Jill Biden and Melania Trump Fight for Their Husbands' Presidential Campaigns Through Fashion

Hollywood has been firmly entrenched with theme dressing on the red carpet over the last year — look no further than Margot Robbie for Barbie, and more recently, Zendaya for The Challengers. So, it’s no surprise that the trend is carrying over the politics and the narrative that will unfold between the current First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and the former First Lady Melania Trump through November’s election. The women are fighting for their husbands’ run for the White House, and they are doing it through fashion.

“Dr. Biden and Mrs. Trump are two supporting actors in a TV show that will run from now through November,” Michael LaRosa of Ballard Partners told The New York Times. “They have starring roles, but they bring very different styles, approaches, and brands to the audience.” The women will be highly influential to undecided voters who sit on the fence and carry a lot of weight in the 2024 presidential election. Jill will likely pull out more of a stylish, yet classic, wardrobe while Melania will represent a flashier style, influenced by her Mar-a-Lago life in Palm Beach, Florida. One approach isn’t better than the other, but it’s clearly sending a message.

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Jill has been conscientious of the state of the economy for middle and lower-class families, so it hasn’t been unusual to see her re-wear a formal gown several times. It’s also a sustainable strategy to fashion and highlights Joe Biden’s environmental policies. A great example is the green-sequin Ralph Lauren dress she sported at the state dinner with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a color nod to the country’s flag, and again at the 46th Kennedy Center Honors during the festive holiday season. It served two purposes with an American designer behind the sewing machine.

Melania won’t be thinking of budget with her wardrobe, it will be more about the aspirational image she hopes to project with her high-end labels. Voters also know the former first lady is bold with her choices as people still talk about her “I Don’t Care, Do U?” jacket to this day. The moment was controversial, but it was one of the most memorable First Lady outfits of all time. And of course, there’s always a battle for the Vogue cover, something Melania coveted, but did not receive during Donald Trump’s administration.

The year ahead is what The New York Times is calling a political “costume drama” and it’s sure to play out equally in the serious news business as well as the fashion magazines. Jill and Melania are battling it out for Americans’ votes, one thread at a time.

Before you go, click here to see the best presidential love stories in U.S. history.

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