Fashion as a Statement: Identity, Politics, and the Power of Dress

Carolyn Mair, in her work The Psychology of Fashion, highlights that clothing is more than just fabric—it’s a tool for self-expression, shaping not just how we see ourselves but how others perceive us.

Whether consciously or unconsciously, what we wear signals our profession, affiliations, and values. It’s why personal style is so powerful—it’s the closest thing we have to a wearable identity, and public figures understand this better than most. Politicians, for instance, use clothing to project authority, relatability, or even defiance. From sharply tailored suits to military fatigues, what they wear can shape public perception just as much as their policies.

Take Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His decision to forgo traditional formalwear in favour of military-style clothing—even in diplomatic settings—has become a symbol of wartime leadership. As highlighted in a recent Euronewsarticle, Zelenskyy’s olive-green t-shirts and cargo pants communicate solidarity with his people and a rejection of political formalities. His wardrobe tells the world: I am in the trenches with my nation.

Contrast this with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose signature red ties and boxy suits reinforced his brand as a businessman-turned-politician. His look—unchanging, powerful, and intentionally curated—was designed to project strength, consistency, and control.

Fashion as a Reflection of Power and Change

Beyond individual leaders, dress codes themselves hold deep cultural significance. Historically, laws and norms around clothing have been used to enforce social hierarchies, from sumptuary laws restricting certain fabrics to the elite, to workplace dress codes reinforcing corporate power structures. Even today, debates over what is considered “appropriate” attire in schools, offices, and political spaces expose tensions around gender, class, and authority.

The rise of casualwear in professional settings is one such shift, reflecting a cultural move towards informality and accessibility. Similarly, the push for gender-neutral fashion challenges outdated binary norms, proving that clothing is not just about aesthetics—it’s about inclusion, identity, and social change.

Where StyleAbility Fits In

If clothing is a statement of who we are, then access to fashion should be for everyone. Yet, for millions of people with mobility, dexterity, or sensory needs, mainstream fashion remains frustratingly out of reach. That’s where platforms like StyleAbility come in—helping to bridge the gap between personal expression and accessibility. Fashion should not only represent identity but also be functional for all, regardless of ability.

As Mair’s research and current events show, fashion is never just about looking good. It’s a language—of power, belonging, and transformation. Whether you’re a world leader, a professional, or someone navigating daily life, what you wear tells a story. The question is: does fashion reflect who you truly are, and more importantly, does it allow everyone to participate in that narrative?

We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts:

How do you see clothing influencing power and identity in today’s world? Drop us a comment below!

Sources:
Mair, Caroline. The Psychology of Fashion. Routledge, 2018.
Euronews. "Dress Code Breaker: What Do Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Clothing Choices Mean?" March 3, 2025.
Podcast: Stressed but Well-Dressed with Dahlia Stroud