace, calm, and self-assuredness in leading New Zealand through multiple crises, Harris has successfully carved a niche for herself in the fashion-forward political sphere.
With fashion long having been used as a way to send a message, Harris’ fashion preferences have provided valuable insight into her political stances and personality, thus keeping her relatable among those she hopes to govern. In essence, Harris has proven that she is unafraid to lean into her femininity, expertly navigating between glitzy gowns and sleek power suits where needed. Add to that her incredible ability to dress for the younger generation — relaxed T-shirts and platform Converse sneaks alike — and you have yourself a political powerhouse with mass appeal.
After all, if there’s one thing you can count on to unite the masses, it’s food — and then fashion, both of which the Democrats have leveraged to great success in their 2024 electoral campaign.
The power of a power suit
While Harris is not one to shy away from dressing down when the occasion demands relatability, her power suit game has been nothing if not impeccable on the campaign trail. Embarking on outreach programs and rallies across the United States, the vice president has rocked a curated wardrobe of colour-coordinated power suits.
Harris’ ‘uniform’ of sorts has done more than cement her place amongst the best-dressed politicians to date. Notably, it has also allowed her to establish her persona among Americans, visually reinforcing who she is in the eyes of her would-be voters: Professional, proudly American, and absolutely ready to work.
This approach to fashion mirrors that of Harris’ predecessor. In 2016, then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton had rocked a similar array of chic pantsuits, all well-tailored, but understated in design.
Addressing her subtle aesthetic in her 2017 memoir What Happened, Clinton shared that the decision was backed by a desire to center her words, and not her clothing. She wrote, “As a woman running for president, I liked the visual cue that I was different from the men but also familiar. A uniform was also an anti-distraction technique: since there wasn’t much to say or report on what I wore, maybe people would focus on what I was saying instead.”
The earrings that broke the internet
During ABC’s September 10 presidential debate with Donald Trump, Kamala Harris took to the podium in a chic ensemble: dark navy suit, white pussy bow blouse, signature American flag pin, and black Manolo Blahnik pumps. She completed the ensemble with a pair of seemingly innocuous pearl earrings.
During her first debate with former president Donald Trump, Kamala Harris wore her Dior 30 Montaigne Jacket and straight cut pants in a dark navy; she accessorised with Manolo Blahnik BB90 Pumps, and accessorised with a pair of Tiffany & Co. South Sea Pearl earrings from the Hardware collection. (Image: Saul Loeb/AFP)
Little did Harris know, her choice of jewellery would spark a flurry of conspiracies among right-wing Republicans, many of whom accused her of wearing Bluetooth-enabled earrings to receive coaching throughout the debate. Following the conclusion of the debate, which saw both candidates speaking on issues from economic policy to reproductive rights, social media erupted in conspiracy theories alleging that Harris had used Nova H1 audio headphones to gain an unfair advantage over Trump during the debate.
Notably, far-right activist Laura Loomer, who shares a close personal relationship with Republican candidate Donald Trump, found herself at the center of these since-discredited conspiracies. In a post on X that has received 6.6 million views as of its posting, Loomer appeared to insinuate that Harris’ earrings were dubious in nature, writing, “Interesting choice of earrings tonight, @KamalaHarris…”
Interesting choice of earrings tonight, @KamalaHarris… pic.twitter.com/z7SoB43UtB
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 11, 2024
Even more interesting is the fact that Loomer, 31, has been seen accompanying Donald Trump on the campaign trail. In September, the conspiracy theorist travelled with the Trump campaign for a series of events in New York. She later joined the former president for the ABC debate in Pennsylvania, even arriving with him on his plane. Having once promoted a 9/11 conspiracy theory, Loomer is a controversial figure amongst Republicans, with her presence and close contact with Trump drawing concern and ire amongst even the staunchest of the party’s supporters.
