Throughout history women have been attacked for their fashion choices no matter what career field they are in. Their dress code is required to be conservative but pretty, sophisticated but sexy, not too much—yet just enough. Even then our clothes are still criticized.
In the business world, people judge women based on what heels are too high, skirts are too short and what clothes are too tight or revealing. Does anyone ever judge if a man’s suits are too tight, tie is on correctly, or if their outfit is considered dressy enough? It doesn’t really work the same way.
Amidst our upcoming November 2016 election, we can really see how fashion has always played a huge role in politics and always will—especially now with a woman candidate. From Jackie Kennedy to Michelle Obama, First Ladies have always been held to a specific beauty standard that is restricting to women’s freedom and constantly allowing criticism. What will happen now that a woman may no longer be a First Lady in the office and may actually be the one in charge?
Jackie Kennedy was criticized for dressing too casual, Michelle Obama was criticized for not wearing American designers and Hillary of course is notorious for the criticism of her pantsuits.
In 2011, when famous fashion designer Oscar de la Renta condemned and criticized First Lady Michelle Obama for not wearing an American designer, we could see the parallel of how fashion and politics intertwine to jumpstart a fashionably political debate. The New York Daily News reported that de la Renta was not impressed with her choice of a red Alexander McQueen dress by British designer Sarah Burton.
An article on NYdailynews.com reported that de la Renta told Women’s Wear Daily, “My understanding is that the visit was to promote American-Chinese trade—American products in China, Chinese products in America. Why do you wear European clothes?”
This sparked a political fashion debate that still surfaces today. Magazines and news outlets reported criticism about Michelle Obama wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress for the first time a year after the designer’s criticism. She just can’t win can she? The role fashion plays in politics is a tough one—especially when it stirs up a political controversy.
Similarly, this year’s presidential candidates make up the definition of controversy. The political fashion police already tear apart Hillary Clinton and mock her pantsuits, imagine if she is actually elected? The first woman president would likely face the harshest political criticism for fashion choices when interacting with certain people—similar to Michelle Obama’s fashion dilemma, but worse.
Despite all the criticism, some publications and news outlets do pay homage to the beauty and class of some political figures. In 2015, Vogue published “Michelle Obama: Leading Lady,” a long-form piece about her becoming the most transformative First Lady in history. The author writes, “With her long, lean, athletic frame, she moves as if she could have danced with Alvin Ailey in another life. Curled up in the corner of a huge taupe velvet sofa, wearing knee-high boots as she nestles into the cushions, she almost seems like any other mom recently relocated to a city because of her husband’s new job.” The article speaks of the first lady like the goddess she is.
We can only hope the future of political fashion will remain uncontroversial and that Hillary—if elected—will live up to the elegance many First Ladies and female politicians have portrayed in the past.