The Democratic National Convention is currently taking place at the United Center in Chicago, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota governor Tim Walz set to accept the party’s nominations for the 2024 presidential election. The convention, running until Thursday, aims to drum up voter enthusiasm for the candidates and highlight key issues the Democratic Party plans to address throughout the campaign. Monday’s kick-off event featured speeches from President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, setting the tone for the rest of the convention.
In addition to focusing on politics, the Democratic National Convention is also a showcase for strategic fashion choices made by the speakers and attendees. Politicians often use their personal style to convey campaign messages and policy positions, and the DNC is no exception. Dr. Jill Biden chose a lilac, double-breasted blazer by Ralph Lauren for the first day of the convention, continuing her tradition of supporting American designers. Vice President Kamala Harris wore a sleek, tan two-piece suit, a modern and progressive choice that may subtly address past controversies about similar colors being seen as inappropriate for office.
Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota Peggy Flanagan made a statement by wearing a printed blazer and dress by Indigenous designer Jamie Okuma. As an Ojibwe woman, Flanagan’s choice to support Okuma on the national stage also served to acknowledge and uplift Native citizens, who are often key swing state voters during election years. These fashion choices at the DNC are not just about personal style, but also about sending a message and representing different communities and values within the Democratic Party.
Throughout the convention, speakers and attendees at the Democratic National Convention will continue to make thoughtful fashion choices that reflect their values and political messages. By spotlighting American designers, acknowledging marginalized communities, and aligning their style with their campaign platforms, politicians are using fashion as a tool for communication and representation. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the fashion moments and statements made at the DNC will play a role in shaping the public’s perception of the candidates and the Democratic Party as a whole.
From Dr. Jill Biden’s support of American designers like Ralph Lauren to Vice President Kamala Harris’s choice of a tan suit as a symbol of progressive ideals, the fashion choices at the Democratic National Convention are carefully considered and intentional. These choices are not just about looking good on stage, but about using style as a form of political expression and communication. As the convention continues, the fashion moments on display will offer insights into the values and priorities of the Democratic Party and its candidates, shaping the narrative of the 2024 presidential election.
