5 Style Lessons We Can Learn from Kamala Harris

Let’s face it, in a world obsessed with youth, dressing stylishly after 50 can feel like a minefield. There’s the fear of looking old-fashioned, the pressure to stay trendy without chasing every fad, and the struggle to find clothes that make you feel powerful and modern. With fashion changing faster than the weather, it’s no wonder feeling confident about your wardrobe can be a real challenge!

Thankfully, we have some reasons to be optimistic. The perception of style and age is slowly shifting, with women over fifty confidently embracing fashion that reflects their strength and individuality. A great example is United States Vice President and 2025 Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Her style blends authority, confidence, and authenticity, meeting the formal expectations of her role while celebrating her values.

By taking a closer look at her signature style, we can learn practical strategies for enhancing our own professional wardrobes, too.

How To Incorporate Kamala Harris’s Style into Your Wardrobe

Kamala Harris’s wardrobe choices offer valuable insights into professional dressing. Although she generally sticks to her tried-and-true classics, she’s not afraid to add a touch of unexpected flair.

Often seen in classic pantsuits and pointed pumps in neutral tones, Vice President Harris pairs her “uniform” with a variety of blouses and shells, sometimes adding fun necklines for an interesting style element and varies her suit silhouettes with tapered, bootcut, and flared pant legs.

Blending professionalism with approachability, she also allows her playful side to shine through with fashion choices like her penchant for Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers or a rainbow crystal-studded jacket for Pride Day.

Are you ready to power up your style game? Here are 5 style lessons we can learn from her.

1) Suit Up Like a Boss

For women in leadership, pantsuits offer a polished and authoritative look while simplifying dressing. Opt for solid neutral colours in year-round fabrics like wool, gabardine, and stretch crepe to your wardrobe. These will serve as the foundation for your power suit strategy and allow you to easily pair them with other clothing.

To keep things fresh, select suits with interesting details such as unique buttons, structured silhouettes, colourful linings, or decorative stitching.

Take a cue from Vice President Harris and lean into monochromatic styling to create a powerful and sleek look. She is often seen wearing single-tone ensembles, including shades and textures of colours like blue, merlot, and charcoal, helping to achieve a refined and sophisticated appearance.

To achieve this look, combine pieces in the same colour family and pair contrasting textures like a beautiful silk blouse with a tailored wool blazer or a matte crepe top with a subtle tweed suit.

Experiment with colour blocking by pairing bold blouses or shells under your suits or add tasteful prints for a polished look.

Expand your wardrobe’s versatility by styling your suits with tops in different cuts and shades. Experiment with colour blocking by pairing bold blouses or shells under your suits or add tasteful prints for a polished look. For example, a navy suit can be refreshed with a powder blue blouse, or a neutral grey suit can pop with a vivid coral top.

For environments with more style flexibility, or for women who want to make a bold statement, consider adding suits with unique patterns and colours to your style repertoire. For a relaxed yet stylish look, try pairing casual or lightweight suits with fashionable sneakers like Veja Esplar or Adidas Stan Smiths for an effortlessly chic vibe.

Lesson learned: A well-curated pantsuit collection streamlines your wardrobe, allowing you to adapt to any professional environment easily. With the right pieces in place, your wardrobe becomes more than just clothing—it becomes a powerful tool for expressing your leadership and commanding attention wherever you go.

2) Leverage Colour as Your Secret Weapon

Kamala Harris uses colour strategically to align with her intended messaging. She often wears pantsuits, selecting solid colours like deep blues and greys to project seriousness and authority, and chooses shades like lavender, teal, and royal purple when she wants to add a touch of personality and visual interest.

At a recent Wisconsin campaign rally, Vice President Harris demonstrated the strategic power of color-blocking. She paired tan trousers with an elevated white t-shirt and a sharp white blazer, offering a clean, polished contrast. The tan trousers were reminiscent of classic khakis, reflecting the more casual, straightforward style many Midwesterners favour.

That outfit was in stark contrast to the sleek monochromatic ensemble she wore during the Democratic National Convention, where she donned a midnight blue suit and matching pussy-bow silk blouse—a look that exuded authority and leadership. Her deliberate use of colour showcases its ability to convey a purposeful message.

Lesson learned: To boost your professional image, leverage colour with intention. Navy paired with blush strikes the perfect balance between authority and a touch of femininity. Charcoal and burgundy create a rich, elegant look ideal for fall and winter. The pairing of olive and cream offers a versatile, year-round option.

3) Make a Statement with Jewellery 

Jewellery and accessories can be subtle yet powerful tools for making a statement. Vice President Harris embraces classic pieces like a pearl necklace, which holds personal significance as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority, the U.S. flag pin worn on her lapel underscores her patriotism, and she can also be seen wearing a gold chain-link necklace that merges modern style with classic elegance. Her jewellery choices honour the past, embrace the present, and inspire a future that respects tradition while pushing boundaries.

Lesson Learned: To make an impact with jewellery in a professional setting, consider wearing a unique piece, like a statement necklace paired with a delicate pair of earrings. Try an updated classic like a pearl necklace with layered strands or gold hoops with an interesting texture or finish.

4) Embrace Femininity with Power

Femininity can be a powerful tool for asserting authority without conforming to masculine styles. Kamala Harris’s wardrobe proves that embracing femininity can still project strength. Her attire serves as armour, balanced by softer touches like understated hair and makeup, classic pointed-toe pumps, and elegant jewellery. This combination creates a look that is both commanding and feminine. When VP Harris wears dresses or skirts, they highlight her ability to exude strength and grace simultaneously.

Kamala Harris’s wardrobe proves that embracing femininity can still project strength.

Lesson Learned: To incorporate femininity into your wardrobe, choose blouses in soft, luxurious fabrics like silk and satin, and opt for elegant silhouettes such as tailored sheath dresses or midi dresses. Balance these softer elements with bold accessories or structured outerwear to create a powerful yet feminine look.

5) Transform Your Style into a Strategic Advantage like Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris’s meticulously curated professional image highlights her understanding of the power of style. Her clothes go beyond mere aesthetics; they are crafted with precision to achieve an impeccable fit. The attention to detail reflects a professionalism and dedication that every leader should possess.

By strategically leveraging your professional style, you can convey confidence, authority, and individuality, embracing a strategic advantage that many women simply overlook. Consider the context in which you’ll be interacting. Are you attending a formal event, a casual gathering, or a professional meeting? Tailor your style to the occasion. Think about the image you want to project.

Lesson Learned: Investing in quality pieces can pay off in the long run. They often last longer and can be more versatile. By strategically transforming your style, you can enhance your professional image, build stronger relationships, and achieve your goals.

Remember, your style is a reflection of you, so let it work in your favour: incorporate these lessons into your wardrobe, and watch as your style becomes a dynamic force.

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