#PoliticalStyle: Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris – Two Visions, Two American Icons

When it comes to style and politics, few American figures embody such stark differences as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Their looks are not just aesthetic choices; they reflect two ways of interpreting power and public role, linked to two distinct visions of American politics: the Republican and the Democratic. In this case, we are witnessing #PoliticalStyle.

While Trump favours an institutional and powerful look, Harris proposes a sophisticated and accessible style, showing how even a wardrobe can communicate the values and perspectives of the wearer.

Donald Trump: The Power of the Classic Republican Look

Donald Trump has built his public image on a style that evokes the figure of the American businessman. His wardrobe is centred around dark suits, bold ties—often red—and white shirts. This look is a visual declaration of power and authority: the suit is almost a "uniform" that speaks of solidity and personal success, values that many in the Republican Party consider fundamental.

Brands such as Brioni and Brooks Brothers are among his favourites, known for their classic tailoring and timeless quality. This type of clothing, chosen to convey confidence and determination, is also distinguished by specific details, such as the length of his tie, which often extends past the waist. His preference for wearing the jacket unbuttoned is another sign of control and relaxation, almost as if suggesting that he does not need formal buttoning to appear authoritative.

Trump’s style, therefore, draws on an idea of power that safeguards traditions: his image is meant to be constant and recognisable, reflecting the conservative values and stability that the Republican Party aims to embody.

Kamala Harris: The Innovation of Democratic Style

If Trump’s style is traditional and structured, Kamala Harris offers an equally powerful image but with a more versatile and contemporary approach. Her tailored trousers with clean lines and sober colours like blue, grey, and black are a refined and functional choice. This look communicates professionalism and pragmatism, balancing elegance and simplicity.

Harris prefers American brands such as Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera, which allow her to appear sophisticated while remaining accessible, a choice consistent with her public image. For informal occasions, she is known for her love of Converse shoes, which have become iconic and speak of a practical, modern woman. For more formal events, she wears pieces from designers like Prabal Gurung, whose designs are understated and refined. Even when experimenting with colours, such as purple for the 2021 inauguration, Harris always selects tones that reflect a balance between formality and innovation.

Her look represents a dynamic version of the institutional figure: elegant, yes, but without exaggeration, in line with a politics that seeks to be close to the people, favouring an innovative and inclusive approach.

Two Styles, Two Political Visions

Behind these style choices are two different visions of American politics.

Trump’s classic and structured style expresses a strong, defined leadership, with an idea of authority and personal success that translates into garments chosen to underline these values. His image, like the Republican Party he represents, focuses on stability and respect for traditions, embodying a vision of America rooted in its founding values.

Kamala Harris, on the other hand, represents a more flexible and accessible vision of leadership. Her wardrobe is designed to convey authority without rigidity, with outfits that show her ability to innovate while maintaining a solid and well-defined image.

Two Americas, Two Style Icons

Ultimately, Trump and Harris represent two sides of the same American coin: on one hand, the conservative America, oriented towards rigor and solidity; on the other, progressive America, looking towards the future with a more open and inclusive approach. Each of their styles becomes a symbol of political identity but also a personal character that is deeply rooted in the tradition and evolution of the country.

These stylistic differences tell us two ways of interpreting the leader’s role, two approaches to fashion that reveal much about the relationship between image and power in the United States. And if there is one thing that Trump and Harris teach us, it’s that clothing can be a powerful communication tool, capable of conveying much more than a simple sense of elegance: it can embody the visions and values of an entire nation.