Why Kamala's tan suit at DNC sparked political fashion debate
What's the story
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Monday evening, donning a tan suit.
This fashion choice has stirred up conversations and speculations among observers.
To recall, the color tan is notably associated with former President Barack Obama, who often wore it during his tenure.
Notably, his preference for this shade was met with criticism from Republicans and right-wing commentators.
Suit saga
Obama's tan suit controversy
In 2014, Obama's decision to wear a tan suit while discussing the United States's response to Islamic State in Syria was labeled "shocking" by Fox News host Lou Dobbs.
Republican representative Peter King even deemed it "unpresidential," according to New York Magazine.
Despite the backlash, the White House maintained that Obama stood firmly behind his decision to don his summer suit.
Social speculation
Harris's tan suit triggers online debate
Harris's choice of attire has sparked a flurry of online discussions with the hashtag #tansuit trending.
While some suggested that her suit was actually camel-colored, others speculated whether she was intentionally trying to provoke Republicans and/or Fox News.
Nevertheless, Harris's wardrobe choice stirred up quite a debate,
Twitter Post
Netizens react to Harris's tan suit
She’s wearing a tan suit… I can’t stop laughing. SO good. 😂 #VOTEforKamala #DNCConvention2024 pic.twitter.com/g3WnV0uIPb
— Johanna Fuentes (@jfuentes) August 20, 2024
Suit history
A look at the history of political suits
Recently, menswear writer Derek Guy had analyzed the Obama suit controversy, describing it as "pretty contrived...driven by politics."
In a thread, Guy discussed the evolution of suit colors, pointing out that in the 1900s, "brown or olive were reserved for leisure or sport."
He also noted that Robert Mueller, as FBI director, only wore dark blue suits.
Reports said, Mueller mandated this dress code, believing it reflected the FBI's seriousness with agents even scrambling to buy suitable attire before briefings.
Presidential style
Presidential fashion choices
Interestingly, President Joe Biden—who delivered a fiery farewell speech—chose a traditional navy suit for his speech at the DNC on Monday.
However, Guy highlighted that US presidents have often made bold fashion choices.
For instance, Ronald Reagan wore tan suits, plaid suits, and even tartan blazers during his presidency.
He also wore a tan suit while discussing the "war on drugs," engaging in US-Soviet diplomatic talks, and responding to questions about his veto of the Defense Appropriation Bill, he said.
Twitter Post
Read Guy's full post here
Personally, I think the controversy was contrived and overblown. Here's Reagan appointing Donald Rumsfeld (1983), discussing War on Drugs (1983), addressing US-Soviet diplomatic talks (1987), and answering questions about his vetoing the Defense Appropriation Bill (1988) pic.twitter.com/MxRGR6ELgf
— derek guy (@dieworkwear) August 1, 2024
Suit significance
Harris's tan suit: A symbol of her off-duty status?
According to reports, Harris's choice to wear a tan suit may have been influenced by her unscheduled appearance at the DNC, suggesting an off-duty status.
To recall, Harris has a history of incorporating personal and political references into her wardrobe: for her Vogue cover, she posed in front of colors representing her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and wore their signature pearls.
She was also known for sporting Converse All Stars.
Opposition comments
No comment from RNC on 'tan suit controversy'
Hours after Harris's appearance, the Republics are yet to make a comment on the alleged tan suit controversy.
It is interesting to note that the Harris-Walz campaign has not shied away from mocking their Republican opponents.
Their initial merchandise line featured a Harris Walz hunting cap designed to rival the Maga hat, quickly raising a million dollars for the campaign shortly after its launch.