How might fashion affect the November election?

The November election is almost here! Did you know that fashion is a nonverbal way of communicating and introducing candidates to voters? It gives us clues as to the personality and values of candidates and their team members. Fashion should reinforce our perception of their personalities. While we voters may not study the candidates’ outfits in detail, we will be influenced by the totality of their appearance on screen or in person.

Fashion and style can detract from a candidate when their appearance is not in keeping with their desired image. A worse outcome would be if the fashion look is controversial and thus distracts from the candidates’ message. The media will sometimes focus on an element of the outfit rather than the message being delivered by the candidates.

So this election season, see if the presentations of words and fashion are harmonious as you watch the candidates seek your votes. The message they send to voters can increase their chances of moving into a legislative seat or executive office.