Dictators wear uniforms because they basically want to look like a strong leader.
They want to look like they are in control. In several human cultures, uniforms are associated with the highest degree of command and control. In many nations, for example, generals wear uniforms to make it clear beyond reasonable doubt that they are in military command.
The narcissism of power
Dictators are also narcissists. They want to be the center of attention and admiration. Therefore, they wear uniforms because it allows them to draw attention to themselves. In fact, many dictators like uniforms because it makes them look larger and more powerful than everyone else. In essence, to be highly distinctive and different from the crowd.
The uniform paradox
If we all wear the uniform, that makes us perfectly equal. But if only one of us wears a uniform that is particularly different from the others, that makes him or her instantaneously and naturally different, better, and highly visible.
In "The Dictator's Handbook," author Bruce Bueno de Mesquita writes about the importance of symbols in politics: dictators have a penchant for symbols that make them appear larger than life.
