Meet the Ladies of MAGA: Analyzing Their Feminine Power Aesthetic
The rise of women in leadership positions marks progress in the ongoing fight for gender equality. It challenges long-standing gender norms and breaks down barriers that have traditionally kept women from attaining such roles. Women bring unique perspectives and experiences to leadership roles, which can lead to more holistic and inclusive decision-making. Diverse leadership teams are known to foster innovation, creativity, and more effective problem-solving, as they consider a wider range of viewpoints. In today’s world, women are stepping into these roles with style that’s retrofete.
I appreciates women in leadership who bring a sense of identity. To me, fashion allows for self expression and creativity. Through clothing, you are communicating your mood, values and sensibility. Wearing the right outfit can boost your confidence. When you look good, you feel good. Clothes can be empowering, making you more attractive. Fashion can indicate cultural identity and heritage. Traditional clothing and modern interpretations of it can connect people to their roots and tell a story. The quality and craftsmanship of the material is applauded and obvious. Your wardrobe can indicate social status and success. How you present yourself conveys a narrative.
The women I highlight here are examples of a soft feminine power with their own distinct personalities.
Melania Trump is renowned for her distinctive personal style, which has remained consistent yet adaptable throughout her public life. With her iconic curtain bangs, flowy hair, or sometimes a more refined pinned-up look accompanied by her soft glam makeup with her signature smoky lined eyes. Now 54 years old, Melania’s polished elegance is rooted in her past as a fashion model, where she perfected a poised stance. Straight posture, shoulders back, head held high and one foot in front of the other. Originally aspiring to be a fashion designer, Melania’s connection to the fashion world has remained strong.
As the former First Lady of the United States, Melania’s style choices were closely watched and often sparked conversation. Like when marrying Donald Trump in a lavish Christian Dior strapless gown, crafted from duchess satin, adorned with jewels, and accompanied by a 16-foot veil. During the 2016 Iowa caucuses, she stood out in a striking red dress with a red coat draped effortlessly over her shoulders. On Inauguration Day in 2017 during the inauguration day parade, she wore a Ralph Lauren powder blue cashmere dress with a high neck bolero cropped jacket complete with long gloves in a matching shade which was a nod to Jackie Kennedy’s iconic style. However, her decision to wear foreign fashion brands during her tenure as First Lady stirred controversy, particularly when she opted for non-political designers at the Inauguration. Despite Ralph Lauren’s longstanding American heritage, his dressing of both Hillary Clinton and Melania for the inauguration led to the trending hashtag #BoycottRalphLauren on social media, as First Ladies typically champion American brands.
One of my favorite outfits was an Alexander McQueen army green military-inspired utility skirt suit, cinched at the waist with a polo belt, paired with Louboutin stilettos worn to speak in the newly redesigned White House garden. In another notable appearance, she wore a bright yellow Ralph Lauren caitrin jumpsuit with matching stilettos and a metallic belt . February 2019, she was seen in a coordinated camel ensemble featuring a Roksanda coat, Gianvito Rossi boots, and a turtleneck, accentuated by a striking red Hermes handbag. Demonstrating her flair for making bold statements.
Melania’s style evolves with the seasons, each phase of the year bringing a new facet to her fashion narrative. There is no denying that Melania Trump has left a lasting impression with her sophisticated and carefully curated style. Her openness for texture, color, patterns and fit makes her a sartorial genius and receives chiefs kiss from me!
Lara Trump is a prominent figure in both the political and entertainment worlds, known for her poised presence and powerful style. Lara, a millennial stands tall at 5’11”, embodying a striking and commanding presence. A former television producer with Trump Productions, Lara’s influence extends beyond the screen, as she has played a significant role in the political sphere, particularly within the Republican Party.
Lara’s style is a reflection of her strength and sophistication. On the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention, she made a bold statement in a royal blue dress with a side ruffle. The following day, she opted for a crisp, modern look, pairing white boot-cut pants with white stilettos and a sleeveless, asymmetric navy blue flare top. Her toned, athletic physique rivals Michelle Obama adds to the powerful image she projects.
Her style is not only about power but also about elegance and refinement. In 2019, Lara attended the Queen’s state banquet at Buckingham Palace wearing a stunning Monique Lhuillier black and white floral dress, complemented by long satin gloves.
Lara Trump’s wardrobe choices reflect her multifaceted role as a political figure, advocate, and public personality. Whether she’s leading a national committee, attending high-profile events, or championing women’s causes, her style consistently communicates a message of strength, sophistication, and confidence.
Tulsi Gabbard is a dynamic figure in American politics, known for her multifaceted career. A U.S. Army Reserve officer and former U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district, Tulsi’s journey in public service began at the tender age of 21 when she was elected to Hawaii’s House of Representatives. Through her career, she’s served in some of the most challenging environments, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and East Africa. Her name, Tulsi, derives from the Sanskrit word for holy basil, a sacred plant in Hindu tradition, reflecting her deep cultural roots.
Tulsi’s style is as resilient and distinctive as her career. After her first deployment to Iraq, she developed an iconic grey streak in her hair, an stress-induced mark that she embraces as a symbol of her experiences in combat. In a conversation with Meghan McCain on the “Citizen McCain” podcast, Tulsi told the host “It was after my first deployment. And uh, you know I was in a medical unit and everyday for that year, we were in Iraq was uh daily being confronted with the very high human cost of war. Of which our brothers and sisters in uniform paid the price” This visible reminder of her service has become a defining feature of her appearance.
Beyond her military service, Tulsi’s wardrobe reflects her versatile lifestyle. A fierce athlete, engaging in activities such as surfing, CrossFit, yoga, martial arts and Tactical Games—competitions that test the skills and readiness of tactical athletes. Boldly wearing athletic gear that shapes the body and allows the skin to breathe. Her public appearances or fill-in anchor for Tucker Carlson, she’s known for wearing colorful tailored jackets paired with camisoles and cropped cigarette pants or beautiful blouses that add a touch of elegance to her otherwise practical wardrobe.
Whether she’s in combat gear during military duties or in soft glam, her style is a blend of strength and femininity. Even in her downtime, Tulsi’s style remains grounded and relatable, often sporting athleisure and flannel shirts, blending her active lifestyle with her political persona.
Tulsi Gabbard’s style, much like her career, is a testament to her resilience, authenticity, and commitment to her values. Making her a powerful figure whose fashion choices reflect her life’s journey.
Female leaders serve as powerful role models for younger generations, inspiring women and girls to aspire to leadership positions themselves. Reshaping leadership norms. Dispelling outdated pragmatical views that women have to appear muted or understated to be taken seriously. These women have broken through the glass celling. Proudly reshaping what it’s like to be a high achieving woman while embracing femininity, individuality, strength and style.