What a year, right? If we had to sum up the last twelve months in politics with just one word, it would probably be “turbulent.” Or maybe “troublesome.” Exhausting? Yet, amid the lows—and even lower lows—of American political discourse in 2025, some striking fashion moments provided a welcome dose of levity and distraction.
What public servants in Washington and beyond choose to wear to work is often quite deliberate. Some, like former First Lady Michelle Obama, use their platform to champion fashion’s rising designers. (This year, Mrs. Obama wore Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez’s Loewe shortly after their debuts.) Others, like former U.S. Secretary Deb Haaland—one of the most prominent Indigenous figures in American politics—tend to spotlight lesser-known creatives from their own communities.
But that’s just the beginning. Here’s a look at the most memorable political fashion moments of the year, from the compelling to the questionable.
Michelle Obama Sports Designer Debuts
In November, former First Lady Michelle Obama released a new book, The Look, tracing her style evolution from before to after the White House and exploring the stories behind her most captivating fashion moments. Naturally, she and her stylist and co-author, Meredith Koop, brought their fashion A-game to the book’s press tour. While on the road, Obama wore fresh-off-the-runway designs from some of the season’s most talked-about debuts. She donned a multicolored, draped Loewe dress by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for a panel discussion at BAM and a sleek Chanel suit by Matthieu Blazy at a People Inc. event—both looks signaling her support for designers pushing fashion forward.
Rama Duwaji Becomes New York’s Gen Z First Lady
When Zohran Mamdani won New York’s mayoral election in November, his 28-year-old wife, Rama Duwaji—an illustrator and animator—also became the city’s first Gen Z first lady. Her outfit at Mamdani’s victory party, sourced from small independent labels, was full of intention: a black top by Palestinian designer Zeid Hijazi paired with a skirt from New York designer Ulla Johnson. Having also sat front-row at shows like Diotima during New York Fashion Week, Duwaji is clearly committed to supporting emerging talent.
Melania Trump Embraces Brimmed Hats
First Lady Melania Trump kept a relatively low profile this year, making few public appearances. However, she marked each outing with a memorable fashion look, often topped with a large, brimmed hat. As one of the most scrutinized figures in Washington, it’s no surprise she appreciates an accessory that can shield her face entirely.
Deb Haaland and Peggy Flanagan Champion Indigenous Style
With Indigenous women still vastly underrepresented in American politics, figures like Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland have been careful to highlight their identities and uplift their communities on the national stage. Haaland has worn traditional ribbon skirts from Indigenous designer Reecreeations for public appearances, while Flanagan has chosen contemporary prints by Jamie Okuma, the Native American designer who was a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist this year.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Dons a Powerful Collar at the 2025 Inauguration
For President Trump’s inauguration in January, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wore a collar made of cowrie shells over her traditional black robe, along with matching earrings. Her look told a story: the shells, once used as currency in various ancient cultures,Around the world, especially in Africa, bees are seen as symbols of prosperity and protection.
Conservatives have raised objections to men wearing pink. When J.Crew released a pink men’s sweater online this fall, it quickly sparked controversy, with conservative commentators calling the cheerful, preppy knit “emasculating.” (Interesting.) Yet on the spring 2026 menswear runways, pink was everywhere—from Dior to Paul Smith.
In March, Kristi Noem—the current U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security—visited the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, where the Trump administration has sent hundreds of Venezuelan deportees. It was a sobering setting, yet Noem arrived wearing a flashy accessory: a gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch, valued at a staggering $50,000. As many critics pointed out online, it was the wrong place and the wrong time.
Beyond Washington, designers used their runway shows this year to send clear messages about major social, political, and environmental issues. At Moschino, models wore t-shirts reading “SOS—Save Our Sphere” while carrying accessories resembling garbage bags—a clear statement on pollution and global warming. Elsewhere, Willy Chavarria’s fall 2025 menswear show celebrated Chicano and Latine pride, while Diesel’s graffiti-covered set included a tribute to the trans community.
Here’s a couple we didn’t see coming in 2025. Earlier this month, pop superstar Katy Perry and former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau made their romance Instagram-official after a whirlwind trip to Japan.
When hard work calls, fashion sometimes takes a back seat. A case in point: this summer, Texas Democrat Nicole Collier went viral for staying overnight in the state Capitol during a standoff with Republican leaders. A photo of her on the House floor, wrapped in a blanket and wearing an eye mask, gave new meaning to the term “sleep of the just.”
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Reflecting on the Standout Political Fashion Moments of 2025
Beginner General Questions
What is political fashion and why does it matter in 2025
Political fashion is when clothing accessories or a personal style are used intentionally to make a statement show alignment with a cause or challenge norms In 2025 it matters because visual communication on social media and at global events is more powerful than ever making fashion a direct tool for messaging
Who were some of the key figures known for political fashion in 2025
Key figures included heads of state at climate summits wearing sustainable brands activists using colorcoordinated protests and diplomats incorporating traditional cultural garments into formal wear to make geopolitical statements
Can you give a specific example of a standout moment
A major example was at the COP31 climate conference where a coalition of delegates from small island nations all wore blazers made from recycled ocean plastics turning their attire into a unified symbol of urgency and resilience
What made 2025 different for political fashion compared to previous years
2025 saw a stronger fusion of technology and ethics Outfits often featured embedded subtle tech and a heavy emphasis on verifiably sustainable and ethically sourced materials moving beyond just symbols to integrated solutions
Benefits Impact
How does political fashion actually influence politics or change minds
It creates visceral shareable imagery that can simplify complex issues build solidarity among groups and put sustained visual pressure on opponents A powerful outfit can dominate news cycles and make an abstract policy feel personal and immediate
What are the benefits for a politician or activist using fashion strategically
Benefits include cutting through media noise humanizing or dramatizing an issue connecting with younger visuallyoriented audiences and showcasing commitment to values like sustainability or cultural heritage in a tangible way
Common Problems Criticisms
Isnt political fashion just superficial or performative
It can be and thats a major criticism Critics argue it risks reducing serious issues to aesthetics or greenwashing The key is whether the fashion is backed by substantive policy actions and authentic commitment
What are the risks of a political fashion statement backfiring
Risks include being accused of hypocrisy if the garments supply chain doesnt match its message appearing tonedeaf to current events or