The halls of American power aren’t exactly Parisian runways, but costumes are still important in the world of political theater. Politicians’ fashion statements impact voters’ perceptions, the national discourse and, as this year proved, our headlines.

2023 has been particularly rich in stylish statements and clothing-related controversies, from Polo Bear sweaters and scandalous designer goods to immaculately hemmed trousers and a man who refused to wear trousers at all.

As we fold 2023 away like a winter sweater — remember, knits should never be hung — let’s look back at some of the standout fashion moments of this year: the best-dressed politicians, the headline-grabbing controversies and the small details that made certain outfits unforgettable.

The King of Casual

Raphael Warnock

Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock easily takes this year’s award for the best casual outfit. Earlier this month, he arrived in Atlanta wearing a pink checked shirt, a burgundy quilted vest and a Polo Bear sweater from Ralph Lauren’s Morehouse collection — fitting, as the senator is a Morehouse alum. The Polo Bear is a beloved icon in Ralph Lauren’s collection. As the story goes, the designer Ralph Lauren was given a Polo-clad Steiff bear for his birthday, and he was so smitten by the accessory that he started stocking the bears in his stores. When the stuffed animals proved popular, he started to put Polo-clad bears on his clothes. Since 1991, the Polo Bear has shown up on everything from caps to coffee mugs, but it’s most known for adorning sweaters while wearing various outfits of its own, from a suede jacket to a pinstripe suit. There’s even a rumor of a “Never Ending Bear” sweater, where a Polo Bear wears a sweater with a Polo Bear wearing a sweater with a Polo Bear, ad infinitum. The best thing about the knits is that you’re guaranteed to have at least one stylish outfit on — the bear’s, that is. But in the senator’s case, he had two.

The World President of Pants

Joe Biden

There must be a global shortage of tailors. When President Joe Biden showed up at the NATO Summit this year, he was the only male politician with a properly hemmed pair of pants. In fact, he might have the best pants in global politics. His trousers always hang straight; you never see any rippling along the back of his thigh, which would suggest an overly long back rise (tailoring terminology for the measurement stretching from the crotch seam to the waistband). His trousers are also always........

© Politico