Elon Musk’s White House Outfit Gave Off a Vibe of Defeat | Fashion

Elon Musk and Donald Trump have officially exited the scene, in case you haven’t noticed.

This move is unexpected for some, particularly those who observe the fashion choices of the high-tech billionaire in the White House. Long before someone pushes “send” on those controversial tweets or engages with Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), Musk’s political downfall was apparent through his choice of attire.

During his time in the White House, Musk ignored the conventional dress code expected of a president’s advisor, where suits and ties are the norm. Instead, he donned a dark MAGA baseball cap in the Oval Office and proclaimed at a rally in New York: His casual T-shirts featured slogans like “Oakrochee Mars,” “Tech Support,” and “Dogefather.” Campaign commentators noted his appearance, suggesting he seemed more connected to an alternative reality than to political events. His style felt reminiscent of the K-Hall aesthetics, which Musk frequently alludes to abandoning.

Musk and his Silicon Valley peers favor casual attire, favoring loose necklines over collared shirts, often opting for padded jackets, a stark contrast to the formality observed in the U.S. capital.

Yet, while Musk’s casual clothing signaled a shift in DC power dynamics, it also challenged various norms. “In the tech sector, confusion can be seen as a badge of honor,” states DC-based image consultant and style strategist Lauren Rothman. “However, in politics, the tolerance for chaos is limited. The White House has a long-standing tradition. We won’t be moving away from suits… they are a uniform.”

In this fashion landscape, one can objectively dress poorly or inappropriately; take, for instance, Dominic Cummings. Boris Johnson’s former aide famously promoted Westminster’s 1983 Gothic horror classic “Woman in Black” while wearing a bizarre ensemble of a ripped gilet, beanie, Billabong T-shirt, and tote bag. He wasn’t merely a Tory supporter; he embodied Gothic horror.

According to Jonathan Friedland, a Guardian columnist and host of the Guardian Politics Weekly America Podcast, Cummings’ appearance at No. 10 is a testament to privilege: “He says, ‘You have to wear a uniform like a worker bee, but I’m important enough to the top guy to dress as I please.’

The same applies to Musk, whose casual wear starkly contrasts the typical suit expected in the Oval Office. As Rothman remarked, his rebellious uniform accentuates his unique status within the corridors of political power.

He was often labeled “Sloppy Steve” Bannon. On this side of the Atlantic, Friedland highlights Musk’s affinity for informal gatherings, drawing parallels to former David Cameron advisor Steve Hilton’s casual meetings.

This brings us back to the age-old question: Who gets to be sloppy? Friedland suggests Musk relished the opportunity to stand beside the president’s resolute desk, appearing as if prepared for a gamers’ competition. It served as a reminder of his substantial wealth and untraditional approach to politics.

However, the shared fashion philosophies of Cummings and Musk reflect a common political journey. The careless aesthetics hint at their inevitable decline. Trump may speak of draining the swamp, yet his Brioni suit represents its very essence. Similarly, Johnson’s disheveled hair and casual attire resembled that of a rebellious rapper.

In the end, the disdain for flamboyance is palpable. Dressing unconventionally, even when privilege is not fully acknowledged, is a guaranteed way to incite backlash. Musk noted in a February Fox interview, “He had some incredible young people working for him who dressed far worse than he did.”

Friedland remarked, “The contrast between Musk’s outfits and Trump’s cabinet members highlighted their perceived inferiority, equating them to the president’s subordinates.”

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