By Sofia Lamdichi | November 20, 2024
Photo Credit: Pixabay
After the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the political landscape continues to be charged with familiar divisions. However, a less obvious influence on the national mood can be seen in the transformation of fashion over recent years.
A noticeable shift toward more conservative, traditional aesthetics in fashion—driven by both political currents and cultural anxieties—has perhaps unwittingly echoed the broader national trends that have been gaining ground in American politics, culminating in the victory of Donald Trump.
There has been a noticeable rise in “conservative” fashion, not just in modesty, but also in a broader ideological sense. This resurgence encompasses everything from the popularity of vintage Americana to the rise of gender-normative clothing, the re-emergence of preppy aesthetics, and an embrace of high-society, classically tailored looks. An example of this can be found here.
The Conservative Fashion Rebound: In the early 2000’s, the fashion world was dominated by eclectic, experimental styles, and a growing embrace of multicultural influences. Designers celebrated individualism and fluidity in gender expression, and global fashion trends reflected a progressive ethos—symbolizing a break from past conventions. Over the last decade, the pendulum has swung in the other direction. Even within streetwear, there’s been a shift towards logo-heavy, heritage brands that evoke traditional symbols of power and authority.
The return of these designs might seem, on the surface, like just another cyclical trend—fashion, after all, is famous for its ability to reinvent itself. But this moment also serves as a reflection of something deeper. The resurgence of traditional and conservative styles in clothing, alongside the broader cultural embrace of nostalgia and “back to basics” aesthetics, mirrors a political desire to return to "simpler" times, to values many perceive as lost or eroded by rapid societal change.
Political Underpinnings in the Wardrobe: This resurgence in conservative fashion can’t be separated from the political context in which it arose. In many ways, it reflects the broader societal divisions and the rise of populist movements that have made significant waves in the U.S. and Europe. Much like Trump’s appeal to voters disillusioned by what they see as the excesses of modern liberalism, the aesthetic return to the past in fashion can be interpreted as a rejection of the more radical shifts that have defined much of the 21st century—whether in gender fluidity, multiculturalism, or progressive attitudes toward social issues.
Fashion, after all, is a mirror to culture, and the 2010s and 2020s have seen a strong pushback against what many on the political right see as a liberal "elite" agenda. This has found expression not just in policy and rhetoric but also in the types of clothing people choose to wear. Traditional tailoring, the embracing of the American flag as a symbol of pride, and even the rise of apparel supporting specific political movements (e.g., Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hats) point to a growing desire to solidify a political identity through dress.
At the same time, conservative movements have made headway not just politically but culturally, and fashion has served as both a tool of rebellion and comfort for those who feel alienated by the rapidly changing social and cultural landscape. The clean-cut, power-suit aesthetic championed by corporate America in the 1980s has returned, in part as a reaction to the more fluid, non-binary, and multicultural expressions of the 2010s. This has contributed to an undercurrent of nostalgia for a time many feel was more stable and predictable.
Fashion as a Political Indicator: The connection between fashion and politics has always been close, but the last few years have shown us how much the two are intertwined. Fashion, whether through the cut of a suit or the messaging on a T-shirt, can be a reflection of the mood of the moment—and the choices of voters.
In the case of Trump’s 2024 bid, the fashion shift towards conservatism isn’t simply coincidental. It signals a mood of apprehension about what many perceive as a changing, unstable America. Just as the economic and political instability of the late 1970’s fueled a political turn toward Reagan’s “morning in America” optimism, the cultural shifts of the past decade seem to have set the stage for a return to political conservatism with a similar rhetoric of restoring order and traditional values.
From the rise of populist leaders worldwide to the backlash against progressive social movements, the visual culture of the last few years—from conservative-style neckties to "anti-woke" slogans—has paralleled the populist rhetoric that has rallied around Trump’s brand of politics. It is not hard to see how Trump’s personal brand, which has capitalized on both the power of populist messaging and the symbolism of Americana, fits perfectly into the broader shift in fashion and cultural conservatism.
A Reaction to Changing Norms: This turn toward more conservative fashion also speaks to a more general reaction against what some may see as the excesses of "progressive" fashion—the embrace of inclusivity, androgyny, and boundary-pushing trends. These moves, while important for social progress, were not loved by a segment of the population that sought refuge in something more traditional and more familiar.
In Trump’s rhetoric, there’s a similar tone of "restoring" what’s been lost to rapid social change— economic policies, immigration reform, or cultural values. Fashion, which for so long has been an emblem of rebellion, now often stands in contrast as a symbol of nostalgia. It’s not simply about clothing but about regaining control.
In this sense, fashion has never been just about clothes—it is, as always, a reflection of the social and political dynamics that shape our world. As we witness a resurgence of traditional, conservative clothing styles, it’s not just a fleeting trend but a cultural bellwether, one that may offer us insight into the electorate’s mood and the direction of American politics in the years to come.