As the years since Obama’s eight-year presidency roll on, one of the main things he will be remembered for is not his monumental health care, the grace he wielded under pressure, or the ability and hope he exuded. He will be remembered for the day he wore the brown suit. The tan suit controversy occurred on August 28, 2014 and remains the biggest scandal of the Obama administration. Given how much attention this has garnered, how do Biden and Trump keep away from the presidential fad?
Who Wears It Best?
Joe Biden is undeniably fashionable, sporting cosy fit suits for Ralph Lauren, and other prestige brands, for down time. Her daughter is a fashion designer, so it is no surprise her clothes stay on trend. The well-dressed Democrat sticks to simplicity in her style choices, so any criticism of her looks can be dispensed with in any debate.
Trump’s wardrobe can be boiled all the way down to three areas: his ill-fitting suits, his golf attire, and a red MAGA hat. The first has been criticized by style keepers like Grazia, who rebuked the president for wearing a navy jacket with black trousers. The MAGA hat – like any baseball cap – detracts from the statesman image Trump wants to convey. Trump’s ruffled suit may be less noticeable when his opponent is not wearing a more form-fitting suit.
Is Fashion Important for the President?
Will their fashion have any effect on whether or not they win? That Betsson’s US election odds shows that Trump is currently lagging behind Biden. His odds of winning the presidency are 2.55 (31/20), while Biden’s are 1.62 (31/50), which means that Biden is more likely to win. These opportunities come from opinion polls, any information from early voting, and in-depth analysis of the state. Importantly, this information also comes from public opinion and response, which can be influenced by outrageous or damaging fashion choices.
But why is the fashion style of the presidential candidates important? Fashion can be used as a determinant of direction for the public. When Obama wore “mom jeans,” he resonated with people across the country as “uncool” but fit the outfit. George W Bush criticized for her ‘hot weather’ outfit, which consists of short-sleeved shirts that puff up to fight the heat. Mike Dukakis’ presidential candidacy in 1988 was ruined by the now infamous tank ride, in which the Democratic nominee donned a soldier’s hat to ride a tank, ending as a laughing stock and destroying his credibility.
Reagan used to wear plaid suits – taking inspiration from his days as a Hollywood actor – and received praise for doing so (in addition to derision from traditionalists). Ultimately, the lawsuit helps portray him as a person who looks less stuffy and brings panic to the Oval Office. Kennedy was perhaps the most trendy of presidents, in a suit to match. Many also credit style icon Jackie Kennedy Onassis for showing that the First Lady can have an identity too.
Obama used to say he wore the same suit to “cut down” on the decisions he had to make in the job. This makes sense from a practical standpoint. But fashion tells us something else. In the same way that looking your best at a job interview makes an incredible first impression, it also proves that you’re self-aware, pay attention to detail, and can analyze situations. Their fashion style may not determine whether or not they receive a vote to become president, but they may be part of a wider decision.
