Oprah Winfrey Channels Suffragette Spirit in Bold White Suit at Final Campaign Rally in Philadelphia for Kamala Harris

Oprah Winfrey joined Vice President Kamala Harris onstage in Philadelphia for the Democratic presidential nominee’s final campaign rally ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The former talk show host, journalist and media mogul wore a suit in a shade with particular historic significance for the rally in Philadelphia on Monday.

For the special occasion, Winfrey made a statement in a white, glossy suit that shimmered under the lights. Her outfit sharply contrasted with Harris’ dark, tailored suit, accented by her signature pearls in tribute to her collegiate sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Ahead of the presidential election on Tuesday, the color of Winfrey’s suit carried held particular meaning. The white suit paid homage to the suffragette movement and the white dresses worn by women as a visual statement in their nationwide protests, organizing and demonstrations for the right to vote.

“White is one of the colors but it didn’t become so prevalent until very late, partly because suffrage parades were very colorful,” Einav Rabinovitch-Fox, a lecturer at Case Western Reserve University’s Department of History, said in conversation with WWD.

Rabinovitch-Fox explained how prominent activists, including Alice Paul, used colors like white to draw attention to the suffragette cause. “Because they were so savvy and understood the media, they themselves sent photographs to newspapers. Paul was very good at saying, ‘We need to create this visual contrast.’ White was useful for them to do that,” Rabinovitch-Fox said.

“Streets were very dark, so if you see a bunch of women in white dresses or light dresses, the contrast [in photos] will be great. They understood that. White is just a more practical color.”

Throughout her political career, Harris has worn white for significant occasions, including when she was voted into the office of vice president of the U.S. during the 2020 election alongside President Joe Biden.

Harris reflected on the significance of her appointment following the 2020 election, saying “while I might be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last.”