Politics in Polyester

Making a statement in fashion outside of accessories 

In an effort to keep the conversation lasting longer than just a few weeks, I held back on discussing the recent fashion in politics following the inauguration of President Trump in January. Since, the discussion surrounding this event has inevitably moved on: others filling the void of our interest. Another recent example that we’ll also be looking at is the Super Bowl. 

Starting with the inauguration, a monumental event that occurs every four years in America as the President for that term is sworn into office. Aside from it being the first conducted inside since Ronald Reagan’s in 1985, this inauguration presented itself as discussion-worthy for a variety of reasons: fashion being a key one.

It’s not a new concept in politics to make a statement through clothing. As we see with the recent example of people dressing up as characters from the Handmaid’s Tale to vote in this last US Presidential election. Similarities were then drawn from style decisions made at the US inauguration. Where the President’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, wore a monochrome ensemble sporting a peacock green colour similar to that of character Serena Joy in The Handmaid’s Tale. Many were quick to point out the similarity not only in colour, but also silhouette, and even down to hairstyle. Joy’s character is the wife of the commander, who serves as an example of the hypocrisy of women who utilise their power to oppress other women. 

Then looking at First Lady Melania Trump, who is typically seen sporting major European houses — perhaps paying homage to her background. But was seen at both the 2017 and 2025 inaugurations wearing American based designers. This may be a nod to the typically Republican belief of American independence — heightened by Trump’s MAGA campaign.  

In 2017, Melania wore a sky blue cashmere Ralph Lauren ensemble. Sparking discussion at the time for her colour choice when celebrating the inauguration of a Republican President. The following inauguration of Democrat Joe Biden, for example, had Dr. Jill Biden in blue attire as well as Joe Biden himself. Despite these discussions from 2017, again in 2025, Melania still opted for a blue — this time navy. A navy coat and skirt of Adam Lippies, paired with a ‘boater-esque shaped hat with a white band’ according to Vogue Magazine, credited to Eric Javits. The colour continuation may be interesting to consider, but maybe even more the shade change: from light to dark. Many have commented on her choice of attire as not something typically seen at an inauguration ceremony, but potentially more similar to a funeral, especially since half of her face was concealed. This argument could align with the change to a darker shade of the same opposing colour she wore last time. 

Statements through fashion in politics is ongoing, with Democratic congresswomen wearing white at the 2024 State of the Union. This not only showed their solidarity with one another as members of the same party, but also with women in wider America and the wider world. The colour white was one worn by the National Woman’s Party, a militant organisation fighting for women’s suffrage in the Constitution, along with purple and yellow. In Britain, many women wore white to present themselves as pure and dignified, whilst still demonstrating support for the Suffragette Movement. And at this State of the Union address, they were arguing for women’s reproductive rights. 

Even looking back to the start of Joe Biden’s Presidency, when then-Vice President Kamala Harris gave her victory speech in an all white suit. Throughout her speech she discussed her gratitude and pride of the women before her, saying “I stand on their shoulders”. But delivered it while offering a visual representation of her support in their actions and beliefs. 

The Super Bowl:

Then looking at the Super Bowl, where Kendrick Lamar presented America and the rest of the world with arguably one of the most political performances here to date. In front of the first sitting President to have attended the game: President Trump. Sporting a varsity jacket which offered reference to his recent album ‘GNX’, paired with Céline light wash flares (RP $1300). The jeans in particular sparked discussion online. With a primary focus of the mere aesthetic of the jeans, rather than any potentially underlying meanings or intentions, as it strayed from Lamar’s usual loose-fitting street style. 

Looking generally at the denim material of jeans, which historically were reserved for enslaved African Americans as workwear. In the 60s, during the heat of various Civil Rights movements, activists such as Martin Luther King wore denim jeans and overalls to demonstrate solidarity with black sharecroppers in the south. We now view denim as a staple in our day-to-day wardrobe, but “It took MLK’s march on Washington to make them popular…It was here that Civil Rights activists were photographed wearing the poor sharecropper’s blue denim overalls to dramatise how little had been achieved since reconstruction”. According to Caroline A. Jones, author of Machine in the Studio: Constructing the Postwar American Artist.  Samuel L Jackson was also notably dressed as Uncle Sam to represent the force of American media and politics.  

The flared style of jean worn by Lamar historically served as a symbol of counter culture, most notably in the 60s. This was when much of the youth began buying clothes from army surplus stores. It was cost-effective, durable, and re-styling old military clothing allowed people to demonstrate opposition to war: most commonplace at the time, the Vietnam War. 

In current times, there are several ongoing wars with disagreement amongst citizens: with Lamar volunteering himself as one. 

In every major event, fashion is utilised in the way it was intended. Many people seem to have adopted this idea that ‘fashion isn’t intentional anymore’, but I would disagree. It has merely changed, as we have, in ways that we have also. It’s always worth observing and considering the fashion of any part of politics, but also vice versa, any political part of fashion — It’s always there. 

Do you think there’ll be a change in how we approach politics using fashion in future years? 

Articles mentioned:

• “A Fashionable History of First Ladies on Inauguration Day” Lilah Ramzi, Vogue (Jan 20th, 2025)
• “How Denim became the symbol of the Civil Rights movement” Samuel Trotman, ‘denimdudes’ (June 26th, 2020)
• “Five facts About the Fashion for Flares” — artsandculture.google.com