On a stage as big as Inauguration Day, the fashion choices made always make a statement that go beyond the surface.
With the historic swearing-in of Madam Vice President Kamala Harris to the breakout poet Amanda Gorman, every single choice down to the jewelry was meant as a reference to the country’s history and to the notable trailblazers that came before.
The accomplishments of women this year, including the appointment of the first female vice president, were made possible by our selfless predecessors. Keep reading to learn more about what the inauguration fashion symbolized.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden
First Lady Dr. Biden also chose to wear a monochrome outfit, even down to the matching mask. The blue theme of the First Lady’s look was intentional, as it was meant to signify trust, confidence, and stability. Dr. Biden worked with Colorado-born Alexandra O'Neill of the label Markarian to create this custom piece for the inauguration. Later that day, Dr. Biden wore a dress with each state flower embroidered on it to represent unity.
Vice President Kamala Harris
Madam Vice President Harris’ purple ensemble can be seen as a reference to Women’s Suffrage, as it is one of the colors associated with the movement. Purple represents loyalty and hope. Some also say that the purple color and pearls were an homage to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for President and also the first Black woman elected to Congress. Chisholm was often seen wearing a purple hue on the campaign trail. The pearls were also a reference to Harris’ sorority at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Continuing with the symbolism, Harris’ purple coat was designed by Black designer, Christopher John Rogers.
Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama wore a plum outfit designed by Sergio Hudson, a Black designer who has worked with big names like Rihanna and Beyoncé. According to her longtime stylist, Meredith Koop, the pantsuit and stunning belt were also meant to symbolize how Michelle Obama is powerful and always on the move.
Hillary Clinton
Former Presidential candidate Clinton was also seen wearing a purple Ralph Lauren pantsuit, another nod to the Suffrage movement. In her 2016 concession speech, Clinton also wore a Ralph Lauren suit with purple as a symbol of unity for the country, as mixing blue and red together makes purple.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez wore white from head to toe, yet another reference to the Suffrage movement. In addition to purple, white was meant to symbolize purity and feminism. In addition to the Chanel outfit, Lopez also chose to wear pearls, possibly a reference to Shirley Chisholm as well.
Amanda Gorman
Poet Amanda Gorman’s outfit also had a layered meaning. Dr. Biden reached out to Gorman to write a poem for the inauguration after seeing a video of her. Dr. Biden commented on the yellow that Gorman was wearing in the video. Gorman decided to wear a bright yellow Prada jacket on Inauguration Day as a nod to Dr. Biden. Gorman’s ring in the shape of a caged bird was an homage to Maya Angelou. The ring was given to Gorman by Oprah Winfrey for the special occasion.
Melania Trump
Though former First Lady Melania Trump did not attend, she chose to wear an all-black Chanel ensemble in the style of Jackie Kennedy on the day of the inauguration. She matched the outfit with a black Birkin bag, 1960s sunglasses and black stilettos. The color choice can be interpreted as her farewell to the White House. Black is also a color that represents power and sophistication.
Start training with IGNITE today! Join us here.