Usha Vance Is Trying Too Hard With This Outdated Outfit Formula (& It's Giving Millennial Cringe)

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You'd think Usha Vance has enough on her plate without having to worry about putting together a 'fit. In addition to being a lawyer and mother of three, she's also constantly in the public eye thanks to her marriage to Vice President J.D. Vance, which seems like a lot. To be fair, one would need a pretty big purse to carry all the glaring red flags in Usha's relationship with her husband, but nobody could blame her for rolling out of bed, throwing on some slippers, and calling it "school run chic."

Still, Vance seems aware that the second lady's sense of style will always be scrutinized. In fact, considering Usha's penchant for an on-trend outfit, she might be a little too aware. Women in the political sphere walk a fine line between put together and trying too hard, and when Vance was seen rocking an outdated version of the tried-and-true "jeans and a bodysuit" outfit formula in September 2024, she landed squarely on the wrong side.

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During a stop on the campaign trail in Greenville, North Carolina, the second lady was photographed climbing the stairs to the plane wearing a sleeveless mock neck black bodysuit and a pair of distressed skinny jeans in a faded medium wash. Of course, one could argue there's nothing wrong with this classic going-out combo. Bodysuits have been in and out of style since the '50s, and the recent iteration of the trend has been a staple for fashion girlies going on a decade. That's the problem: Even though Usha Vance is an elder Millennial, she has admitted she does not think of herself as a "fashion girlie," so such a modern style feels unnatural on her. The skinny jeans, a hallmark of Millennial fashion, are a dead giveaway that she's out of her depth.

Just because Usha Vance's outfit was outdated, that doesn't mean you have to take it as a sign to give away your bodysuit. To avoid the same eras-mixing mistake with this outfit formula, think silhouette. Instead, opt for a more current cut. Baggier styles, such as the PLNOTME Women's Jeans, contrast nicely with the slim fit of a bodysuit; while a higher waist looks more modern. Opting for a lighter wash versus the dark denim of the 2000s also gives the look a more current appearance. You can also modernize the look by opting for a bodysuit with interesting details like cutouts or trendy puff sleeves.

If you're looking for a more elevated alternative, try adding a blazer for professional polish. You can also swap the denim for trousers for a more mature take on the sleek but casual vibe. If nothing else, it's time to accept what Millennials have been hearing for years: Skinny jeans aren't universal. You don't have to ditch them entirely, learning how to style skinny jeans so you don't look outdated will keep you from being mistaken for a confused time traveler.