Top Women’s Inauguration Looks Throughout History
January 20, 2021 marked a new beginning for many Americans as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took their “oaths of office,
Megan Lehr
January 20, 2021 marked a new beginning for many Americans as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took their “oaths of office, promising to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.” With that, Biden is the oldest president in US history. And Harris is the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian American to take on the second-highest office in the land.” Pretty cool, huh?
Though, the ceremony was different per usual. Masks were mandated, 1000 guests were invited versus the normal amount of 200,000. Biden preferred people to watch from the comfort of their homes safely rather than having a higher amount of guests. Celebs performed such as: JLO and Lady Gaga. Oh and Bernie Sanders is probably the most popular recurring meme of 2021- I know we are still in January- but we can say that right? There may be a mixed view on our 46th President of the United States and Madam Vice President. Some more than others are vocal with their political opinion- shoutout to Chrissy Teigen for never shying away from her opinion-if you agree with it or not- it’s not easy to be so vocal. To each their own.
Though, there may be differentiations in the public currently, but two things are clear. it’s clear that: unity is needed where ever one’s stance is and it’s also known the fashion behind the women’s inauguration outfits are extraordinary; and have been extraordinary throughout history. Let’s review some of our favs, for there is reason for everything, even down to the color.
Jackie Kennedy
It’s no surprise to anyone that Jacqueline Kennedy is the first one mentioned. Her style is renowned. She worked closely with Oleg Cassini, “costume and fashion designer to the stars, became Jackie’s unofficial secretary of style.” On that Friday morning in 1961 Kennedy wore an A-line dress. Vogue described this dress as having oversized buttons, a matching pillbox hat and she held a muff for warmth- I’m sure for added style as well. In all photos this dress seems to appear as a powder blue, but is said to have actually been closer to a beige hue; the dress just photographed that way-interesting.
Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan was no stranger to the public eye. Style is something that seemed to come natural to her. According to The Huffington Post, “Reagan wore stunning couture designed by major designers like Oscar de la Renta and Bill Blass. Her penchant for beautiful ensembles garnered lots of attention from the fashion community. In fact, she received a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1988.” With that, there were many past looks to choose from but one that stands out, is the blue look that she wore to her husband’s second inauguration in 1985. This look consists of: “a collarless electric blue suit and hat, with gold chain jewelry and button earrings.” You will see the color blue worn often throughout history due to the symbolism. I’ve always been told to wear blue to interviews because it symbolizes honesty. Blue is also said to represent: “trust, loyalty… and understanding.”
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama did not just show up to the monumental inauguration yesterday, January 20, 2021, she showed up- if you know what I mean. Former First Lady, Obama made mouths drop as she walked in wearing a powerful “plum-colored three-piece ensemble — including a turtleneck, coat, and wide-leg, belted trousers — by Los Angeles-based Black designer Sergio Hudson” The color plum was well thought out, symbolizing: royalty as well as “…the color of the Purple Heart, the badge of honor and bravery bestowed by the United States military on veterans wounded or killed in the line of duty.” explained Town & Country. Obama mentioned early on, “It seemed that my clothes mattered more to people than anything I had to say,” she told the New York Times in 2018. By the looks of it, she knew yesterday would be no different.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga wore a fabulous custom gown by designer, Daniel Roseberry and Creative Director of Schiaparelli. He “put an avant-garde twist on polished style.” Although, the internet hit the ground running with TheHunger Games references, the “the billowing” gown look that Gaga wore featured an oversized gold peace dove brooch. The symbolism is important, because peace is definitely something that is needed- especially right now.
Dr. Jill Biden
Dr. Jill Biden looked stunning in her “blue coat…created by designer Alexandra O’Neill. The coat is custom made and embroidered with Swarovski crystals.” The matching mask did it for us- who knew that this would be such a common accessory in 2021. We not only have to make sure our underwear and socks match, but our mask as well?
Amanda Gorman
If you watched or read anything at all about yesterday, you simply could not have missed the name Amanda Gorman. She stole the show and has been described as a breath of fresh air; looking like a ray of sunshine in her floor length long yellow Prada coat. The best touch for us was the red hair accessory- the primary color choice was to die for. We really hope she was wearing blue pants under there to finish it off. Bustle called out the Blair Waldorf vibes- we dig it. Gorman “was the country’s first National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017. And yesterday, at age 22, she became the youngest poet to recite at a presidential inauguration. Gorman finished “The Hill We Climb” the night after the Capitol riots.” Her poetry style had a similar approach to well-known poet, Rupi Kaur, the flow of her poem was unbeatable and was exactly what we needed right now.