I appreciate your insight and you clearly stated that you do not agree with her politics. I have to say that I find this coverage refreshing. Taking the politics away I think it is remarkable what this woman has accomplished. Just like we say to believe all women we should also be able to appreciate all accomplishments women have made in general. Condolezza Rice is another woman I find interesting for everything she overcame. I do not think you legitimize her any less than a Royal Family member who could also be petty horrible. I am concerned about cancel culture and not being able to appreciate what a woman has accomplished even when I do not agree with her politics. You are a journalist and journalists report on the topic and the assignment and don’t input their own agenda. Thank you for being you and for teaching me, I find your Substack encouraging and I do not feel as I am the only one thinking these things or being afraid to say I may be interested in her clothing despite the harsh messages. You covered the First Lady so now you covered Haley. Seems like fashion journalism to me. Thank you Elizabeth!
I loved reading this. It’s a great study of how women/people use clothes as part of their messaging strategy, which as you’ve said before is kind of the whole purpose of SMT. This is the content I’m here for!
I’m glad you covered this!! I don’t agree with her either but I wanted her to best Donald trump. I absolutely love the way you write- makes you think and takes it a step further than what we would initially see on the surface.
Hi Fiona, thanks for your comment. I totally hear you. I tried to do this in a careful/thoughtful way but absolutely respect your POV on me writing about this topic at all and appreciate you sharing.
I think that there’s probably merit to her fashion softening her image in contrast to her sharper policy stances. I appreciate your reminding us of taking in looks and outfits in context, Elizabeth! It does lend something extra to consider/bring to the proverbial conversation.
I really appreciate this article. Just because you may not agree with her policies does not mean you should ignore a female presidential candidate. Her words have an audience, as does her style. I think it would be far more dangerous to ignore her subtle messages through fashion rather than analyze and confront them as you have here.
I’m not a fan of Nikki Haley but I appreciate your analysis of her fashion choices. I am the same age as NH, a mom, a professional woman working mostly with men. Kate’s pantsuits with a fun twist are more my desired look (vs Kamala “my fashion approach is not to have you talking about my fashion”) but Nikki Haley (and your analysis) informs me. And also kinda freaks me out in a “what is she cosplaying” way). Keep up the coverage!
Thank you, Christine! Haley uses fashion to differentiate / stand out, and that will always catch my eye. There are a few pieces she has worn that had me thinking, "I would wear that"... and that got me thinking even more! I love Kate's suits but I would also love to expand the definition of "power" or "business" dressing a bit more.
I like her choice of clothes. I like her hairstyle & makeup- not too much but attractive. Niki Haley impressed me with her ambition and experience and she is not an elderly candidate.
I definitely think it’s interesting about why people-especially women choose the outfits/shoes and accessories they do. I always think there’s intention behind it. Really great insights Elizabeth!
Very interesting article. I don't see a conflict between her traditional feminine fashion and her conservative political views. I think her fashion choices clearly reinforce her political platform, signaling that we should go back to the days of "traditional values" and traditional wives - and the good old systems of male and white supremacy. It is sad to see a woman of color co-opted into promoting the oppressor's system - but that has also happened for generations. This is an example of how many people settle for proximity to power, versus fighting for justice for all (think white women).
I appreciate your insight and you clearly stated that you do not agree with her politics. I have to say that I find this coverage refreshing. Taking the politics away I think it is remarkable what this woman has accomplished. Just like we say to believe all women we should also be able to appreciate all accomplishments women have made in general. Condolezza Rice is another woman I find interesting for everything she overcame. I do not think you legitimize her any less than a Royal Family member who could also be petty horrible. I am concerned about cancel culture and not being able to appreciate what a woman has accomplished even when I do not agree with her politics. You are a journalist and journalists report on the topic and the assignment and don’t input their own agenda. Thank you for being you and for teaching me, I find your Substack encouraging and I do not feel as I am the only one thinking these things or being afraid to say I may be interested in her clothing despite the harsh messages. You covered the First Lady so now you covered Haley. Seems like fashion journalism to me. Thank you Elizabeth!
I loved reading this. It’s a great study of how women/people use clothes as part of their messaging strategy, which as you’ve said before is kind of the whole purpose of SMT. This is the content I’m here for!
Agreed! Love Elizabeth’s content
I’m glad you covered this!! I don’t agree with her either but I wanted her to best Donald trump. I absolutely love the way you write- makes you think and takes it a step further than what we would initially see on the surface.
I really struggle with this coverage to be quite honest! It’s a lot of free inches of coverage and legitimizes someone pretty horrible.
Hi Fiona, thanks for your comment. I totally hear you. I tried to do this in a careful/thoughtful way but absolutely respect your POV on me writing about this topic at all and appreciate you sharing.
I think that there’s probably merit to her fashion softening her image in contrast to her sharper policy stances. I appreciate your reminding us of taking in looks and outfits in context, Elizabeth! It does lend something extra to consider/bring to the proverbial conversation.
I really appreciate this article. Just because you may not agree with her policies does not mean you should ignore a female presidential candidate. Her words have an audience, as does her style. I think it would be far more dangerous to ignore her subtle messages through fashion rather than analyze and confront them as you have here.
I’m not a fan of Nikki Haley but I appreciate your analysis of her fashion choices. I am the same age as NH, a mom, a professional woman working mostly with men. Kate’s pantsuits with a fun twist are more my desired look (vs Kamala “my fashion approach is not to have you talking about my fashion”) but Nikki Haley (and your analysis) informs me. And also kinda freaks me out in a “what is she cosplaying” way). Keep up the coverage!
Thank you, Christine! Haley uses fashion to differentiate / stand out, and that will always catch my eye. There are a few pieces she has worn that had me thinking, "I would wear that"... and that got me thinking even more! I love Kate's suits but I would also love to expand the definition of "power" or "business" dressing a bit more.
I like her choice of clothes. I like her hairstyle & makeup- not too much but attractive. Niki Haley impressed me with her ambition and experience and she is not an elderly candidate.
I definitely think it’s interesting about why people-especially women choose the outfits/shoes and accessories they do. I always think there’s intention behind it. Really great insights Elizabeth!
Very interesting article. I don't see a conflict between her traditional feminine fashion and her conservative political views. I think her fashion choices clearly reinforce her political platform, signaling that we should go back to the days of "traditional values" and traditional wives - and the good old systems of male and white supremacy. It is sad to see a woman of color co-opted into promoting the oppressor's system - but that has also happened for generations. This is an example of how many people settle for proximity to power, versus fighting for justice for all (think white women).
Interesting. All of these insights (heels, sweaters, dresses) are new to me. Thanks for sharing. I’m definitely going to be paying more attention.
Loved this breakdown Elizabeth! So interesting and thought-provoking.