They say fashion is inherently political … but how often do we really notice how fly Black politicians can be? Congress isn’t exactly known for the most stylish fashion moments, but folks like Raphael Warnock and Shirley Chisholm have still shown up and out when it comes to style choices… and they’re not the only ones.
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From President Barack Obama’s tan suit controversy to former Rep. Bakari Sellers’ sock collection, many politicians know how to make a statement that’s more than just their words. Fashion has the power to communicate intentional messages, and these Black political leaders surely understand the assignment every chance they get. Check out the most fashionable politicians in American history!
Rev. Raphael Warnock
With a background in the Black church and the deep South, Ga. Rep. Raphael Warnock has been putting on the flyest outfits in Congress! Warnock is even the co-chair for National Seersucker Day— the bipartisan campaign to honor the fashion history of the seersucker suit made popular during chattel slavery in New Orleans.
Warnock is typically sporting well-tailored suits with nods to Black culture and the church. He’s also known for an impressive shoe collection. His children’s book “Put Your Shoes On & Get Ready!” even highlighted the power of shoes– like work boots or even marching band shoes– in his life and career.
Barack Obama
What other president you know could cause mass hysteria all over a tan suit?
Former President Barack Obama has gone down in history of one of the freshest American presidents in history. While in the White House, Obama rocked expensive suits and stylish ties. In 2014, he made his critics mad when he held a live press conference dressed in a tan suit. The controversy all but branded Obama as a fashion icon.
The former president has taken a more relaxed approach to fashion since leaving office in 2016. Now, you can catch him wearing sneakers and quarter zip sweaters.
Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm was more than just a trailblazer in politics. Chisholm, who became the first Black women ever elected to Congress in 1968, was also quite the fashionista for her time. Her bold style choices using fun colors, furs and patterns were a direct reflection of her refusal to conform to societal expectations as a Black woman in America.
Hiram Revels
In 1879, Hiram Revels became the first African American senator representing Mississippi, according to Senate Archives. During his time in office, Revels dressed in the sharpest dark-colored suits and formal ties. Like many Black people of the time, Revels understood the importance of dressing nicely as a Black man. He and another prominent Black history figure, Frederick Douglas, shared the ideal that in order to fight against negative stereotypes set by white America, you also have to dress the part.
While looking at a portrait of Revels in 1870, Douglass even wrote, “Whatever may be the prejudices of those who may look upon it,” to the Boston firm of Louis Prang and Company. “They will be compelled to admit that the Mississippi senator is a man, and one who will easily pass for a man among men. We colored men so often see ourselves described and painted as monkeys, that we think it a great piece of good fortune to find an exception to this general rule,” George Mason University reported.
Michelle Obama
Our Forever First Lady Michelle Obama released her picture book titled “The Look.” It features over 200 of her best style moments throughout the years, with a special emphasis on hair. Obama’s hair has played a integral role in how the world viewed the first Black First Family. She’s rocked layered haircuts, bobs, silk presses, braids and more over the years, which is exactly why she goes down as one of the most fashionable first ladies in history.
Ilhan Omar
In 2019, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib became the first Muslim congresswomen to ever be elected. On the day of their swearing in, the House passed an amendment allowing members to wear religious head coverings, Time Magazine reported. The change represented a historic moment in history, and ever since then, Omar has used her platform to provide vibrant representation for the Muslim community.
On X, she wrote, “No one puts a scarf on my head but me. It’s my choice—one protected by the First Amendment. And this is not the last ban I’m going to work to lift.”
Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris made several fashion statements throughout her time in office. Although she generally sticks to the classics– including a tailored pantsuit, a pointed-toe heels and modest jewelry– it’s this uniform that has solidified her as a fashion icon. The broad shoulders paired with pants emphasized that Harris meant business on the campaign trial. She also famously wore sneakers on many occasions, setting a new standard for political fashion.
Jasmine Crockett
Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett is known as a fiery congresswoman and a stylish politician. Her outfits– which scream classy, professional and feminine– are often accompanied with vibrant colors and fun patterns. Now that the congresswoman is on the campaign trial ahead of her 2026 Senate bid, we can expect more fly fashion moments.
Ayanna Pressley
In 2020, Mass. Rep. Ayanna Pressley revealed her alopecia universalis diagnosis. The autoimmune disease causes hair loss, and instead of hiding behind wigs or scarves, Pressley decided to use her bald head to make a fashion statement. The congresswoman is also known for sporting a bold lip color, usually red.
“I do believe going public will help,” Pressley said in a video showing her bald head for the first time. “Because I’m not here just to occupy space—I’m here to create it… I hope this starts a conversation about the personal struggles we navigate, and I hope that it creates awareness about how many people are impacted by alopecia. To all those sharing their personal stories in response, I see you.”
Maxwell Frost
Fla. Rep. Maxwell Frost is the first Gen Z member to serve in Congress. With that, he’s been a leading figure in what a new wave of youth political leadership looks like… including in fashion. Frost keeps things simple with a nice suit and funky tie, but he’s not afraid to wear a bomber jacket or Doc Marten boots when the occasion presents itself.
In an interview with The New York Times, Frost said, “a cool thing about our generation is that we’re super-open to whatever fashion and whatever creativity people bring to the table.”
Bakari Sellers
While former congressmen Bakari Sellers isn’t known for his fashion, he is often recognized for his sharp, professional– yet very approachable– style. You’ll see the political pundit and lawyer in tailored suits in addition to more casual dress. But most of the time, you can catch Sellers wearing a pair of funky socks! The often colorful or patterned socks are partially a nod to athletes like Syracuse legend Lawrence Moten, Sellers revealed on X.
Byron Donalds
Fla. Rep. Byron Donalds is another controversial yet undeniable fashion figure. The MAGA politician is arguable one of the best dressed in his party, always sporting tailored suits and unique ties.
Garlin Gilchrist
When you’re 6-foot-9 like Mich. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, all eyes are bound to be on you. Because of this, Gilchrist makes sure he looks his best. His style could be categorized as relatable but professional. It’s rare that you’ll catch him in a tie and suit combo. Usually, the politician goes without a tie or skips the suit altogether for a more causal vibe.
Eric Adams
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that former New York City Mayor Eric Adams is still one of the best dressed in the city’s history. Known for his designer clothes and sharp streetwear, Adams has built a reputation in his city for always dressing to the nines… even if the occasion is casual.
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