Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Has Worn Some Not-So-Appropriate Outfits

For Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the act of getting dressed for work is never simple. "Just being a woman is quite politicized here in Washington," she told Vogue in 2020. "There's this really false idea that if you care about makeup or if you care, if your interests are in beauty and fashion, that's somehow frivolous. But I actually think these are some of the most substantive decisions that we make — and we make them every morning." On top of that added scrutiny, she's opened up about the financial burden of dressing for her role as a public figure. In a 2020 X post directed at fellow Representative Cori Bush, Ocasio-Cortez shared that thrifting and renting have been key parts of building her wardrobe.

Thrifting, renting, and patience as you get your closet together sis. Capsule wardrobe will be your best friend. @AyannaPressley has the accessory game down

Good news is that all these practices are very sustainable and good for the planet! 😉 https://t.co/X4Cyy8HOwF

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 11, 2020

But, like most public figures, Ocasio-Cortez has occasionally made mistakes when dressing as a political figure. She might be among the women leading the charge on our recovery from girlboss culture. Still, she has been criticized for fashion choices that appear to contradict her political stances and has occasionally looked too casual for the political arena. But that hasn't stopped her from inspiring others with her style. "I love how she's able to be professional and formal without being boring or cookie-cutter," wrote one Reddit commenter.

In 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeared in "Interview." The photoshoot featured her posing with construction workers on the streets of New York. For the occasion, she wore a sleek blue-green suit and classic black pumps. But the formality of her clothes was a stark contrast to the casualness of the setting.

Afterwards, Ocasio-Cortez drew criticism for the look. Late Republican commentator Charlie Kirk attacked her on X for wearing $625 shoes. Ocasio-Cortez fired back, pointing out that the clothes were loaned for the shoot. Still, the optics weren't great. The look was a misfire for a politician striving to build a reputation on economic equality.

a) The alt-right doesn't seem to understand the concept of magazine shoots

b) You don't get to keep the clothes, duh

c) I don't "pretend" to fight for a Living Wage & Medicare for All. I do it.

d) Get used to me slaying lewks because I am an excellent thrift shopper pic.twitter.com/Nd2m6WoCxF

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) September 15, 2018

The Brother Vellies gown Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore to the Met Gala was a major fashion misfire. While the white mermaid shape dress was elegant and appropriately formal for the event, the red "Tax the Rich" slogan emblazoned across the back was oddly tone deaf at a gala where individual tickets can run $75,000. Additionally, while a political slogan could technically be said to fit that year's theme — "In America; A Lexicon of Fashion" — it was a very literal statement at an event that typically traffics in more subtle, referential meanings.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stepped onto the red carpet for the premiere of the 2019 film "Little Women" wearing a navy blue jumpsuit that seemed a little too stuffy. From its cap sleeves to its swishing legs, she looks like she's headed for a day at the office. The look is way too business casual for a movie premiere, where styles tend to be more playful, glamorous, and formal.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez looked comfortable, but too laid-back, at SXSW when she appeared on the red carpet for the premiere of her 2019 documentary, "Knock Down the House." The representative wore a mustard-colored turtleneck shirt with black skinny jeans in a surprising style misstep. While the screening may have been in the perennially casual city of Austin, Texas, it was a missed opportunity for a bolder, more memorable look. Instead, this dowdy ensemble does nothing to flatter Ocasio-Cortez, and makes her look like she's bound for an informal event.

In 2025, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore a button-up shirt and blue jeans for a "Fight Oligarchy" appearance with Senator Bernie Sanders. There was a menswear feel to the casual style, which she accented with a brown leather belt. The problem is that this relaxed look was simply too laid-back for a political event, especially the light-wash jeans that inevitably suggest casualness. She would have been better off with a pair of crisp, dark jeans, or a structured jacket, to match the professional context.

In 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore a dark blue sleeveless dress to the Puerto Rican Day parade. While the shade was certainly patriotic, it was a little too casual for a politician — even for a daytime event. While public figures, including former first lady Michelle Obama, have been known to make sleeveless styles work, the hemline is the primary issue with this dress. The skirt hits mid-thigh on the young congresswoman, which makes it look more like the spicy outfits Lauren Boebert has worn to work.

While this look, a red peplum top, was perfectly demure, it didn't exactly suggest powerhouse politician. Instead, it seemed like outdated millennial going-out look, especially the collared necklace. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez paired the top with other milleniall favorites: ankle boots and skinny jeans. But, while the peplum top has gotten a modern makeover in recent years, this version was outdated even when Ocasio-Cortez wore it in 2018. Given this outfit predated her election, it seems like Ocasio-Cortez hadn't yet learned the ins and outs of dressing for her new public role.