The Best Looks From the 2021 Inauguration Signify a New Day in Political Fashion
It’s hard to believe that the day has finally come, but at 12 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, the 46th president of the United States was sworn into office. While live footage from Washington, D.C. showed Donald and Melania Trump and their family boarding Air Force One and lifting off from the White House lawn for the last time, political heavyweights simultaneously filed into the Capitol Building for the inauguration. President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden were among the first to arrive, (the President in a navy suit and navy overcoat, both by Ralph Lauren, and the First Lady in a tweed coat and dress by Alexandra O’Neill of Markarian), while Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband (who will henceforth be known as the first “Second Gentleman,”) appeared shortly thereafter. Harris wore Christopher John Rogers, the beloved, emerging American designer from Baton Rouge. When Barack and Michelle Obama’s arrival caused what can only be described as a tizzy on Twitter, where people posted meme after meme freaking out about her Sergio Hudson Collection 7 monochrome look: a magenta, floor-length coat with matching turtleneck, wide-leg pants and statement leather belt. Some trends instantly emerged: purple was an overwhelmingly popular shade, (both Harris and Hillary Clinton, in Ralph Lauren, opted for the color) and democratic members of the house and senate wore aviator sunglasses to pay tribute to the President, while others wore strands of pearls as a nod to the Vice President. Even Laura Bush, who appeared in a gray-blue coat, wore pearls to match—a sign of respect with the other side of the aisle. But the prevailing message from today’s inauguration fashion was heard loud and clear: American, independent labels with an emphasis on women and BIPOC designers signified a new day. And then there was Bernie Sanders, who showed up in his now-famed “I am once again asking you” jacket and a pair of mittens made by a teacher named Jen Ellis from Essex Junction, Vermont, who gifted them to him more than two years ago. They are said to be crafted from repurposed wool sweaters, with fleece lining made from recycled plastic bottles.
1The First and Second Couple
Doug Emhoff, U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Jill Biden and President-elect Joe Biden wave as they arrive on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today’s inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States.
2Michelle and Barack Obama
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in Sergio Hudson at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today’s inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States.
3Sen. Bernie Sanders
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is seen on the phone before US the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th US President on January 20, 2021, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC.
4Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff
U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today’s inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States.
5President Joe Biden in Ralph Lauren and Dr. Jill Biden in Markarian
President-elect Joe Biden (L) and Jill Biden (C) with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris (R) arrive at the East Front of the US Capitol for his inauguration ceremony to be the 46th President of the United States in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2021.
6Cole and Ella Emhoff in Miu Miu
Cole Emhoff (L) and Ella Emhoff, the stepchildren of Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris arrive for the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today’s inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States.
7Meena Harris
Meena Harris, niece of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, wears Ulla Johnson and Coach to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden.
8Bill and Hillary Clinton
Former US President Bill Clinton arrives with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Ralph Lauren before US president-elect Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th US President on January 20, 2021, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC.
9Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga arrives in Schiaparelli to sing the National Anthem at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today’s inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States.
10Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez in Chanel, is escorted to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today’s inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States.
11Amanda Gorman
Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman in Prada coat and headband and ring by Of Rare Origin prepares to speak at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today’s inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States.
