The Stunning Style Transformation Of Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris faces a potentially life-changing year in 2024, following President Joe Biden's sudden withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election. At this point in her career, Harris is accustomed to standing in the spotlight and dressing for the part. These days, everyone can recognize Harris by her signature bouncy blowout that could rival that of the Princess of Wales, mauve lipstick, and bold pantsuits. The politician kills it in the wardrobe department and has undergone a momentous style transformation since she took over as Vice President.

As the first woman of color to be elected Vice President, she has set the tone for future women in politics in more ways than one. Not only has she set a strong example for young girls throughout the country, but she has also paved the way for future trendsetters by demonstrating how women can excel in traditionally male-dominated roles — and keep up with trends at the same time if they choose to. Harris' love for unique ensembles and elegant accessories will forever go down in history; she's one of the trendiest Vice Presidents to walk the White House halls, and it all began with her 2020 presidential campaign.

The year 2020 marked the beginning of Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. It was an exciting yet chaotic time in her career and all eyes were on her. She chose this era of her life to experiment with a genre of creative style that we can no longer associate with her current wardrobe. For instance, in November 2020, Harris was captured arriving at the D.C. Central Kitchen alongside her husband to thank the kitchen staff for their service to the community before Thanksgiving. For the visit, she opted for one of the most casual outfit combinations we've ever seen her wear to a political event: jeans and a jumper. She layered a red-and-black pullover with a black canvas jacket, dark denim, and black block-heel booties.

Similarly, in December, the then-Vice President-elect was photographed on her way to the Senate Floor of the Capitol building wearing a bold silk scarf. The abstract patterns of her black-and-blue scarf are another example of her more open-minded or free style preferences. Neither pieces stand out on their own, but Harris styled them in a way that drew in the eye.

In January 2021, Kamala Harris was officially sworn in as Vice President at the 59th Presidential Inauguration. To commemorate her achievement, Harris donned a coordinated royal-purple ensemble that featured a dress and peacoat. The regal outfit came from American fashion designer Christopher John Rogers, who shared a proud post on his Instagram account to celebrate his "small part in this historic moment." Additionally, the Vice President chose to wear a classy set of pearls — the official jewelry trend of 2024 — on this special day. The matching gold necklace and earrings — which also contains diamonds, by the way — are Wilfredo Rosado designs. 

This was far from the only time Harris was spotted wearing pearls. She also reached for pearl accessories at the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the Rose Garden of the White House in July of that year. The double-chain pearl necklace is an Irene Neuwirth design, which she paired with the same pearl stud earrings from the Inauguration. Her love for pearl jewelry is obvious, and it remains her accessory of choice for most events. Wearing pearl necklaces and earrings instantly elevates an outfit and exudes a classy impression that's fitting for the Vice President of the United States of America.

Historically, Kamala Harrris has leaned toward dark shades, such as black, navy, and gray. These traditional pantsuit colors convey a sense of professionalism that is to be expected from someone in her high-ranking position. It takes a certain stylish know-how to show up to work in a bright magenta suit — which she wore at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2022 — and still maintain the same level of professionalism as someone dressed in black and white. However, Harris proved to all that even pink and purple pantsuits qualify as office-approved looks if styled correctly.

On several occasions that year, Harris was spotted wearing different shades of purple and pink, including a delicate blush rose. For instance, the mauve suit she wore to greet President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico in July was a wise choice on her — or her stylist's — part, as mauve suits her medium complexion perfectly. Seeing as mauve is her go-to lipstick shade, it came as no surprise that this petal-purple hue worked so well on her.

At the March for Reproductive Rights event on April 15, 2023, in Los Angeles, Kamala Harris graced the stage during a surprise appearance. The event was organized by Women's March after a Texas federal judge ruled to rescind FDA approval for Mifeprestone, a common medication used to induce an abortion. Harris spoke out in support of reproductive rights while dressed quite casually, for her standards. The Vice President wore a beige-tan faux leather jacket with a white button-up and gold hoop earrings. Despite the laid-back elements, the outfit was chic and reminded the public that Harris doesn't live in a pantsuit blazer.

On the other hand, not many people can pull off a pantsuit quite like Harris. She definitely knows how to style a bold blazer, as evidenced by the outfit she wore in February at the State of the Union Address. During President Joe Biden's address to a joint session of Congress, Harris stunned in a matching burgundy suit with a silky red blouse layered underneath. She accessorized the deep velvety-red ensemble with a chunky black pearl necklace and earrings. Taking the drastically different looks into account, these outfits demonstrate how Harris can look put-together while dressed up or down.

In April 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris arrived at the White House with husband Second Gentleman Douglas C. Emhoff for a State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and the First Lady, Jill Biden. The President hosted the dinner for the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as part of his state visit. For the official event, Harris donned an all-black outfit designed by Italian fashion house Valentino. The gauzy black blouse with trendy balloon sleeves was paired with a sparkle-studded skirt and showcased the Vice President's eye for style.

She also showed off her fashionable side at another State Dinner held on May 23 that President Biden hosted for the Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto. The deep forest-green ensemble was a custom Chloé design with a golden flower broach and elegant cape. These latest outfits communicate to the world that it's possible to add a touch of grace and glamor to her role. So far in 2024, Harris has dressed to impress, so we'll likely see a continuation of this stylish streak going forward.