Looking Back on 2025’s Most Memorable Political Style Moments

What a year, huh? If we had to recap the last 12 months in politics using only one word, that word would likely be turbulent. Or maybe troublesome. Tiring? However, adding a helpful bit of levity and distraction to the lows—and even lower lows—of American political discourse in 2025 were certain striking fashion moments.

What public servants in Washington (and beyond) wear to work is generally pretty intentional. Some, like former first lady Michelle Obama, like to use their platform to support fashion’s new guard of designers. (In 2025, Mrs. Obama wore Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez’s Loewe shortly after their respective debuts.) Others, like former U.S. Secretary Deb Haaland—one of the most prominent Indigenous people in American politics—tend to spotlight under-the-radar creatives from their own community.

But that only scratches the surface. Read on for our roundup of the most memorable fashion moments in politics this year—from the compelling to the questionable.

Michelle Obama sports designer debuts

Photo: Courtesy of MBE

Photo: Miles Diggzy (@diggzy)

In November, former first lady Michelle Obama released a new book, The Look, tracing her style evolution over the years—from pre- to post-White House—and delving into the stories behind some of her most captivating fashion moments.

Naturally, she and Meredith Koop, her stylist and co-author, had to bring their fashion A-game for the book’s press tour, too. While on the road, Obama sported fresh-off-the-runway designs from some of the fall’s buzziest designer debuts. There was the multicolored, draped dress from Loewe’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez that she wore to a panel discussion at BAM, and a sleek suit from Chanel’s Matthieu Blazy at a People Inc. event—both signaling Mrs. Obama’s support for designers helping to drive fashion forward.

Rama Duwaji becomes New York’s Gen Z first lady

Zohran Mamdani and wife Rama DuwajiPhoto: Getty Images