It is only natural that with a female running for Vice President, the world is going to critique her style down to her sneakers. Has anyone ever been concerned about the shoes worn by Joe Biden or Donald Trump? Calling them things like: professional, stuffy, or distant? Of course not! Clearly there are bigger issues than how the candidates dress but, unlike Hillary, Harris is giving the people something to talk about. And we like that. In a world where we elect a President based on their shoe collection, Kamala Harris would win hands down and heels up.
Elle Magazine calls Kamala Harris “the Converse Candidate.” I found this completely comical because at age 56, Harris is from the generation that would only say the word Converse if her daughter begged her to stop talking about Chuck Taylors. Some people think Harris wears Converse strategically - to seem like everyone else; to seem likable. But honestly, I think she just wants to kick off the heels on the plane and sit comfortably. Fashion sends a message whether it intends to or not - yes, but not every move a politician makes has to be political. They’re her commuter shoes because, unfortunately for Harris, she can’t work from home. In 2003 Converse was bought by Nike. Nike is the #1 selling shoe brand in the world, with Converse not far behind at #6 (as of May 24th, 2020.) Kamala doesn’t mind being called by her first name and wearing sneakers in public because she is a real American. If you go to Europe once, you’ll realize just how casual Americans are. Might as well have a leader who represents the business casual vibe we’ve always loved about street style.
Here are some looks I challenge you to whip up that say: “I’m going to be President in a few years.”
1. You know I love a good black and tan! Wear this timeless color combo in the sophisticated way it deserves with a camel-colored oversized blazer, boxy straight leg jeans and black high top Converse, tied around the ankle for support as you pace the stage. Accessorize with light gold jewelry and remember the point of the VP look is minimalism.
2. It’s finally time to dust off that white button-down shirt. (Okay, it's literally been forever since I’ve been in a collar and I am kind of beyond excited it is a part of Kamala Casual.) Leave the tail untucked like a cool girl and pair with light-wash ankle jeans. It is so exciting to see a huge company like Converse take initiative with their new recycled, sustainable canvas shoe line: Converse Renew. I am strangely drawn to the pale orange with the grey cement flecked rubber sole. The craving for a pop of color is never-ending. If you typically find Converse flat and uncomfortable, the Renew line has extra padding just for you!
3. Harris doesn’t stop at laces. She’s been photographed many times in Converse’s version of Steve Madden slip ons. As you know by now, a black slide on shoe goes with everything but, to adapt Harris’ way of styling, level-up your groufit (grey outfit) sweats to groufit suit separates. Slip ons look top shelf with pantsuits. Due to the thick sole, they prove to be a distant cousin of closed-toe platform wedges. These days it seems you can get away with anything. Score!
4. In a navy blazer and raw denim pairing white Converse will attract enough attention, you won’t have to tell anyone you’re speaking. There is great power in combining two commonplace pieces that most people own, like navy tailoring and white sneakers and bringing them into the same orbit.
Wearing shoes with laces might not seem like a big deal to you or I but, seeing them on a political leader is huge for U.S. history. I speak for many American’s when I say we’d love to see Kamala Harris tackle Converse’s mules collection next!
I ensure you this article is about fashion and not an attempt to brainwash your vote. On this blog I like to point out that outfit inspiration can come in millions of forms. The best inspiration is from an unfamiliar source like a political candidate ditching the traditional suit, tie/pearls, dress shoes sentence.
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