Zohran Mamdani is doing more than just shaking up NYC politics,he’s making a quiet (but very cool) case for how politicians can actually dress with style. The 33-year-old Assemblyman from Queens, who just beat Andrew Cuomo in New York’s mayoral primary (yes, really), is giving us fashion that feels real, thoughtful, and honestly refreshing.Here are five fashion lessons from the future Mayor of NYC (maybe!) that are subtle, smart, and easy to try IRL.
Desi heritage but make it chill
One of the coolest things about Zohran’s style is how he blends his South Asian roots with everyday fits. Sometimes it’s a Nehru-collar shirt under a blazer, other times it’s an embroidered kurta with sleek pants. It’s not loud or costume-y, it just feels authentic.
Lesson? You don’t need to ditch your roots to look polished. Incorporate heritage pieces in subtle ways, maybe a jamdani scarf, or just a kurta-style button-down with jeans. Culture is always in style.
Tailored, not stiff
Whether he’s debating in Albany or out meeting locals in Queens, Zohran knows the power of a good fit. His jackets sit right, his pants have that just-right taper, and nothing looks off-the-rack.
Takeaway: Tailoring is magic. Even your most basic clothes, like a plain shirt or blazer, can look 10x sharper if they fit you right. Find a good tailor, and suddenly you’ve got a power wardrobe without spending a fortune.
Smart casual is the vibe
You won’t find Zohran overdressed. He’s more about smart layers, like a crisp button-up under a cozy sweater or a clean tee paired with a structured coat. It’s politician-core, but make it low-key.
Style move: For days when you want to look put together but not too try-hard, think “elevated basics.” A structured jacket + plain tee + good shoes = effortless and polished.
Play with colour (Not chaos)
Zohran doesn’t do neon or wild prints, but he’s also not stuck in a sea of grey. Earthy greens, deep blues, and warm burgundies make regular appearances in his wardrobe. It’s the kind of colour palette that quietly says “I’ve got good taste.”
Your move? Ditch the all-black uniform and try softer shades. Olive pants, a rust sweater, or even just a camel jacket can completely change your look without screaming for attention.
Accessories = Function meets flex
Let’s talk accessories. Zohran’s not flashing gold chains or designer logos, but his choices are still smart. Leather satchels, sturdy shoes, simple watches – they’re functional, but still fly.What to copy: Pick pieces that do the job but look great doing it. A quality bag, a sleek belt, or classic boots are worth the investment. Think “quiet luxury,” not hypebeast.
So, why is his style so good?
Because it’s real. It’s not curated for Instagram. It’s not overdone. It’s just a guy being true to who he is, dressing for his day, and still looking sharp while doing it.
He’s showing that you can bring your culture, your politics, and your personality into your wardrobe without looking like you tried too hard. That’s rare. That’s cool. And yes, that’s fashionable.
What you can learn from Zohran’s closet
Mix tradition with modern basics.Tailoring > trends.Smart casual is the ultimate flex.Earth tones are your friends.Accessories should be both practical and stylish.At the end of the day, Zohran Mamdani’s style is proof that fashion doesn’t have to shout to make a statement. Sometimes all you need is a great fit, a little thought, and a whole lot of confidence in who you are. That, my friends, is how you serve looks, politics or not.
