Plenty of big names who start out in politics end up becoming celebrities in their own right. Aside from their policies, the public latches on to their personality, trademark quotes, and even their appearance. This was evident when Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska, entered into the public eye in 2008 as running mate for John McCain during his presidential campaign. She became a nationwide headline and as a result, her sense of style was a topic of conversation.

At first, Palin had a pretty standard form of dress. “I was just your average hockey mom,” she told the audience at the Republican National Convention in 2008 (via Speakola), but it’s since become clear that her wardrobe did not directly reflect that sentiment. Her outfit of choice was often a solid-colored blazer and black pencil skirt with stockings and black shoes. Her hair was always back, usually in a Y2K-esque Bumpit style for lift and with bangs swept to the side. And of course, she always wore her signature glasses. The complete look instantly became synonymous with Palin.

But by the time she left Alaskan office in 2009, Palin’s attire started to change. Her standard structured blazer that mimicked menswear fell out of favor and she instead personified the image of a mom who wanted to look stylish and fun. It’s clear to see how Palin’s preferences have evolved as time has gone on, varying between workwear and picks for a night out. Over the years, the type of garments she would gravitate towards transformed from professional office attire to a laid-back (and sometimes sexy) wardrobe.
2010-2011: Sarah Palin lives life outside of politics in business casual attire
Sarah Palin waves from the stage in a leather jacket

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After Sarah Palin resigned from her position as governor of Alaska in 2009, she pivoted from politician to television personality. By 2010, Palin had her own show on TLC which showcased her life as a mother, including the comfortable clothes she would wear around her home. This in turn led to a departure from Palin’s previous polished wardrobe and soon she was seen in clothing that had less structure. She also embraced more modern types of shoes. including heels that were decorated with chic animal prints.

Palin shifted to patterns, prints, and softer fabrics like lace which revitalized her wardrobe. Her skirts inched shorter and she began to “let her hair down,” as it were: literally and in terms of fashion and styling. She would start experimenting with different hairstyles that strayed from her typical tight up-do. Rather than blazers, Palin veered more towards blouses or tops, and even sweater dresses with collars to maintain an element of professionalism. Her shoes looked less traditional as she seemed to favor pumps and even platform sandals. This time period clearly represented her transition from politician to civilian and marked the first time she’d been seen in public with what would become her beloved leather jackets.
2012-2014: Sarah Palin dresses casual with a hint of country flare
Sarah Palin smiles with two officers while wearing a puffer vest

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By 2012, Sarah Palin was finished dressing for business. She made it obvious that she was embracing her “fun mom” side and would dress however she saw fit. At first Palin combined the best of both worlds with prim and proper blouses that could be worn in a beach town, but soon was increasingly opting for tight-fitting sequined T-shirts. Her casual garb looked comfortable, like something that any suburban mom would find at a nearby clothing store to wear. Her wardrobe at times appeared a bit more daring as she would opt for sparkle or a statement accessory, including necklaces, chunky bracelets, or even a big belt. Cowboy boots became a regular for her much like Kristi Noem and other politicians who’ve tried to make cowboy boots business casual — a far cry from her footwear of the years before.

Palin shifted her hairstyle as well and left behind her previous tight up-do in favor of waves that fell on her shoulders. Her bangs were now front facing and a bit feathered. As she traveled around promoting the books she had written, she tried out different types of coats including long metallic drapery and sporty puffer jackets. Her love of layering was apparent and gave her more opportunities to try out new fashion choices.
2015-2019: Sarah Palin’s got legs and knows how to use them
Sarah Palin attends formal events in elegant outfits with short skirts

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At this point, Palin’s style took a turn into new territory: one that really highlighted her feminine side. When supporting Donald Trump’s run for president in 2015, she wore a cropped jacket with shiny multi-colored embellishments for sparkle and a matching chunky bracelet. In 2017, Palin was seen in a frilly off-the-shoulder lace blouse when visiting the Oval Office. She continued to reach for lighter colors when meeting with Donald Trump, as the soft hues highlighted Palin’s femininity. As for footwear, she went all in on heels or mules that were decorated with modern styles. And her hair was consistently down in bouncy waves that framed her face.

This time in Palin’s life saw her dressing in outfits that could have been considered risky, especially as she was still considered a public political figure herself. Rather than relying solely on structured blazers and conservative styles that kept her covered, Palin was eager to wear skirts and that showed off her long legs. Sometimes she’d embrace her sexier side by pairing her shorter skirts with knee-high leather boots that matched her edgy ensemble. She proudly defied standards that insinuated women of middle age couldn’t dress sexy in an act against ageism.
2020-Present: Sarah Palin combines all of her famous fashions
Sarah Palin leaves a building in a leather jacket, black pants, leather boots, and with her hair pinned up

In the 2020s, Sarah Palin seems to be calling upon all her past styles to create a new wardrobe. Elements from her previous looks have reemerged only to be revamped and combined with her more daring clothing choices. When Palin ran for Congress in 2022, she turned back the clock by bringing back her most recognizable hairstyle: the tight up-do. Her loss in the polls meant a return to her established edgy style of short skirts and knee-high boots. She even wore a scantily clad getup during an appearance on Fox News in 2024, and of course, Sarah Palin’s inappropriate town hall outfit will always haunt her.

Since then, it seems that Palin has taken all the facets of her fashion timeline and combined them into one look that encapsulates her entire evolution. She has returned to her former fashion glory by resurrecting her jacket and up-do combo. Sometimes, she opts for a blazer in a textured tweed, while other times, she rocks leather and denim jackets. And her look has also been updated with her own embellishments that show how she loves to push the envelope stylistically. These days, Palin is often seen with accessories that she would’ve never worn in her past political life, including big hoop earrings and rockstar sunglasses, all while knowing how to style her favorite black leather jacket in a way that garners attention.
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