The Winning Message Behind Ella Emhoff’s and the Walz Kids’ Comfortable Shoe Style at the Democratic National Convention
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How do you introduce yourself to a global audience on one of the biggest stages in politics?
As Kamala Harris and Tim Walz accepted the Democratic presidential and vice presidential nominations during a historic week in Chicago, their families were thrust into the spotlight at the DNC in a series of defining moments they probably couldn’t have imagined just a few weeks ago.
Ella and Cole Emhoff and Hope and Gus Walz soaked up the electric atmosphere of the United Center and cheered on their parents — at times with unbridled emotion. They conveyed a winning message: Always be yourself, no matter the situation.
That mantra was evident in what they wore too — and a fitting reminder that Gen Z is not abiding by the style rules of previous generations. (Most of the women who were front and center this week, including Harris and Gwen Walz, wore classic pumps in varying heel heights. The men wore dress shoes.)
With a big grin on her face, Hope Walz walked onto the DNC stage Wednesday night in a pretty lace Self Portrait midi dress that she accessorized with her Brat green nails. But instead of completing her ensemble with the obvious stilettos or summer sandals, she chose a more comfortable look — tan clogs with sturdy heels.
The “ugly shoe trend” has been a mainstay for years now, and high-fashion clogs from Chloé (Kamala Harris’ brand du jour) have been trending of late, but Hope likely wasn’t trying to make any grand fashion statements. Instead, she probably pulled the sensible look straight from her closet.
Her brother, Gus, who tearfully shouted, “That’s my dad” during Walz’ speech in one of the most heartfelt moments of the week, embraced his family on stage wearing a navy blue suit and white Nike Air Force 1 kicks. The suit-and-sneaker combination isn’t new of course, but for the 17-year-old Midwesterner, it felt right.
New Yorker Ella Emhoff, a model and artist, is no stranger to big fashion moments — she became an instant style star when Harris, her stepmother, was elected Vice President back in 2020.
Since then, Emhoff has surprised and delighted fashion insiders with her eclectic style, which was on full display this week, beginning on Monday, when she wore the sold-out Harris-Walz camo hat. A day later, she stepped out in a Thom Brown blue plaid suit.
But her biggest statement came during her speaking moment on Thursday. Emhoff engineered a viral moment in an outfit she designed with TikTok sensation Joe Ando — a blue corseted off-the-shoulder dress with white pleated midi skirt and tulle detailing.
She accessorized with white socks and black Mary Jane flats, one of 2024’s top shoe trends.
Now that the balloons and confetti have dropped and the convention has wrapped, the Harris-Walz crew heads back on the road for what will be a frenetic few months ahead of election day on Nov. 5.
The next generation seems ready to sprint — but don’t expect them to run in stilettos.
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