6 Stunning 2024 DNC Outfits That Prove Politicians Can Be Fashion Icons, Too

No matter what aisle you're on, you have to admit that when it comes to fashion, the Democrats are killing it. Since the first day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, looks have been served left and right by politicians, delegates, alternates, and other attendees. In fact, even Donald Trump, if he could learn the ability to concede, would have to admit that the Left nails it on the fashion front. It's not even up for the debate.

While VP Kamala Harris has chosen to keep her looks relatively low-key, keeping with the timeless and sophisticated fashion trend — our attention should be on her policies and less on her style at this stage in the game, after all — so many others just nailed it. From Oprah in Christian Siriano, Mindy Kaling in Monique Lhuillier, Gwen Walz in Carolina Herrera, and Harris rocking that custom tan suit by Chloé, it's been a who's who of designers all week. 

But while the DNC outfits have proven that the Dems can be fashion icons too, the real difficulty is trying to decide on the looks that stood out the most. Admittedly, it wasn't easy, but it had to be done — in the name of democracy!

Oh, Michelle. This is a woman who can do no wrong no matter what. Not only has Michelle Obama taken fashion risk after fashion risk, but we could put this woman in a blue tarp and she'd make it work. Because of this, it should come as no surprise that she rolled into the DNC in a stylish black sleeveless top and matching cropped cigarette pants by Monse. The brand is so stocked to have had Michelle in their clothing that if you click on their site, the exact outfit is right there on the homepage for pre-order as part of its Resort 2025 collection.

Throughout her time as First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden wore a lot of Oscar de la Renta. Although the designer passed away in 2014, the fashion empire he built remained true to his aesthetic: sophisticated, classic, and always a work of art — making it ideal for a First Lady like Dr. Biden. However, for the DNC, Biden went with designer Ralph Lauren. The shimmery, blue dress was the perfect choice because, for starters, Ralph Lauren is an iconic American designer and, secondly, blue is the color of the Dems. She paired the gorgeous dress with glittery Jimmy Choo heels — the same shoe designer Obama went with in her Monse outfit.

Because blue has definitely been the color of the DNC, so it only makes sense that National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman would also don the color. It also makes sense that Gorman would return to read a poem, just as she did at Biden's inauguration in 2021. The Sadie Maxie Dress by designer SOLACE London, evoked thoughts of flight and hope as Gorman recited her poem "The Sacred Scene." Gorman may only be 26, but the way she can command a crowd and bring people to their feet in emotion suggests — albeit this may be wishful thinking — she could have a go at being the U.S. President someday.

There's only one word for Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota Peggy Flanagan's dress that she wore to the Democratic National Convention this week: wow. If you're not familiar with Flanagan, then here's the backstory that's likely to make your heart swoon. Flanagan was Tim Walz's running mate in both 2018 and 2022 when he ran for governor. Upon Walz's winning, Flanagan, who's part Native American (Ojibwe) on her mom's side, became the highest-ranking Native American in the United States. Should Harris and Walz win the presidential election, Flanagan will not only become the first woman governor of Minnesota, but the first Native American to ever hold that position. In honor of her heritage, Flanagan's DNC dress is by Indigenous designer Jamie Okuma.

Ella Emhoff, step-daughter of Kamala Harris, first caught everyone's eye during the Biden's inauguration in 2021 very much because of her style. On that chilly day in January, Emhoff wore a coat by Miu Miu that made most people watching the event sit up and ask, "Who is that queen in that glitter-embellished coat?" At the time, Emhoff was a student at the Parsons School of Design and would graduate later that year with a BFA. Since then she's done some modeling and quite a bit of designing, so for Emhoff to show up to the DNC in anything but haute-couture is just simply unheard of.

On the first night of the convention, Emhoff wore a sleeveless top by Helmut Lang and a camo trucker's hat. The next night she rocked a blazer, button-down shirt, and a tie by Thom Browne, a designer she's worn several times in the past. Although Emhoff may not be a politician, with a step-mom who's on her way to the White House, with her dad, the First Gentleman in tow, it's safe to say she belongs on this list.

In August 2024, a photo of young Kamala Harris resurfaced on the internet that soon became the centerpiece for many pieces of political merch. One of the best examples we saw was at the Democratic National Convention, when an anonymous attendee wore a jacket with the photo plastered on the back. The photo couldn't be more fitting for the youthful vibe of the convention.

Not only does Harris look cool and confident, like she knows what's ahead and can clearly see her future she also looks like, as one person pointed out on Twitter, "Did we all know that young Kamala Harris looked like she was the lead singer in a British new wave band?" And she really does. Although no one has been able to identify the person who wore the iconic jacket to the DNC this week, it's just one of those photos that sticks with you, because that's love and devotion to Kamala Harris.