Washington D.C. is lovingly called “Hollywood for ugly people.” It’s implied that looks matter less than brainpower. But image matters more than you might think. Every ensemble is calculated. Make no mistake, even though everyone is wearing business attire, subtle fashion choices send political signals. Remember when presidential hopeful Barack Obama didn’t wear an American flag pin on his lapel? Conservative pundits used that choice against him and questioned his commitment to the American people. The politically charged outfits we’ve seen this year have been obvious features of our political landscape among our elected officials, candidates and fellow citizens.
If Ronald Reagan was the father of “trickle-down economics,” then Trump is the father of “trickle-down fashion.” The stylistic choices we’re seeing are a tangible sign of a nation divided. Nowadays whether your hat is pink or red speaks volumes about your politics.
Conscientiously planned outfits were particularly apparent this election cycle, but have existed throughout American history. From Melania Trump’s hot pink Gucci “Pussy Bow” bodysuit to Kellyanne Conway’s revolutionary garb, the 2016 fashion on the right has made a clear statement that something new and different is coming to Washington.
On the other side of the aisle, liberal women made a yuge fashion statement at the Joint Sessions address. Many of the 66 Democratic women in Congress chose to wear white to honor the work of women before them. The suffragettes started this trend of wearing white to symbolize purity and marching “into the light.” Many of the most powerful women in American history have followed suit. For example, Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress, wore white after her historic 1968 victory. In 1984, the first female vice presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro nodded to the suffragettes, wearing a white ensemble when she received her nomination. Most recently, Hillary Clinton donned a white pantsuit that she wore while giving her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Committee. She also wore white to Donald Trump’s inauguration.
It seems almost ironic that Trump’s daughters Ivanka and Tiffany also wore all white outfits on the day of the inauguration. It’s unclear what exactly the Trump women intended with this fashion move. All we know is that it was an intentionally provocative choice as their father has continuously displayed chauvinistic behavior. An important thing we need to remember is that the most powerful people both in government and affiliated with government know that the eyes of the nation are upon them, whether we think they look at it or not. The higher up you go with powerful positions, the bigger the PR teams and the more calculated the attire become.
This president is a master entrepreneur, a branding expert and the epitome of showmanship. What he lacks as a policy wonk, he makes up for in marketing knowhow. A focus on image and branding will be a hallmark of this administration. It will also be a hallmark in the reaction against the administration. Right now, trickle-down fashion is at work. The hats, the suits, the white and the red clothing of politicians and voters alike matter. These trends will inevitably manifest themselves into art, music and other forms of culture and thereby characterize our place in history.
All of us cultivate our personal brands and our personas with our fashion choices. Obviously, our politicians are no different, and they certainly care more about what they look like. Pay attention and stay woke to the fashion we see in Washington because everything these days is packed with symbolism.
