For the third and final presidential debate on Wednesday night, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton bookended the campaign, wearing a white Ralph Lauren suit that was similar to the one she wore to accept the nomination from her party at the convention back in July.
Two other women in the spotlight at the showdown in Las Vegas — the potential Republican first lady and first daughter — chose all-black instead, a color that’s a fashion classic (think Audrey Hepburn) but also traditionally associated with mourning.
In 2014, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute hosted a historical exhibition titled “Death Becomes Her: A Century of Mourning Attire,” which explored, among other things, the sartorial dictates for a woman’s mourning attire, which once included wearing black for up to two years after her husband’s death.
Melania Trump chose the black Sheryl Tie-Neck Wide-Leg jumpsuit by Ralph Lauren. The Made-in-the-U.S. jumpsuit is currently available at ralphlauren.com and retails for $1,790. It featured a necktie similar to the one on the Gucci pussy bow blouse that she wore coincidentally (but apparently not intentionally) at the second debate, after Donald Trump was caught on tape using the term “pussy.”
Ivanka Trump opted for a single-shoulder Roland Mouret top and black slim trousers. Although it was on-trend, the revealing top looked a bit more like something one might wear to go clubbing at Hyde than to a political forum.
Not everyone in the Trump family got the all-black fashion memo, however.
Tiffany Trump, who wore black for the second debate, chose a periwinkle blue skirt suit instead — a cool and calm choice.