Harris’ earrings were eventually revealed to be a pair of Tiffany & Co. South Sea Pearl earrings from the brand’s Hardware collection. These earrings feature pearls that sit atop two golden rods; in contrast, Forbes has noted that The Nova H1 Audio earrings feature pearls situated upon singular clips. Yet another point to note in differentiating between the two: Harris is often spotted with these Tiffany & Co. earrings, on occasion even pairing them with a chunky Graduated Link Necklace from the same collection.
While it did not take too long for the internet and media outlets to debunk Earring Gate, its proliferation nonetheless opens doors to a more in-depth discussion. The takeaway? When are we going to start recognising that social media is a powerful (and insidious) tool for spreading misinformation?
Despite the far right’s attempts to discredit the vice president as a strong candidate for leading the nation, she has continued to push forward with incredible grit and determination. In celebration of that, we look at some of the best fashion moments of Kamala Harris to date.
The best fashion moments of Kamala Harris
Juneteenth White House concert — June 2024
To celebrate Juneteenth and Black History Month, the White House hosted a concert, highlighting the accomplishments of black artists and their contribution to American culture. At the event, Vice President Harris wore a blush-toned suit, accompanied by her Tiffany & Co. South Sea Pearl earrings and Graduated Link Necklace.
Showtime Emmy Awards party — September 2012
Then-California Attorney General Kamala Harris at Showtime’s 2012 “EMMYEVE” Soiree held at Sunset Tower on September 22, 2012 in West Hollywood, California. (Image: Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)
At a Showtime Emmy Awards party in 2012, Kamala Harris rocked the red carpet in a silky asymmetrical dress from Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2012 collection. To the Grecian-inspired ensemble, Harris added bangles, webbed heels, and a clutch from Bottega Veneta.
Vanity Fair Oscar party — 2015
Kamala Harris (R) and her husband Douglas Emhoff attend the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar viewing party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills on February 22, 2015. (Image: Chris Delmas/AFP)
Making an appearance at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar party alongside husband Doug Emhoff, Harris stole the show in an exquisite Pamella Roland gown with a blue sequined bodice and sheer panelling details. She paired the look with her beloved Bottega Veneta clutch.
Inauguration Day — January 2021
At the January 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden, Kamala Harris channelled Shirley Chisholm, the first woman to run for US president in 1972. Designed by Christopher John Rogers, Harris’ purple lapel coat and matching dress also referenced the Suffragettes, for whom the colour was of special significance, symbolising loyalty and dignity. Harris finished her outfit with a David Yurman flag pin, heels from Manolo Blahnik, Wing & Weft gloves, and a pearl necklace from Wilfredo Rosado.
Inauguration Night — January 2021
Harris closed off Inauguration Day festivities in a sleek ensemble by Los Angeles-based designer, Sergio Hudson. The outfit was composed of a sequined cocktail dress and a chic cashmere tuxedo overcoat with a silk satin lining. To complete the look, Harris added a David Yurman lapel pin and earrings, and a ring by Irene Neuwirth.
State of the Union — February 2023
At the State of the Union address in 2023, Harris channeled passion and professionalism in a custom deep red suit by Christian Siriano. She paired the suit with a pleated red blouse and an oversized black necklace and earrings to match.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards — September 2024
Kamala Harris made for an incredible vision at the 2024 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix awards, stunning in an exquisite custom column gown by LaQuan Smith. The vice president completed her outfit with black pumps and her signature radiant smile.
Campaign rally in Nevada, Las Vegas — August 2024
There is no shortage of pastel-coloured suits in Kamala Harris’ wardrobe, and we absolutely love this delightful number by Christopher John Rogers. Speaking to crowds at a Nevada rally, alongside running mate Tim Walz, Harris stunned in a vibrant lilac shade.
White House Correspondents Dinner — April 2024
Earlier in April, Harris traded her power suits for sequins as she attended the White House Correspondents dinner. For the event, Harris wore a glittering floor-length gown by French luxury fashion maison CELINE, sparkling alongside her husband, Doug Emhoff.
