Vice President Kamala Harris has made history not only as the first Black woman to accept the Democratic presidential nomination but also with her distinctive style that blends professionalism with accessibility. As the first female and woman of color to hold the office of the United States Vice President and now as she runs for president, her fashion choices have deeply resonated with professional women of color. The VP’s style picks offer a blueprint for dressing with authority and authenticity. 

Here are five significant ways Kamala Harris’s style has influenced professional women.

Embracing The Power Suit

The power suit is a staple in Kamala Harris’s wardrobe. It has become a symbol of strength for a new generation of professional women. Her choice of well-fitted suits reinforces the idea that women, especially women of color, belong in positions of power. Her suits are often paired with simple, elegant accessories and solid color shoes.

Harris’ suits are tailored to perfection, a subtle nod to her meticulous attention to detail. She usually chooses suits in solid, authoritative colors such as navy, black, or charcoal. However, she has occasionally stepped out in brighter hues, such as burgundy or white. Doing so signals confidence and approachability. 

Promoting Practicality And Comfort

Kamala Harris’s style is not just about making a fashion statement. It’s also about comfort. For example, her decision to wear Converse sneakers during campaigns became iconic and served as a reminder that being practical and relatable doesn’t lessen one’s professionalism or capabilities. In a world where women often feel pressured to endure discomfort in order to look the part, Harris’s approach is refreshing and honest.

“I have a whole collection of Chuck Taylors: a black leather pair, a white pair, I have the kind that don’t lace, the kind that do lace, the kind I wear in the hot weather, the kind I wear in the cold weather, and the platform kind for when I’m wearing a pantsuit,” Harris told The Cut back in 2018.

Her emphasis on practicality has significantly impacted professional women of color, encouraging them to prioritize their comfort and well-being in their style choices. It underscores the idea that you don’t have to suffer for fashion; you can be stylish, comfortable, and powerful all at once.

Symbolic Accessories

Perhaps no accessory has been more synonymous with Vice President Harris than her pearls. A signature part of her look, Harris has rocked pearls from major speeches on the Senate floor to casual events on the campaign trail. Harris’ affinity for pearls dates back to her college days. In recent years she’s favored modern takes on the classic gemstone. 

The pearls are a nod to her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, which uses pearls to symbolize refinement and wisdom. Her choice highlights her pride in her heritage and her educational background. By wearing them, she subtly weaves personal narrative and cultural identity into her professional appearance.

During her victory speech as Vice President-elect, Harris wore a white suit paired with her signature pearls. It was a deliberate choice that paid homage to the women’s suffrage movement. It also showed her adept use of fashion to communicate powerful messages.

Promoting Designers Of Color

Harris’s platform as Vice President has allowed her to showcase and support American designers, particularly those of color. This decision is widely viewed not just as a personal fashion statement but as a spotlight on America’s diversity, encouraging other professional women to support minority designers who often go unrecognized in the competitive fashion industry.

For the 2021 inauguration, Harris wore pieces by Black designers such as Sergio Hudson, Christopher John Rogers, and Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss. Harris also chose one of Sergio Hudson’s designs for last year’s White House correspondents’ dinner.