Part I: Tradwives to BRAT Summer
Political & Cultural Influences for 2026 & 2027
Who wants to talk about politics more when it's already flooding our social media and news feeds? I hear that! At least now the Summer Paris Olympics have begun with a bang and are hitting social big time! However, the Democratic Party game-changer is inspiring and has my wheels turning so I’m going to contribute one more politics-related read 😊. Don’t worry, I'm not here to discuss my personal political opinions, and I hope this space feels open to everyone. I just want to provide a little context on the cultural shifts we're seeing and what that could look like in the future. It's going to be a wild ride, but let's dive in and understand the assignment 😉.
Fashion trends are often a reflection of the political and social climate. The upcoming presidential election is poised to shape the sartorial landscape in significant ways. This blog will delve into the potential fashion futures and current climate under both a Trump and Harris presidency, exploring how their leadership styles and political atmospheres might influence culture and what we wear. Now don’t get me wrong, consumers can be Republican, Democratic, Independent, whatever they wish, and still wear the trends that are influenced by either party. The same goes for brands and influencers shown below.
Evolving Trends Under a Trump Presidency Influence
Hyper-Masculine Aesthetics:
Militaristic and Urban Survivalist:
Sportswear and Militarism: While utilitarian elements are already popular, expect them to become even more pronounced and tactical. Possible even more so in womenswear and more tailored in men’s. Military insignias have started to pop up in Menswear 2024 and 2025 runway shows and could continue to do so. Symbols, badges, and pins mimicking military and police influence and will be repurposed in fashion-forward ways. In footwear, influences like Nike’s SFB Field Boots from 2009, which fuse both athletic and combat utility, and the resurgence of Timberland boots will be significant. Even the Mary Jane and flat could take on these elements. This trend could flow both ways, serving as a mark of rebellion or a mark of authority, continuing to fuse the worlds of utilitarian and performance.
Urban Survivalist: Hyper-masculine looks will include modernized track suits featuring military details and sporty elements, rugged outdoor gear adapted for urban use, and functional, survivalist-inspired clothing. Think vintage Oakley and Salomon tactile detailing. High-textured materials and rugged designs will become more prevalent, reflecting a world preparing for uncertainty. Camouflage will still play a key role, but instead of blending into nature, it will twist to elements seen in urban life and locations, camouflaging individuals into their everyday lives.
Rebellion and Counterculture:
DIY Punk: The Nixon and Reagan eras saw a mix of conservatism and counterculture. The punk movement emerged as a reaction to the political climate, emphasizing DIY fashion and rebellion against the status quo. The punk aesthetic has already started to see a resurgence with bands like Blink 182, Green Day, and Sum41 returning to the stage. Summer festival attire has also seen a surge in punk mix-and-match vibes. Influencers like @elenamesag and @clouwdez show a great understanding of the DIY version of punk. Although Machine Gun Kelly influenced fashion for 2021 and 2022 with a more polished style, the "do it yourself" take makes fashion feel individualistic, unique, and attainable for all levels of rebellion.
Nostalgic Domesticity:
Influencers like Gwen the Milkmaid (@gwenthemilkmaid), Kendel Kay (@kendelkay), Estee Williams (@esteecwilliams), and Nara Smith (@naraaziza) will exemplify this trend. These influencers highlight a return to traditional roles with a modern twist, promoting home-based activities and traditional feminine aesthetics. Modern 50’s aesthetics are leading based on the curation of their TikTok and Instagram feeds, showing "perfection of beauty" while maintaining a household, ringing true to 1950's advertisements and expectations. Aesthetics and details such as soft collar shapes, feminine body silhouettes, ruffles, sleeve trims, and possibly even gingham, polka dots, and apron-inspired prints and patterns could be popularized by this movement. The popularity of bow accessories and lace have already started and could continue in delicate and “sweet” variations.
Colors:
Clear Masculine and Feminine Tones Blurred Through Neutrals:
Neutrals and Pastel Mix: These color combinations will likely appeal to either side of the political spectrum. The beautiful concept around color is that it has so much to say and evoke for anyone and everyone. In this context, it could be used to create a softer feminine appeal. Mix and matching pastels in one product and grounding with a neutral accent brings fresh life to the continued storyline of pastels.
Rich and Soft Mix: Contrasting bright colors against neutral backgrounds will be a popular design choice, adding a lively touch to otherwise minimalist designs. Red will continue to be a power play for 2026, softened or focused through layering with softer blues, purples, and pinks. Richer, more saturated neutrals could take charge, with blacks coming back into play as a forward color instead of just commercial, and richer earth tones highlighting the utilitarian and dystopian influence.
Denim Blues and Military Greens: Greens are not going anywhere anytime soon, with richer, less dusty dark greens inspired by a military and utilitarian take. Denim blues will return along with structured denim or denim-inspired materials.
Stay tuned for Part II, where I explore evolving trends under a Harris presidency influence. I'll delve into how Kamala Harris is BRAT, her leadership style and the political atmosphere's influence on cultural shifts and fashion trends. Don't miss it!
Groupings and posts are not stating political involvement or views for brands, influencers, and trends.