Politics

What Clinton and Trump’s debate fashion reveals

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton on the debate stage.Getty Images

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump used opposite tactics while dressing for their first face-off Monday evening. At Monday’s presidential debate at Hofstra University, Democratic nominee Clinton wore a bold red power suit, custom-made by American designer Ralph Lauren, that grabbed the spotlight, while The Donald went for a more low-key look: a cobalt blue tie, more conservatively coifed hair.

The choices were significant. Trump has inspired a lot of passion, but his lack of political experience has led some to question his ability to lead the country. At previous political events, he’s relied on the fiery, Trump-branded red tie: the color of the GOP, a shade that commands attention.

But Trump had already commanded a lot of attention. On Monday, he needed to show he was presidential. Blue confers depth and stability, and symbolizes trust, loyalty and strength. It’s also the color of the Democratic Party and of blue-collar workers to whom Trump needs to appeal.

The Trump family appeared in muted tones, too: Wife Melania arrived in a somber yet chic $2,645 number by Rouland Mouret; daughter Ivanka opted for a blush-pink figure-hugging shift, similar to the off-the-rack one she wore from her own label for her speech at the RNC.

Amid slipping poll numbers, however, the former secretary of state had a different aim with her first presidential debate. Clinton doesn’t need to prove her professionalism or political experience. But she needs, badly, to inspire, to show she is sincere and emotional. She needs to hold her own against The Donald, which none of his GOP opponents was able to do during the primaries.

And what better way to do so than by wearing head-to-toe red, the ultimate power color used by emperors, the papacy and revolutionaries alike? In China, red dye was thought to come from dragon’s blood, because it was so rare, beautiful and potent. Red is a color of conviction and intimidation. It’s no wonder Gordon Gekko in “Wall Street” wore red suspenders. It’s a color that says, “Don’t mess with me” while remaining bright and attractive.

Both candidates on Monday used their clothes to reflect an image change, and on a visual level, it worked. Whether voters will buy it remains to be seen.