Part II: Tradwives to BRAT Summer
Political & Cultural Influences for 2026 & 2027
As the Democratic National Convention wraps up, the political landscape is shifting, and so are the cultural trends that shape our world. The Democratic Party's latest developments are sparking new ideas about where our cultural and aesthetic landscapes might be headed.
In this second installment, we’ll explore the potential trends under a Harris presidency. With themes of empowerment, inclusivity, and cultural representation likely to take center stage, how might these values influence what we wear? Whether you’re tuned into the political sphere or just curious about where style is headed, this read is for you. As these political changes unfold, they are set to influence not just policy, but also the cultural and aesthetic expressions that define our era. Let’s explore how these shifts might shape the trends and styles we’ll see in the coming years.
Evolving Trends Under a Harris Presidency Influence
Clinton Era Aesthetics:
Breaking Gender Norms:
Androgyny or Just Inclusive Silhouettes: The androgyny subculture gained momentum in the 1980s and became mainstream in the 1990s during the Clinton era. Designers like Jil Sander and Helmut Lang blurred gender lines, and Calvin Klein's CK One unisex fragrance made gender fluidity a cultural touchstone. Public figures like Kurt Cobain, who said, "Wearing a dress shows I can be as feminine as I want," echoed this shift. Today, brands like Telfar, initially dismissed by the mainstream, are leading the evolution with inclusive, unisex designs. Telfar’s global visibility, including designing uniforms for the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, sets a precedent for future industry trends. This shift reflects the growing demand for fashion that blends feminine and masculine elements, embracing a mix of traditional gender styles for everyone, rather than choosing one or the other.
Pinks & Greens to Soft Limes & Neutral Peach: Color pairings like peach and green are being embraced for their gender-neutral appeal, reflecting the cultural shift towards inclusivity. Softer tones with yellow undertones are gaining traction, pushing the genderless concept forward.
After I developed this concept, I came across a Highsnobiety post discussing the transition from Barbiecore Summer to Brat Summer, which they referred to as "Girlhood." This resonated with my observations, but I believe it’s evolving into something broader… a concept I called "Wehood." This idea moves beyond binary gender distinctions, uniting people through shared trends and colors, highlighting how these vibrant themes could converge to create a unified, inclusive aesthetic.
Head-to-Toe Solid Color Evolution:
Tan as a Statement Color: Tan is becoming more than just a neutral; it’s emerging as a symbol of resilience and subtle power. Kamala Harris's choice of a tan suit at the Democratic National Convention, a callback to Barack Obama’s 2014 appearance, signifies a shift in the political landscape. This color has been evolving in the seasonal palette for some time now, transitioning from a simple neutral to a refreshing, "trendy" color. This evolution has allowed brands that might not have previously embraced tan to incorporate it as a versatile and modern option. With tan communicating power, resilience, and new norms, it is set to resurge in warm tones, gaining further relevance in bold, statement-making applications.
Texture, Prints, Embellishments: Elevating the Solid Color Palette: As Kamala Harris's potential presidency draws parallels to past influential female leaders like Hillary Clinton, it also signals a continuation and evolution of their legacy. Clinton’s bold, monochromatic pantsuits of the 1990s became symbols of feminine empowerment, with masculinity and femininity swinging in all directions, not just for females. Under Harris's influence, these solid color ensembles are likely to be reimagined for a new era, reflecting not only a shift in fashion but also the values likely to be emphasized during her tenure… resilience, adaptability, and the breaking down of traditional barriers.
While monochromatic outfits have dominated the fashion scene, the future of solid color dressing will be elevated through the integration of texture, prints, and embellishments. Expect to see solid palettes enriched with tactile fabrics, bold prints that add depth, statement accessories, and exaggerated footwear. These elements will transform simple color stories into complex narratives, allowing individuals to express cultural identity, personality, and creativity within a unified color scheme.
BRAT Summer:
Rebellious and Carefree Aesthetic: Influenced by Charli XCX's "Brat" persona, this trend embraces a carefree, rebellious attitude. It combines high-end fashion with low-brow elements, reflecting a desire to enjoy life without societal judgments. This cultural moment is both a throwback and a fresh, modern reinterpretation of the early 2000s. Don’t get me wrong, this trend is not just about the clothing; it’s about the attitude that embraces youthfulness, freedom, and a bit of rebellion. I see the BRAT trend evolving further into a boho rock vibe, pushing the boho/cowboy/girl theme in this direction… Boho/Rock/Cowboy/girl/Sporty… OH YES! Mashing up cultural influences through prints, textures, and statement accessories continues to evolve and feel personalized and unique. An eclectic mash-up of messy and refined all rolled into one! One could argue that the BRAT Summer influence really inspires the rest of these trends, from breaking gender norms to vintage upcycling.
"Personalized" text message from Ganni.
With this trend continuing to grow, even brand messaging reflects the "BRAT Summer" ethos. For example, after purchasing from Ganni, I received a text that felt casual and personalized, complete with double words and minor grammar mistakes. Whether it was automated or from an actual person, the intent was clear: to create a deeper, more personalized connection with the audience. In this context, brands from clothing to footwear can thrive by making both their products and communications feel unique, authentic, and attuned to the consumer’s lifestyle. The emphasis is not just on what you wear but how you’re spoken to, adding another layer of individuality and rebellion to the "BRAT Summer" identity.
Vintage Upcycling:
Sustainable Fashion: Under a Harris presidency, the emphasis on sustainability is expected to intensify, making upcycled and vintage fashion even more significant. This trend highlights eco-friendliness and the value of unique, personalized style. Brands may refresh archived items with modern technology, blending tradition with innovation to create pieces that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Traditional elements like florals, camos, and tie-dyes will likely remain important, grounding innovative designs in familiar patterns while pushing the boundaries through technology.
Concepts like the Adidas sneaker with attachable snowboard bindings exemplify the fusion of functionality and upcycling design. As consumers seek products that offer both aesthetic appeal and versatility, footwear brands embracing this mindset will capture the next generation's imagination.
Unexpected Bunny Boom... Rabbit Ears?!?:
Rabbit ears are emerging as a playful symbol of renewal and a break from traditional norms. Their resurgence on the runway, reminiscent of Marc Jacobs' Fall 2009 collection during the transition to Barack Obama's presidency, reflects a similar desire for lightheartedness and optimism. Under a Harris presidency, these playful elements could take on new meaning, symbolizing a cultural shift towards embracing the unexpected, challenging norms, and finding joy in the unpredictable.
Groupings and posts are not stating political involvement or views for brands, influencers, and trends.