Nylah Mitchell/Fourth Estate
Staff writer Nylah shares outfit ideas for the biggest political night of the year
BY NYLAH MITCHELL, STAFF WRITER
The 2024 presidential election outcome is right around the corner and voters are ready to decide who will hold the White House for the next four years. As polls begin to close, voters will be tuning in to all news outlets to find out election results. Watching the results either with their friends, at a casual watch party, a formal gathering or solo at home. Whatever bucket you may fall under, if you haven’t decided on what to wear, here are some helpful tips and ideas.
Formal
On election night, if you’re going to a dinner or a business-affair party, you may want to wear something a little more formal unless stated otherwise. To keep it simple and chic, try a mini black dress (or a midi-length) paired with black kitten heels, ballet flats or wedges. The outfit can be accessorized with dainty earrings to add in a pop of color.
Not a fan of dresses? Try a bow-wrapped silk blouse loosely tucked into black trousers paired with pointed-toe heels or loafers.
If wearing a dress or a blouse is not your style, perhaps an all-black suit is within your wheelhouse. I recommend a black dress shirt with the top buttons undone.
Casual
What if the scene is a bit more relaxed and you don’t need to wear fancy clothes? A white t-shirt semi-tucked into jeans coupled with canvas sneakers or ballet flats is the way to go. To take it another step, add a denim jacket or a colorful cardigan.
Or wear a baggy-knitted sweater with a white tee peeking through the neckline of the sweater with jeans and boots, Mary Jane flats or sneakers. You could also swap out the jeans for a mini skirt and colored (or black) tights for a fun twist.
Color
Feeling patriotic? Go for blue jeans and a button-down shirt with a red, white or blue cardigan thrown over the shoulder. The button-down can be tucked in, with the top few buttons undone and rolled-up sleeves. I recommend cool sneakers like Adidas Sambas, Vejas, Gola’s or Dolce Vita’s.
For a more casual yet formal look, try blue jeans and a knitted American flag sweater with an Oxford shirt collar peeking through to give a more refined look. Don’t have a flag sweater? Any patriotic color sweater works fine and you can pair the outfit with any flat shoes.
Candidate merch
It’s election night! You’re feeling excited and hopeful for your candidate and want to show your support. Here’s what I recommend: wear your candidate pick’s slogan baseball cap and pair it with a long-sleeved tee and black trousers or jeans. Then finish off the look with trendy sneakers like Adidas Sambas, New Balance 550s or Nike Air Force Ones.
Or better yet, you’re feeling more enthusiastic and prideful and want to go all out. I’d go for a graphic tee with your candidate’s slogan, imagery or motivational phrases and style it with black jeans. You can’t go wrong with your favorite sneakers and a few personal touches.
Impersonators
Still have Halloween on your mind? Thinking about dressing up again? Look no further than dressing as your favorite or least favorite presidential candidate. Go all out with a wig, a suit and maybe a good pair of Chuck Taylors, if that’s your vibe.
Perhaps you dream of running for president and want to dress the part, I say do it. Go for a traditional suit and colored tie paired with either loafers or low heels. Also try a knee-length dress with a blazer on top and ballet flats or low heels.
To know your Virginia polling site, visit the Department of Elections site. Haven’t registered yet? Virginia offers same-day voter registration. And if you are a Mason student living and voting on campus, visit Mason Votes or Department of Elections: College Student Info.
