Many prominent figures in politics eventually become celebrities in their own right. Beyond their policies, the public gravitates toward their personality, memorable quotes, and even their sense of style. This was especially true for Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska, who entered the national spotlight in 2008 as John McCain’s running mate during his presidential campaign. From that moment, she became a headline-grabbing figure, and her wardrobe quickly became a topic of conversation.
2008: The Hockey Mom Era
Initially, Palin’s wardrobe reflected the image of an “average” Alaskan mom. “I was just your average hockey mom,” she told the audience at the Republican National Convention in 2008 (via Speakola). Her go-to look consisted of a solid-colored blazer, black pencil skirt, stockings, and black shoes. Hair was pulled back in a Y2K-inspired Bumpit style with side-swept bangs, and she always wore her signature glasses. The combination instantly became her trademark, merging professionalism with a distinct personal identity.
2009-2011: Transitioning from Politician to Public Figure
After leaving office in 2009, Palin’s style began to evolve. She moved away from the structured menswear-inspired blazers and embraced a look that was more stylish and playful. Her wardrobe choices shifted between workwear and evening attire, with softer fabrics, varied patterns, and lighter silhouettes.
By 2010, as a television personality with her own TLC show, she embraced casual, comfortable clothing suitable for home life while maintaining elements of polish. She experimented with modern shoes, including animal-print heels, and started wearing skirts that were slightly shorter, along with sweater dresses and collared blouses that retained a touch of professionalism. Her hairstyles softened, moving away from tight up-dos to looser, more relaxed styles, and she became known for incorporating leather jackets into her public appearances.
2012-2014: Casual with Country Flair
By 2012, Palin had moved firmly into casual, everyday fashion, blending her “fun mom” persona with her recognizable style. She wore fitted, sometimes sequined T-shirts, statement accessories like chunky necklaces and belts, and became a regular wearer of cowboy boots—merging comfort with personality. Her hair was styled in shoulder-length waves with feathered bangs, and her outerwear choices included long metallic coats and sporty puffer jackets. Layering became a key part of her style, giving her flexibility to experiment with new looks.
2015-2019: Highlighting Femininity
Palin’s wardrobe in this period emphasized her feminine side. Supporting Donald Trump’s 2015 presidential run, she wore cropped jackets with colorful embellishments and chunky bracelets. In 2017, she appeared at the Oval Office in an off-the-shoulder lace blouse. She favored lighter colors that highlighted her femininity and consistently chose heels or modern mules. Her hair remained down in soft waves framing her face.
During this time, she was willing to take fashion risks: skirts showed off her legs, and she often paired shorter skirts with knee-high leather boots. Her style was a statement against ageism, proving that women of middle age could dress boldly and confidently.
2020-Present: A Fusion of All Styles
In the 2020s, Palin has blended elements from all phases of her fashion journey. Running for Congress in 2022, she returned to her iconic tight up-do but also embraced her edgy short skirts and knee-high boots. Her Fox News appearances and town hall outfits have sometimes sparked controversy, yet they reflect her willingness to experiment.
Today, Palin mixes past and present: textured tweed blazers alongside leather and denim jackets, with embellishments and accessories that push style boundaries. She wears oversized hoop earrings and rockstar sunglasses, often styling her signature black leather jacket in ways that command attention. Her wardrobe now tells a story of evolution, combining professionalism, playfulness, femininity, and audacity into a single, unmistakable fashion identity.