This week at the DNC, VP Kamala Harris officially made history as the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead the ticket of a major political party. And while her acceptance speech and the exuberayting calls to action of others on the program each night definitely brought on a sense of excitement, one of the other most exciting things to watch was her and her family’s fashions!
From the future Commander-in-Chief’s opening night khaki and Tiffany & Co. adorned number to her grand-nieces’ adorable outfits as they taught the world how to properly pronounce their aunty’s name; style was at center stage all this week!
Whether intentional or not, it was nothing short of stylistically empowering to watch VP Harris, her sister Maya and niece Meena don power suits all throughout this week’s festivities. Each navigating suits in their own right, their individual approaches to the style were inspiring for women everywhere looking to up their formal wear game with a garment that has stood the test of time; the Power Suit.
VP Harris Gave Us Chic & Cinched
In her opening night look in custom Chloé, VP Harris taught us that neutrals will forever be king and that a well-fitted suit, tailored for you and on you always makes you look like the top pick of the night.
Image by Getty Images.
Maya Harris Brought Back “Blush & Bashful”
Stanford grad and lawyer, Maya Harris who also happens to be the beloved sister of the Democratic Nominee stunned when she walked on stage last evening in a blushing pink pantsuit. Her monochromatic pink look taught us that you don’t have to choose between femininity and power when crafting a suited outfit.
Image by Getty Images.
Meena Harris Made the Skirt Suit Cool Again
Niece of the VP and founder of Phenomenal Media, Meena Harris donned arguably the coolest look of the evening; a skirt suit by Erdem adorned with crystal patterning to add some sparkle and shine. Meena’s skirted suit look taught us that you don’t have to compromise fun with your suit looks!
Image by Getty Images.
But the History of the Power Suit Goes Much Deeper…
Historically speaking, power suits have become agents of confidence and boldness when it comes to womenswear. From their initial genesis, their intention was to bring self-assuredness to its wearers due to the male-dominance of the workforce in the 80s. Most notifiable by their immaculate tailoring, bold colors and experimental fabric choices, the fun of power suits comes not just in what they bring but what they can add. And for Black Women throughout history, we’ve used the power suit to stamp the most special occasions in our lives through the medium of style—and to be more specific, the white power suit.
Whether to sing the National Anthem like Whitney Houston and Beyoncé or to wed your endless love like Bianca Jagger; white power suits have become a staple in the Black Women Fashion History Books. The color “white” has long been associated with notions of “purity”, however, for women, the color dates back to a symbol of hope and resilience as it relates to the Women’s Suffrage movement. This movement in history has represented the fight and journey for equality and equity in America for women everywhere and since, it’s expanded its intention, becoming an overall symbol of self-assuredness and power in one’s choices.
This and for many other reasons is the reason why more and more brides are looking to rock a suit for their special day as opposed to the traditional wedding gown. Who said you can’t do a wedding suit?
As we enter into new eras as a country, it might be time to enter into a new era as a bride too. And if you’re a bride who is interested in making a splash and a statement, a wedding suit just might be the perfect bridal look for you to go for.
Below are five of our favorite suit picks for brides looking to Suit It Like a Harris Woman.
Hanifa “Look 4”
A sophisticated suit look featuring straight-leg pants, prominent peak lapel and structured shoulders.
Buy the look here.
Image by Hanifa.
Club L London “Indra”
Featuring a very demure high-neckline and floor-length cape, this jumpsuit by Club L London screams elegance and sophistication.
Buy the look here.
Image by Club L London.
URKITTY Linen Short Suit Set
This adorable suit set by URKITTY gives ease and chicness all at once. Its linen fabrication makes it a sublime choice for an outside wedding and its design makes it classic enough to stand the style test of time
Buy the look here.
Image by Amazon.
Sim Khai “Maizie”
Featuring a collarless neckline, this suit design by Sim Chai is chic and extremely modern and its unique pearl accent design on the sleeves up the ante of the simplistic suit.
Buy the look here.
Image by Sim Khai.
Chloé x Atelier Jolie Waistcoat Suit
A waistcoat is always a classic and chic option, and this particular design by Chloé x Atelier Jolie boasts an ultra-elegant appeal with its v-neckline and silk fabric.
Buy the look here.
Image by Bergdorf Goodman.
Written by Fashion & Beauty Writer, Kennedi LéShea.
