See the Fashion Trends from the Floor of the Republican Convention

  • Photographer Landon Nordeman captures scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, while on assignment for TIME. Here, statement earrings are worn on the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Cleveland.
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  • Photographer Landon Nordeman captures scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, while on assignment for TIME. Here, a star-spangled, sequined vest makes a statement on the opening day, Monday, July 18, 2016.
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  • Red heels are carried on the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland.
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  • Flags are an essential theme at the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland.
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  • Flag prints made their way from head to toe at the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland.
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  • Elephant prints find their way to the floor.
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  • A star-spangled scarf appears on the RNC floor Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Cleveland.
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  • Pins are popular on the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland.
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  • A handgun tie lapel makes a statement on the convention floor, Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Cleveland.
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  • Bold patterns and big beads on the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland.
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  • Oversized, colorful handbags are spotted on the floor of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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  • A bold hat makes a statement on the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland.
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  • Women accessorize while some men wear classic pinstripes on the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland.
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  • An elephant pendant is worn on the floor of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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  • A man sports a dapper look on the floor of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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By TIME Photo
Updated: July 19, 2016 6:02 PM ET | Originally published: July 18, 2016 6:16 PM EDT

Photographer Landon Nordeman visited the Republican National Convention in Cleveland to capture some of the fashion up close at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland this week, where the look is both timeless and contemporary.

Delegates and dignitaries who head out every four years to the national meetups stick with the tried-and-true: bold reds, whites and blues; colorful hats, buttons and stickers; standard slacks and sport coats.

But within that rigid framework, there is endless variation, with each convention bringing its own themes and each delegate having their own special flair.

It is another part of the pageantry of democracy in action, the individuals expressing themselves even as they join together in a larger whole. From a distance, the hats and buttons and sunglasses blend together, forming a colorful composite.

 

Contact us at letters@time.com.

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