Fashion at the 2021 Inauguration
The Inauguration of Joe Biden took place this past Wednesday on January 20th. The fashion worn by the women attending drew a large amount of attention, and for good reason.
Monochrome, long wool coats, and, face masks were the style themes at the inauguration. Vice President Kamala Harris wore an all royal purple ensemble, with a matching dress and long overcoat. The look was topped off with a pearl necklace, something that she often wears to big events, like her swearing in to congress and as a district attorney.
(From left to right) Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris, Jill Biden, and Joe Biden waving at the Inauguration. (Photo by Carolyn Cole / The Los Angeles Times)
Purple was seen in different shades on past Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Obama donned a full plum outfit with a gold belt. Purple is regarded as a unifying color because it is a mix of red and blue, the colors of the Republican and Democratic parties.
President Barack Obama with Michelle Obama at the Inauguration. (Photo by Rob Carr / Getty Images).
First Lady Jill Biden wore an all blue outfit, down to the gloves, face mask, and purse. According to Markarian, the label that made the outfit, the blue tweed stands for “trust and loyalty.” Markarian is a small brand located in New York City that is run by Alexandra O’Neill. Biden’s choice to wear this ensemble has brought O’Neill into the spotlight. Past first ladies have also worn clothes from an American designer.
President Joe Biden and Jill Biden at the Inauguration. (Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo / Getty Images).
Harris’ stepdaughter Ella Emhoff stood out with her crystal embellished Miu Miu coat. Emhoff is a student at Parsons School of Design and well known on social media for her uniquely creative style.
Harris’ stepdaughter Ella Emhoff at the inauguration. (Photo by Oliver Douliery / Getty Images).
Former First Lady Melania Trump did not attend the inauguration, but Former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence chose to attend. Unlike the bright colors worn by many of the women attending, Karen Pence went with an all black outfit.
Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman shone bright in a canary yellow coat with a candy apple red Prada headband. She wore a ring with a caged bird on it, an ode to Maya Angelou’s poem “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
Amanda Gorman reading her poem “The Hill We Climb” during the Inauguration. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images).
Gorman told Vogue, “[Fashion] is my way to lean into the history that came before me and all the people supporting me.”