Kamala Harris's Historic Washington, D.C. Speech Came With an Equally Meaningful Outfit
The presidential candidate stood before thousands of supporters in a look that deviated from her usual formula.
Kamala Harris delivered one of her most crucial speeches on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Touted as the "closing argument" for her presidential campaign, the Democratic nominee stood before tens of thousands of supporters in Washington, D.C., and asked for their vote ahead of the Nov. 5 election. Dressed in a meticulously tailored black suit comprised of a single-breasted jacket with structured shoulders and a pair of flared trousers, she certainly looked the part of a future commander-in-chief.
That said, there's always an intentional nod to femininity woven into her campaign trail outfits. You can see it here in the pointy black pumps, bubble bath nails, and suffragette white cowl-neck blouse she's wearing beneath her immaculate tailoring. The draped long-sleeve marked a shift from the pussy-bow tops we've seen Harris sport before. Considered a softer, lighter version of the turtleneck, the cowl neckline may not be weighed down by the pussy-bow's long political history as a symbol of feminist solidarity. But the choice of color and design felt no less apt for the occasion, which took place at the very same oval-shaped park where Trump incited a deadly attack on the Capitol in January 2021.
Most of the former prosecutor's custom suiting, including the "coconut brown" and navy blue numbers she wore during the Democratic National Convention, can be credited to women-led French label Chloé, which is currently helmed by creative director Chemena Kamali. It's unclear whether the brand's work for Harris includes her latest black ensemble, but no other collaborator could be more fitting for her historic run. Both Kamali and Harris—who rarely leaves the house without donning at least one piece from her beloved jewelry collection—value the personal touches women bring to clothing above all else.
“For me, women who wear Chloé embody a powerful femininity and confidence,” Kamali told Vogue shortly after the convention. “Chloé is not transformative—wearing Chloé is about feeling like yourself.”
Should she win next week's election, it will be interesting to see how Harris and her rumored stylist Leslie Fremar adapt her campaign trail wardrobe to the demands of a new role. No matter what she wears, though, it will set a precedent. That's the beauty—and the burden—of being first.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Hanna Lustig is a staff writer at Marie Claire, where she gets to gab every day about the topics she holds most dear: fashion, beauty, and celebrity. Hanna’s editorial journey began with formative internships at Elle and InStyle, where she was lucky enough to work for some of the smartest women in media while she was still in college. Hanna then accepted a digital culture reporting fellowship at Insider, where she helped carve out a new beat dedicated to covering influencers. Those experiences later served her well as a staff writer at Glamour, where she developed a knack for spinning quick turnaround celebrity news and trend reporting into juicy long-form feature stories.
Diane Keaton once hung up on Hanna during an interview, but thankfully that mishap did not derail what has otherwise been a deeply fulfilling career writing for and about women. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of Tennessee, where she was mainly taught to love and revere Dolly Parton. When she’s not at work, Hanna can likely be found listening to pop music, talking to her dog, and gossiping with her best friends. For more of Hanna’s perfect opinions on pop culture, you can follow her on Instagram and X.
-
Sophie Turner Says It's "Absolute Agony" When She's Away From Her Children With Joe Jonas
She hates being home without them.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Keke Palmer on How She Felt When Her Ex Publicly Shamed Her Usher Concert Outfit
She was dumbfounded.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Channing Tatum and Zoë Kravitz "Fizzled Fast" After Wrapping Work on 'Blink Twice,' Says Source
They had different priorities.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Adele's Custom Gown Is a "Bridge Between Worlds"—and a Milestone First for Her Las Vegas Residency
Gaurav Gupta exclusively takes 'Marie Claire' inside its making.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Olivia Rodrigo Walks on Air in the Naked Shoe Trend and a Fiery Studded Mini Dress
The naked shoe trend just got its coveted Gen Z endorsement.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Katie Holmes's Favorite Mansur Gavriel Tote Is on Secret Sale
I tracked down all the details for you.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Selena Gomez Casts Her Vote for Kamala Harris, Then Hits Her TV Premiere, in a Custom Red Rodarte Dress
The Rare Beauty mogul took a brief break from her all-black outfit streak.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Proves Naked Shoes Are Fall-Appropriate in Peep-Toe Pumps, Trousers, and a Black Birkin
In her view, they're more than fall-appropriate.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
The Best 2024 CFDA Awards Looks Celebrate All-American Glamour
This year's looks highlighted emerging brands and industry power players.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Blake Lively Styles Herself Like a Boss for the 2024 CFDA Awards, in a White Blazer and Diamonds
She dripped in diamonds.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Kylie Jenner's Feathered Gown at the 2024 CFDA Awards Is So 'Black Swan'-Coded
The beauty mogul hit the CFDA Awards red carpet in a 'Black Swan'-coded look.
By Hanna Lustig Published