The Evolving Wardrobe of Donald J. Trump
In the final days leading up to Election Day, former President Donald J. Trump made headlines not just for his political maneuvers but also for his evolving wardrobe choices. Known for his signature blue suits and red ties, Trump embraced a more eclectic style, donning unique uniforms that seemed to resonate with his audience. For instance, during a campaign stop in Pennsylvania, he sported a gray McDonald’s apron in a playful photo opportunity. Just days later, in Wisconsin, he layered a crisp white dress shirt with a fluorescent-orange trash collector’s vest, both of which were reactive sartorial choices aimed at generating buzz and connecting with voters.
However, as the polls began to tighten and temperatures started to drop across crucial battleground states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina, Trump opted for a more traditional and familiar option: a substantial black, three-button overcoat. This coat, with its commanding presence, has been a staple in Trump’s wardrobe since at least the 1980s, a time when he was establishing himself as a prominent New York developer. Known for his larger-than-life persona, Trump’s outerwear choices often mirrored his ambition, emphasizing a desire for prominence and attention.
At a rally in Kinston, North Carolina, this past weekend, where temperatures dipped into the 40s, Trump once again showcased this formidable piece of outerwear. He paired the coat with a matching black MAGA hat, creating a striking visual. The coat featured thick, linebacker-like shoulder pads that jutted out prominently, while the excess fabric cascaded down his sleeves. Despite appearing slimmer in recent years, the coat still engulfed him, hanging well past his knees. With Trump’s reported height of 6-foot-3, it was evident that this was no ordinary coat; it was an impressive garment that made a statement.
“It’s an old man’s coat by today’s standards,” remarked G. Bruce Boyer, a noted author on men’s fashion and former fashion editor for Town & Country magazine, in an email. He characterized Trump’s overcoats as “totally unfashionable” and “undistinguished,” viewing them as relics of a bygone era in American style. Boyer’s critique highlights how Trump’s fashion choices, while effective in their own right, may not align with contemporary trends, embodying a style that is both unique and distinctly nostalgic.
