Do survey a range of online images of the political figure chosen and analyze whether these images change or have remained consistent over time.
Hillary Clinton once said to a group of Yale graduates, “your hair will send very important messages to those around you. It will tell people who you are and what you stand for.” As First Lady, she exacerbated public distrust by changing her hairstyle constantly. This could have indicated stylistic cluelessness and that her authentic self was hidden. On the other hand, when Hillary Clinton ran for the Senate, she adopted a consistent look with a neat, flattering hairstyle favored by most female executives. This change ended the constant swirl of criticism around her stylistic persona. Thus, this evolvement in Clinton’s fashion style is indicative of the different image, as well as message, she is attempting to portray and bring out as a public figure.
Before running for Senate, Hilary Clinton adopted different hairstyles. After which, she seemed to have chosen the ‘right hairstyle’ and since then, did not try any new hairstyle other than her neat, short hair.
As First Lady, Hillary Clinton experimented with different outfits and hairstyles in an attempt to project the image of an independent working woman. Although her outfits and hairstyles constantly changed, they reflected the typical attire of women who held office jobs, which usually was a suit jacket or blouse paired with a knee-length skirt. Her clothing style resembled elegance and sophistication, the choice of colors for her outfits constantly changed but were more often than not a solid color - nothing flamboyant.The reason for her fashion style was because she wanted to be viewed as an typical working woman. Being the only First Lady at that time to have held a postgraduate degree and to have continued with her own professional career up to the time of entering the White House, Clinton therefore wanted to be seen as self-reliant and not dependent on her husband Bill Clinton to gain recognition and boost her career. Therefore, she chose to portray herself as an independent working woman so as to be able to connect with the typical working women in America.
(Left) Hillary in a plaid skirt and wide-brimmed hat during her husband’s inauguration in 1993.
(Middle) Clinton wearing a turquoise jacket during a speech in 1993.
(Right) Clinton decked in a short-sleeved blouse while meeting Romanian President in 1996.
However, Clinton’s fashion style changed since she was elected as Secretary of State in 2009. Her outfit typically consists of suit pants with minimal accessories, and she has kept a consistent and simple hairstyle. This is because as a Secretary, Clinton is representing her country and therefore has to appear more professional. In addition, her outfits and hairstyle have become more consistent as this would allow her to be more recognizable and relatable, especially to foreign diplomats.
(left) Hillary in her inaugural gown in 1993.
(right) Clinton with her Salvatore Ferragamo bag
One would see that Hillary Clinton defines her own style of fashion, instead of letting the latest fashion trends define her. Changing her style over the years, it is also inevitable due to the change of her position in the United States of America, leading in the change of the image that she aims to send across through her dressing. She is seen to be an elegant, and confident First Lady in 1993, showing her status but still appearing to be approachable to the people. However, as Clinton moves on to run for Presidency in 2008 and became the current Secretary of State, she is often adorned in a suit jacket, keeping her hair to the back and a branded bag with her, looking professional, committed to and serious in her work. Her constant change of fashion attracts news media to scrutinise her, to the point that “If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle.”
Word Count: 545 words
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