Ghana State Banquet — March 2023
In March of 2023, Kamala Harris attended a state banquet held at the Jubilee House in Accra, Ghana. Visiting the country as part of a three-day African tour, the vice president drew eyes with her exquisite Monique Lhuillier ensemble featuring a custom white gown and a matching cape emblazoned with a purple flower over her right shoulder. To accessorise, Harris wore gold hoop earrings and a gold bracelet, and carried a gold sequin clutch bag.
Lhuillier is notably a favourite among Democratic women, with former first lady Michelle Obama and first lady Jill Biden among her political clientele.
White House State Dinner for India — June 2023
At a June 2023 White House State Dinner held to celebrate the partnership between the United States and India, Kamala Harris stunned in a full-length shimmering gold gown, accessorised with ethnic-inspired jewellery.
Lincoln Memorial Ceremony — January 2021
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and husband Douglas Emhoff attend a Covid-19 Memorial at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on January 19, 2021 to honor the lives of those lost to Covid-19. (Image: Jim Watson/AFP)
Attending the Lincoln Memorial Ceremony in 2021, Kamala Harris reflected grace and poise in a long camel coat and black boots. The memorial event, which Harris attended with husband Doug, was held at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to honour the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.
LACMA Art + Film Gala — May 2014
Attorney Douglas Emhoff (L) and then-California Attorney General Kamala Harris attend the 2014 LACMA Art + Film Gala honoring Barbara Kruger and Quentin Tarantino presented by Gucci at LACMA on November 1, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Image: Rich Polk/Getty Images for LACMA)
While still the Attorney General of California, Harris attended the LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles wearing a metallic jacquard gown by J. Mendel. Four years later in 2018, she repurposed the gown for the Human Rights Campaign’s National Dinner, where she completed her look with a black Tahitian pearl necklace.
White House State Dinner for Kenya — May 2024
In May 2024, Harris attended a White House State Dinner to honour Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife, Rachel. During the event, Harris wore a custom green column dress from Chloé which featured a train and cape. She also added bling in the form of a gold floral brooch.
March for Reproductive Rights — April 2023
Speaking at the March for Reproductive Rights in April of 2023, Harris traded in her tailored blazers for a casual, yet chic camel leather jacket. The vice president wore the jacket over a basic white shirt and accessorised with gold hoop earrings.
White House State Dinner for Japan — April 2024
US Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Hemhoff arrive for a State Dinner in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at the Booksellers Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 10, 2024. (Image: Drew Angerer/AFP)
Attending a Japanese State Dinner alongside husband Doug in 2024, Harris donned a chic all-black ensemble by Valentino. Featuring a black bodice with sequinned cuffs and a matching sequinned skirt, the outfit radiated class and elegance with ease.
Rally in Eau Claire, Wisconsin — August 2024
Channelling quiet luxury with a chic, modern edge, Harris arrived in Eu Claire, Wisconsin for a rally, dressed in a white blazer paired with a white T-shirt and beige trousers.
Rally in Atlanta, Georgia — July 2024
Arriving in style at the Georgia State Convention Centre, Kamala Harris rocked a baby blue suit by Prabal Gurung, pairing it with a white T-shirt, nude pumps, pearl earrings, and a pearl necklace by Irene Neuwirth.
Democratic National Convention — August 2024
Held at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, the 2024 Democratic National Convention had many memorable moments — among them, Kamala Harris’ unplanned appearance on day 1, August 19. Wearing a chic tan suit that was made-to-measure from Chloé creative director Chemena Kamali, Harris roused the crowd while making a cheeky visual callback to former president Barack Obama’s viral tan suit. To complete the look, Harris paired her coconut-adjacent suit with a white pussy bow blouse.
(Main images: Jim Watson/AFP, Kamala Harris/Facebook Chris Delmas/AFP; featured image: Kamala Harris/Facebook)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
