What's in a pants suit? Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's fashion decisions say loads about their personalities – and their vision for the longer term

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump couldn't be more different – and this divide between them goes far beyond politics and extends to their fashion decisions.

While Harris tends to wear form-fitting pantsuits and female tops, Trump opts for ill-fitting, boxy navy suits and long red ties.

All American politicians often Wear American flag pins on the lapel, in addition to red, white and blue clothing. But my research shows that fashion plays a crucial, symbolic role in politics that goes far beyond patriotism. An individual's appearance reflects their identity and the way they need others to perceive them.

It is smart that political campaigns often work with skilled stylists to decorate and magnificence their leading candidates, thereby defining and reflecting politicians' different personalities, identities and political positions.

Harris' skilled, feminine look

Harris normally wears an updated version of Hillary Clinton famous power pantsuits.

While Clinton's pantsuits through the 2016 presidential campaign had rigid silhouettes that didn't show the form of her body, Harris' pantssuits are more relaxed and fewer formal.

As a senator, Harris joined other Democratic female politicians wore a white pants suit to commemorate and have fun the suffragettes.

Harris now typically wears dark, daring tones, almost monochromatic ensembles, with either dark heels or sneakers.

At the Democratic National Convention in August 2024, Harris accepted the presidential nomination, wearing a perhaps unsurprising navy blue pantsuit with the politician's usual American flag pin on his lapel. She accomplished the look with mid-heeled evening shoes and a navy blue dress Blouse with pussycat bowsometimes called Lavallière. The pussy-bow shirt, which became popular amongst working women within the Seventies, is a female version of a standard tie.

This form of tie has a soft bow on the neck that may be tied in some ways.

Harris' decision to commonly wear pussy-bow blouses shows that she has a female flair, and it's also a nod to previous feminist icons who wore such a bow.

When Harris wears sneakers – often Chuck Taylors – with a pantsuit, it jogs my memory of how actress Helen Hunt's character wore practical commuter sneakers with business attire within the Nineties and 2000s.”Crazy about you” TV series.

The unusual pantsuit and sneakers combination shows that Harris is a busy, skilled woman – who can also be young, energetic and friendly with other women.

Walz's American Dad style

Harris' Vice President Tim Walz has also drawn public attention for his selection of clothing.

At the Democratic National Convention in August, former President Barack Obama noted that Walz commonly wore plaid flannel shirts. “You can tell that the flannel shirts he wears don't come from some political advisor. They come from his closet and have been through a lot.” Obama said.

Walz' typical outfitsincluding plaid shirts, jeans and a worn suit with an unbuttoned shirt collar and no tie, signals that he’s authentic and relatable to the common American.

This unofficial uniform also helps solidify the general public's perception of Walz as an archetypal American Coach and father.

The Harris-Walz campaign capitalized on Walz's image by selling merchandise that looked like something out of his closet.

The campaign camouflage hatwhich says “HARRIS WALZ” in daring, orange font, has turn into an especially popular item – sold out and leading to the manufacturer not being there on the lookout for materials and sewing machines to make more hats.

Vance and Trump's Aesthetics

Republican politicians also show who they’re or wish to be through their fashion decisions. Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance, for instance, has significantly modified his appearance from his first political involvement just a few years ago until his election as a senator in 2023.

In 2017, Vance incessantly wore jeans, an open-collared button-down shirt, and an unbuttoned blazer during his book tour. When he was elected senator in 2023, he began wearing a suit and tie.

More recently, Vance began dressing Unofficial “Make America Great Again” uniformconsisting of a tailored dark blue suit, red tie and white shirt with dark shoes. With this outfit selection, Vance dresses in red, white and blue, a nod to the American flag and an indication of his patriotism.

Trump wears a virtually an identical political uniform that’s immediately recognizable and closely related to conservative politicians.

When Trump selected Vance as his vice chairman in July 2024, Vance also dyed his gray hair brown to possibly appear younger. Perhaps it became more essential for Vance to seem younger after 81-year-old President Joe Biden withdrew from the Democratic nomination and 60-year-old Harris became the presidential candidate.

Beyond the campaign, Trump released 1,000 pairs of limited-edition high-top sneakers called “Never Surrender” in February 2024. These shoes that sold out quicklywere covered in shiny gold lamé and had an American flag printed across the collar of the sneakers.

I recently found several examples of pairs of Trump sneakers Selling on eBay and other online stores for 1000’s of dollars.

Fashion on either side

Harris' combination of solid-colored blouses, pantsuits and sneakers, together with Walz's outfits as a Midwestern father, will likely help the candidates appear likeable to many working-class voters and girls.

Likewise, Trump's classic red MAGA hat and tie, in addition to Vance's similar uniform of dark blue suit, white button-down shirt, and red tie, illustrate their concentrate on male conservatism.

Candidates' style doesn't tell voters details about campaign guarantees or policies, however it does give an idea of ​​who the candidates think they’re.