Representative Maxwell Frost, a 26-year-old Democrat from Florida, made a stylish statement when he took the stage at Metrobar in Washington. Sporting a dark green suit from Express and Cole Haan dress sneakers, his fashion choice reflected the open-mindedness and creativity of his generation. Mr. Frost addressed a crowd of about 200 people at an event organized by Run for Something, a political action committee that supports young Democrats running for state and local office. Among the attendees, many of whom were members of Gen Z, the brightly colored Telfar bags stood out.
In an interview following his speech, Mr. Frost expressed his appreciation for the fashion choices of his generation, stating that they are open to embracing diverse styles and creativity. Although he primarily wears suits for his professional wardrobe, he also incorporates bomber jackets, Dr. Martens shoes, and even T-shirts during his campaign trail appearances. He believes there is a significant connection between Doc Martens and progressive young people.
While Mr. Frost is the only member of Gen Z in Congress, others from his generation have been elected to state legislatures and city councils nationwide, reflecting a rise in political engagement among young voters. A study conducted in 2021 by the Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University revealed that voter turnout among the 18 to 29 age group increased by 11 percent in the 2020 election compared to 2016.
Although young politicians often adhere to the traditional formal attire associated with lawmakers, some dress in a way that emphasizes their authenticity. In a 2021 survey conducted by Ernst & Young, a consulting and accounting firm, 92 percent of American Gen Z participants expressed the importance of authenticity. This authenticity serves as a valuable tool for elected officials, particularly when engaging in the less visible work of lawmaking.
While the House of Representatives and the Senate have rules of procedure, including regulations on dress, there is no official dress code in either chamber. For example, male lawmakers are expected to wear a jacket and tie on the Senate floor. However, the House has relaxed its dress code in recent years, permitting female members to wear open-toed shoes, sleeveless tops, and dresses. Head coverings for religious purposes were also allowed in 2019.
State and city governments have their own protocols, some of which have recently received attention. In Florida, a flyer distributed to legislators’ offices warned women against wearing skirts that were more than one inch above the knee at the Capitol in Tallahassee. Similarly, the Missouri House updated its dress code, mandating that female legislators and staff members wear jackets, a requirement male colleagues have had for years.
Republican Representative Mazzie Boyd from the Missouri House, who previously worked in the Trump White House, embraces her personal style at work. Describing her style as country and sophisticated, she opts for colorful pieces from brands like Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Ivanka Trump’s now-defunct fashion line. She believes in not matching her skirt with her shirt, instead choosing to mix colors and patterns. This unique style has caught the attention of her older colleagues, who appreciate the reminder that they don’t have to stick to a traditional dress code.
Similarly, Republican Delegate Caleb Hanna from West Virginia’s House of Delegates distinguishes himself through his choice of clothing. While some Republican members of the State House of Delegates have a tradition of wearing camel suit jackets on Fridays, Delegate Hanna prefers wearing sports coats without ties. He feels more comfortable and relatable when he foregoes formal attire and wears his favorite brands like Vineyard Vines.
Democratic Councilman Chi Ossé from Brooklyn’s City Council expresses his personal style at work through subtle details in his clothes, such as pleated pants from Uniqlo, and accessories like platform leather shoes from Dr. Martens. He has also been spotted wearing a beret, a style of hat associated with the Black Panthers, at public appearances. He started wearing the beret while organizing Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, and it has become a recognizable part of his identity.
Democratic Delegate Joe Vogel from Maryland’s House of Delegates finds himself striking a careful balance when choosing what to wear. He believes he appears more relatable when he doesn’t wear jackets, and his staple footwear on the campaign trail is Adidas Stan Smith sneakers. When he does wear a shirt and tie, he often rolls up his sleeves to create a more casual look.
Run for Something and Run GenZ, organizations that support young politicians, encourage candidates to wear clothing that boosts their confidence while allowing them to express themselves. Founder Joe Mitchell of Run GenZ, who previously served as a Republican Iowa State representative, emphasized the importance of feeling comfortable in one’s own style while also looking the part. Amanda Litman, a founder of Run for Something, highlighted the significance of authenticity for female candidates, LGBTQ candidates, and candidates of color who want to embrace their true selves without conforming to a generic standard of appearance.
Even established politicians have started to dress more casually. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, for instance, is known for her love of fuchsia pink. Recently, prominent figures like House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Republican of California; Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky; and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat of New York, were seen wearing dress sneakers to a meeting at the Oval Office. It’s almost impossible to picture Senator John Fetterman, Democrat of Pennsylvania, wearing anything other than hooded sweatshirts and shorts.
Representative Sara Jacobs, a 34-year-old Democrat from California and a millennial, believes that many elected officials now prioritize being authentic over adhering to a generic standard of appearance. The recently formed Congressional Sneaker Caucus, led by Representative Jared Moskowitz, a 42-year-old Democrat from Florida, and Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a 55-year-old Republican from Oregon, organized the first Sneaker Day on Capitol Hill in June. According to Mr. Moskowitz, they no longer wear powdered wigs in Congress.
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