On the opening night Democratic National Convention, other than powerful speeches, surprise appearances, policies being shared, and a growing hope for a Black woman president, we noticed an unspoken language among the Black women in leadership. From Vice President Kamala Harris to Representative Jasmine Crockett, and Senator Laphonza Butler, it seemed a power suit and a bold brooch was part of the opening night uniform.
The presidential candidate was all smiles in a tan Chloé suit worn with a white tie-up blouse layered underneath. She tends to lean toward structured suits as a means to communicate not just an organized look but one that speaks to her powerful presence. Her brooch was small but still served a stylish and bold message. Her pearl and diamond-encrusted pin brooch on her sharp lapel appeared in the shape of a waving American flag. A pair of pearl earrings and a simple stack of bracelets accompanied her chic outfit.
Senator Laphonza Butler’s appearance was another bold choice as she stepped onto the DNC stage in a striking red suit. It was paired with a satin white shirt layered underneath and a cluster of pearls wrapped around her neck. The powerful choice of red makes me think of the passion that is often synonymous with the color. As a leader in the labor movement to move into the role of a senator, it seems that Butler is aware, especially as a Black woman, that it takes being bold to get to the spaces you want to be in to make a difference.
Lastly, with a heartfelt speech sprinkled in with alliteration that stays with an audience, Representative Jasmine Crockett’s black suit with white piping around the lapels and sides of her trousers was a show stopper. Her large brooch covered in diamonds matched her statement earrings. One thing Crockett is not afraid of is making a strong statement. From her suit choice to her bold brooch, it’s clear that she does not limit her stylistic choices as a Black woman in politics, but rather embraces audaciousness.