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I'm bringing this blog back because Kamala Harris remains a powerhouse—a true Renaissance woman who continues to break barriers and inspire. Win or lose, her impact is undeniable, and her story is still worth telling.
There is no doubt that Kamala Harris is a prominent, yet polarizing figure in the competitive, cut-throat world of politics. Rising from her role as District Attorney in San Francisco, where she cultivated a strong career in law and politics, Kamala made history by becoming the first woman of color to serve as Vice President of the United States. However, with a sudden, dramatic turn of events, President Biden has graciously stepped aside in the presidential race against former President Donald Trump, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5th, 2024.
Whether you like, love, or abhor Kamala Harris, there’s no denying that she’s here to stay. She consistently communicates a strong, modern message through her bold, edgy fashion and color choices—ever since she was announced as President Joe Biden’s running mate. Fast forward to 2024, and presidential candidate Kamala Harris has been visually communicating to the American people who she is and what she stands for.
The Psychology Behind Kamala Harris’s Fashion and Color Choices
For those unfamiliar with Color Analysis and its importance in creating a powerful, personal brand through key wardrobe and accessory choices, I encourage you to explore my Color Branding Imprint Series. This series delves into the science and psychology behind color analysis, including how different colors can influence perception and mood. You'll learn about the process of identifying your color season and creating a color palette that complements your natural features—such as your hair, skin, and eye color.
Color analysis is a foundational tool in color psychology, which studies how colors can evoke emotions and influence the way others perceive us. By understanding your color season, you can strategically select colors that not only enhance your appearance but also reinforce the message you want to convey through your personal style—something Kamala Harris does quite effectively.
As a Soft Autumn, Kamala Harris aligns quite beautifully with the traditional, soft, warm, and romantic colors associated with this palette. However, she often diverges from these typical hues, opting instead for more potent, jewel-toned colors from the Soft Autumn palette. This strategic choice of bold colors serves as her "political armor," helping her project strength, confidence, and authority while maintaining a sophisticated, feminine and approachable image.
Kamala Harris Fashion : Best Political Power Colors
As a Certified Image Consultant, Personal Stylist, and Transformation Coach, I am continually fascinated by how color can transform the visual perception of my clients. Presidential candidate Kamala Harris embodies a stunning, polished, and authoritative presence when she wears key power colors from her signature Soft Autumn palette, all while maintaining an aura of refined femininity. There are five key power colors from her Soft Autumn color chart that she effortlessly wears during high-profile public appearances. These power colors are especially powerful for her, as each one brings its own unique energy and psychological impact when worn strategically.
Soft Autumn Sorbet Berry:
Deep berry colors, such as plum, and wine, convey sophistication, power, and emotional depth. They elicit luxury and elegance while projecting confidence and authority, making such colors ideal for asserting influence with elegance. These rich tones strike a perfect balance between femininity and strength, adding warmth and allure while expressing creativity and individuality. Wearing deep berry colors can help one stand out with a memorable, refined presence.
Soft Autumn Smoky Blue:
Smoky blue evokes a sense of calm, stability, and quiet confidence. These shades are associated with corporate professionalism and reliability, offering a quiet strength and approachable look. This version of blue exudes a subtle air of authority without being overpowering, making them ideal for situations where trustworthiness and composure are key, especially when conveying ideas to a mass group of people. Additionally, their muted tones add a touch of sophistication and timeless elegance, balancing calmness with understated strength. These colors can help create an impression of thoughtful, measured decision-making and convey a composed, confident presence.
Soft Autumn Charcoal Gray:
Charcoal gray is a color that conveys authority, elegance, and timelessness. It's often associated with strength, reliability, and practicality, making it a go-to choice for projecting professionalism and competence. Charcoal gray carries a sense of maturity and seriousness, yet it also offers a modern, sleek appeal. Its neutrality allows it to be versatile and adaptable, conveying a composed and grounded presence without drawing too much attention to itself, similar to the color of brown and beige. This color is ideal for creating an impression of confidence, making it perfect for settings where power and understated elegance are key.
Soft Autumn Burgundy:
Burgundy is a color that embodies richness, depth, and refined elegance. It carries connotations of luxury and sophistication, often associated with wealth and power. Burgundy exudes a sense of confidence and authority while also maintaining a warm, inviting quality. The deep, warm tones of burgundy can evoke feelings of passion, intensity, and determination, making it a strong yet approachable choice. This color is perfect for situations where you want to convey a sense of mature confidence, strength, and a touch of timeless class.
Soft Autumn Marine Navy Blue:
Marine blue, a deep, rich shade of blue, conveys a sense of wisdom, calm authority and depth and tradition. It is associated with stability, reliability, and trustworthiness, making it a powerful yet approachable color. Marine blue carries the tranquil, expansive qualities of the ocean, evoking feelings of peace, introspection and structure. At the same time, it has a polished, professional appeal, making it ideal for creating a composed and trustworthy presence. This color is perfect for situations where you want to project a blend of calm assurance, subtle strength, and refined elegance - perfect color choice for presidential candidates.
