While Vice President Kamala Harris often prefers pantsuits, she’s also worn her fair share of dresses and gowns. The Democratic presidential nominee recently sported a sequined LaQuan Smith number at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual Phoenix Awards Dinner on Saturday evening in Washington, D.C., though she’s also favored designs by the likes of Ralph Lauren, Monique Lhuillier and J. Mendel, among others.
Ahead, a look back at Harris’ best dresses and gowns from 2001 to the present.
2001
Ashley Williams, Montel Williams and Kamala Harris attend the eighth annual Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis Gala in 2001.
Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Just one year before she was elected district attorney of San Francisco, Harris attended the eighth annual Race to Erase MS Gala wearing an ivory silk midi dress. She accessorized with gold open-toe sandals, a matching timepiece and a netted evening bag.
2012
Kamala Harris at Showtime’s Emmy Awards party in 2012.
WireImage
At a Showtime Emmy Awards party in 2012, Harris wore a silk one-shoulder dress by Ralph Lauren from the label’s spring 2012 collection. She also added on layered bangles, black webbed peep-toe heels and a woven Bottega Veneta satin clutch.
2013
Kamala Harris at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in 2013.
FilmMagic
Harris sported a sequined Monique Lhuillier midi dress at the 2013 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony. Her sparkling sheath featured three-quarter sleeves, a sweetheart bodice and tulle overlay. Hoop earrings, a pair of studded Gucci block heels and the same Bottega Veneta clutch completed her look.
2015
Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2015.
Getty Images
At the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Harris donned a sleeveless Pamella Roland gown featuring a blue sequined bodice with sheer panels.
Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris at a benefit for The Broad museum in 2015.
Getty Images
While attending a benefit for The Broad museum in Los Angeles, Harris modeled a pewter sequined with a plunging neckline and three-quarter sleeves. She also recycled the same peep-toe heels from her Showtime Emmy Awards party appearance.
2018
Kamala Harris at the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner in 2018.
Paul Morigi/Getty Images
Harris donned a metallic jacquard gown by J. Mendel at the Human Rights Campaign’s National Dinner in 2018, pairing it with a string of Tahitian black pearls.
2021
Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris at Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.
Getty Images
In honor of President Joe Biden’s inauguration, Kamala Harris wore a purple ensemble by Christopher John Rogers, featuring a peak lapel coat and matching dress. The regal hue of Harris’ outfit referenced Shirley Chisholm, the first woman to run for U.S. president in 1972, whose campaign colors included purple. Suffragettes also favored this shade, frequently using it in promotional materials like sashes, banners and buttons.
Her look featured a David Yurman flag pin, Manolo Blahnik heels, Wing & Weft gloves and a Wilfredo Rosado pearl necklace. Rosado sought to modernize pearls with gold chain links, previously telling WWD, “It’s very glamorous but still tough.”
2024
Kamala Harris at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards on Sept. 14.
Getty Images for Congressional B
At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual Phoenix Awards dinner on Saturday evening in Washington, D.C., Harris took the stage in a sequined LaQuan Smith column gown, accessorizing with black pumps.
