Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history, is only 27. But her wardrobe choices often seem pulled from a time capsule labeled “Boomer Easter Brunch.” While she’s no stranger to public scrutiny over her statements, her fashion sense has been making headlines lately.
Particularly, her confusing relationship with the color green.
In March, Leavitt showed up to a press briefing in a pastel green tweed dress that sparked confusion and critique.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on the grounds for Mahmoud Kahlil’s detention and possible deportation:@esaagar: “Does the administration believe that it needs to charge a green card holder with a crime to be eligible for deportation?”@PressSec: “Under the Immigration and… pic.twitter.com/CzKEw2RXU6
The outdated, boxy silhouette did her no favors, making her appear decades older than her Gen Z credentials would suggest. The choice had fashion watchers questioning whether she was dressing for the West Wing or a countryside casserole potluck.
And as many stylists would tell you, the wrong green can sap the life out of you, especially if it clashes with your natural tones. For Leavitt, whose warm skin tone and brown-blonde hair can shine with the right color, this pale hue didn’t deliver.
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It’s not just the color that’s been questioned. It's the entire aesthetic. Leavitt’s recent appearances have leaned more toward “grandma-core” than Gen Z glam.
A cardigan-over-dress combo in April drew unfavorable comparisons to Pam Bondi’s infamous pastel power suits, leading some commentators to speculate whether Leavitt’s wardrobe was curated to match her 59-year-old husband rather than her generational peers.
Karoline Leavitt landed in Some Awkward Position That Could Haunt Her for Years (image source: X/@BehizyTweets)
Fashion writer Kristin Conard pointed out that Leavitt has a habit of dressing as if she’s auditioning for a throwback drama rather than leading the press from the front lines. “She's still young, maybe she's just finding her footing with her White House fashion game, especially when the whole world is watching,” she reasoned, echoing what many viewers have posed after watching her step up to the podium in frilly jackets and muted tones.
Still, when Leavitt gets it right, she REALLY gets it right. And that’s where the brighter shades of green come into play.
When Karoline Leavitt Nailed the Emerald Redemption Look Leavitt’s fashion redemption arc came in the form of a bold emerald green dress she proudly shared on Instagram on St. Patrick’s Day. Paired with a photo-op moment next to MMA superstar Conor McGregor, who wore a deep green pinstripe suit, Leavitt’s choice didn’t just meet the moment. It elevated it.
This dress was a winner for a few reasons: the gem-like color looked amazing with her tan and hair, it fit her like a glove, and best of all, it had that perfect mix of trendy and professional that a chic 27-year-old in a position of power would pick.
It showed Leavitt knows how to dress for her age and job, hitting that sweet spot between looking great and being taken seriously.
Fashion experts often emphasize how essential color theory is to personal styling: certain shades amplify natural features, while others diminish them. In Karoline Leavitt’s case, this saturated green added life to her look, making her appear more commanding and modern, especially compared to the Easter egg tones she previously favored. Her other green win? A bright green tank top she wore courtside at a Celtics game in Miami. It was youthful, on-brand, and a world away from the White House, but it showed she knew what worked. It could be a matter of time before she figures out how to bring that off-duty confidence into the press briefing room.
Here are some more snaps of the youngest Press Secretary.
Leavitt has often been speculated to have undergone plastic surgery (Image via Instagram / karolineleavitt)
Karoline Leavitt with her adorable son (Image via Instagram / karolineleavitt)