Kamala Harris: Best Political Evening Looks
Understanding Kamala Harris Fashion: Kamala's best evening looks feature potent, elegant colors from the Soft Autumn palette—jewel-toned, solid hues paired with minimal accessories. The key to wearing Soft Autumn colors, especially for a Soft Autumn Woman of Style, is to keep your choices simple, elegant, and refined. Over-accessorizing, as seen in the photos of Kamala wearing a stunning gold sequined Vera Wang gown, can overwhelm an otherwise sophisticated look. The Indian-inspired accessories were a beautiful and thoughtful gesture in honor of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but they were a bit too much. I would have advised VP Harris to opt for either the earrings or the necklace, or to choose a more understated gown that would allow her to wear the matching set without being overshadowed by it.
Furthermore, column silhouette dresses look stunning on Kamala. Her healthy, curvy physique complements this style beautifully, as evidenced above. However, I would love to see her experiment with A-line evening gowns, sheath dresses, and fishtail designs to add variety to her presidential evening looks. Relying solely on column-style dresses can become redundant and predictable, which doesn't align with Kamala's style personality. Lastly, I wasn't particularly fond of the hunter green cape-style evening gown designed by Chloé Creative Director Chemena Kamali. While the color was striking, I think it was too heavy for Kamala's soft autumn coloring. The material seemed quite substantial and overshadowed her petite (5'4), curvy physique. In my humble opinion, Kamala's style exudes bold, modern elegance with a touch of glamour and subtle edge, making her an ideal candidate for exploring more diverse and daring options.
Kamala Harris: Political Fashion Statement
There is no doubt, in my mind, that Vice President Kamala Harris has made a significant impact not only in the political arena internationally but also in how women, particularly women of color, choose to present themselves in corporate and high-powered environments. She has, in my opinion, demonstrated that it's possible to embrace a unique, feminine style without losing authority or respect, when feeling compelled to conform to outdated norms that often force women into wearing basic, two-piece pantsuits and boring, neutral corporate colors that stifle authentic, personal branding.
Suggested Presidential Styling Tips
Experiment with Polished Updos: A polished up-do can add sophistication and dimension to Kamala Harris’s overall look, highlighting her facial features and complementing her tailored outfits. It’s a versatile option that can transition seamlessly from international formal events to political appearances.
Incorporate Antique Gold Brooches: Gold brooches, when juxtaposed with modern tailored suiting, can make a bold statement. They serve as a tribute to the powerful women who paved the way before her while symbolizing the new path she’s forging for future generations. This subtle yet impactful accessory can be both a nod to tradition and a statement of progress.
Continue Using Pearls and Statement Necklaces: Pearls have become a signature element in Harris’s style, reflecting both elegance and strength. The continued use of pearls and other statement necklaces can elevate her looks, adding a touch of drama and sophistication that resonates with her leadership image.
Redefine Tailored Boardroom Dresses and Skirts: Just as Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton have redefined the power pantsuit for women, it would be exciting to see Harris do the same for tailored, structured boardroom dresses and skirts. These pieces could combine the authority of suiting with the femininity of dresses, offering a fresh take on power dressing for women in leadership.
Elevate with Satin Blouses: Satin blouses, particularly those with cowl, shawl, and layered necklines, add a soft yet refined element to Harris’s wardrobe. These styles can enhance her outfits with texture and visual interest while maintaining a professional and empowered appearance.
Bonus Tip: The Symbolism of Pussy-Bow Blouses
Kamala Harris has been seen wearing pussy-bow blouses on several occasions, a choice that carries both historical, political and symbolic weight. The pussy-bow blouse, originally popularized in the 1960s and 1970s, became a symbol of feminine strength in the workplace. It’s a nod to classic femininity while also serving as a statement of power and resilience.
This style was notably embraced by Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the UK, who used it as part of her political image to balance femininity with political authority. Kamala Harris’s choice to wear pussy-bow blouses could be seen as a modern continuation of this tradition, subtly asserting that women can embrace their femininity while commanding respect in powerful roles.
Iconic Women: The Power of the Pussy-Bow Blouse
Notably, Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress, was a unique trailblazer within the political arena in using fashion to assert her individuality and leadership. Her bold, colorful outfits and hats were not just statements of style but also powerful symbols of her deliberate defiance against the traditional expectations of women in politics. Chisholm’s fashion choices continue to be a powerful extension of her message of breaking barriers and challenging the status quo, not only as a woman but as a woman of color.
Similarly, Michelle Obama has redefined the role of First Lady through her fashion choices. Who can forget her elegant Vera Wang black gown she wore for the 2015 state dinner:
Her wardrobe reflects a blend of high fashion and accessible style that doesn’t require spending thousands of dollars, unlike some of Melania Trump’s First Lady attire. Michelle often incorporated designs from emerging and diverse designers. Obama's ability to seamlessly blend sophistication with personal flair set a new standard for how women in the public eye can use fashion to express their identity and values while still commanding respect and authority.
In summary, Kamala Harris, along with the influences of Shirley Chisholm and Michelle Obama, exemplifies that modern women in leadership roles can confidently showcase their unique styles, embracing both femininity and power without succumbing to conventional, uninspired dress codes that suppresses their personal branding and authentic style personality.
Until next time! Image Consultant & Personal Stylist, Tonya J. xoxo
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