From ‘granny core’ to leopard-print scandals, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s wardrobe fails spark outrage. Explore her most controversial outfits, social media backlash, and designer critiques.
Karoline Leavitt’s Inappropriate Outfits: 10 Controversial Looks That Will Haunt Her Forever
Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history at 27, has made headlines as much for her political missteps as for her polarizing fashion choices. From frumpy “grandma core” to blatantly provocative ensembles, her wardrobe has become a lightning rod for criticism—both from the public and political opponents. Here’s a deep dive into her most infamous outfits, complete with social media reactions and expert commentary.
1. The ‘Republican Hotness’ Instagram Stunt
In 2023, Leavitt posted a photo wearing a black tank top, Daisy Dukes, and a snapback promoting a conservative dating app. Critics called it a “desperate attempt to troll the left” rather than a professional look befitting her future role .
Social Media Reaction:
“Is this where 30-year-olds meet 60+ year olds?” — Instagram user .
2. The ‘Clueless’ Debate Debacle
At a 2024 presidential debate, Leavitt wore a plaid miniskirt and blazer combo eerily reminiscent of Cher Horowitz’s iconic Clueless outfit. The juxtaposition with her boss’s hardline immigration policies was ironic, given the film’s pro-refugee themes .
Designer Take:
Christopher Cuozzo, her go-to designer, later told Yahoo Lifestyle:
“She presents herself very well, but her choices sometimes blur the line between political messaging and personal style” .
3. The ‘Made in China’ Hypocrisy Scandal
Leavitt faced global ridicule when Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhishen exposed her Self-Portrait lace dress as Chinese-made—contradicting Trump’s “America First” trade policies. The backlash went viral, with users mocking:
“Accusing China is business. Buying in China is life” .
Video Embed:
Watch the viral TikTok dissection of the scandal here (placeholder link for illustrative purposes).
4. Mar-a-Lago’s ‘Fruit Stripe Gum’ Dress
Her garish green zebra-print bodycon dress at Trump’s beach club was compared to “flavorless chewing gum” and deemed “work-inappropriate” despite her caption: “Here for business and pleasure” 1.
5. The Distressed Denim Disaster
At a 2018 soccer match, Leavitt’s AS Roma T-shirt was overshadowed by jeans with a thigh hole “creeping dangerously close to her bikini line” 1. Critics accused her of prioritizing shock value over team spirit.
6. CPAC’s Leopard-Print Irony
Her 2025 CPAC outfit—knee-high leopard boots—drew comparisons to the meme: “I never thought leopards would eat MY face,” a dig at GOP voters’ buyer’s remorse .
Why Does Leavitt’s Fashion Spark Outrage?
Experts argue her style oscillates between “aging herself” to match her 59-year-old husband’s aesthetic 2 and clashing with her “good girl” persona . Fashion professor David Loranger notes:
“Her luxury foreign brands undermine Trump’s ‘Made in USA’ rhetoric”.
Twitter Reaction:
“Leavitt’s wardrobe is a MAGA Rorschach test: is it hypocrisy, bad taste, or both?” — @PolitiStyle .
Conclusion
Whether intentional or not, Leavitt’s outfits have become political fodder, amplifying scrutiny of her credibility. As one critic summed up: “She’s not bad; she just dresses that way” 1.
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