Inauguration 2021: Fashion Review

I tend to avoid public posts about politics, so this is not a political post. But since fashion, as well as politics, is always on parade at a presidential inauguration, this is a red carpet review of the fashions on parade at the 2021 U.S. Presidential Inauguration. And there were plenty of red-carpet-worthy looks on display! Here are some of the more notable looks.

 

Let's start off with the best of the best: Amanda Gorman, Youth Poet Laureate, stunned not only with her beautiful poem and its moving, heartfelt delivery, but with her striking canary yellow Prada coat, vivid red satin headband, and red spangled mask. The lines were clean and simple, the vivid colors were perfect for her youth and the joy of the day, and every accessory was perfect, from her hairstyle to her ring. Her ring was a gift from Oprah, a caged bird representing poet Maya Angelou, who also read one of her poems at a presidential inauguration, Bill Clinton's in 1993.

Symbolism and fashion tributes were present in other outfits as well. Kamala Harris' two great-nieces wore matching leopard print coats similar to those worn by Kamala and her sister Meena (the girls' grandmother) as children in this old family photo.

Another fabulous look from members of the Harris family was sported by Ella Emhoff, daughter of Harris' husband, Doug Emoff. Emhoff wore a gorgeously tailored plaid Miu Miu coat with a fitted and flared silhouette and amber beading on the shoulders, set of by a large white collar. With its princess seaming, angled pocket flaps, and just slightly puffed shoulders, it was reminiscent of turn-of-the-century fashions yet was completely contemporary. Emhoff accessorized with demure black headband, mask, handbag, and leather gloves to complete the stylish look.  

Hillary Clinton looked terrific in a bright purple Ralph Lauren wide-legged pantsuit that was set off to perfect with a perfectly-matching ruffled scarf. I didn't love the boring black shoes, or the black accessories with a dark brown coat, but honestly, the suit was so fabulous that I didn't mind that much. Also, I love her longer, flipped back hair.  

One of my absolute favorite looks of the day, and the one I would most like to own myself, was First Lady Jill Biden's coordinating cerulean dress and coat by Markarian. (And yes, if you've ever wondered what color "cerulean blue" is, it's this.) I love that the tweed fabric had both texture and a hint of sparkle; I love the velvet collar and cuffs, I love the mesh inset and neckline beading (possibly a necklace), and the matching shoes and mask. The variety of textures in the various pieces worked without being overly matchy-matchy or bland. 

Jennifer Lopez stunned in head-to-toe white Chanel, wearing wide-legged iridescent trousers topped with a sheer, ruffle-front blouse and accented with silver chain belts, all covered by a long wool coat. As with many of the women, her jewelry focused on pearls, including large pearl earrings and a multi-strand pearl bracelet. Very JLo, very chic, but very appropriate to the occasion. 

Lady Gaga, another inaugural performer known for her outrageous fashions, also toned her usual look down without losing her personal style in a black and red Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown. The central focus of the look was a large brooch in the shape of a golden dove carrying an olive branch, representing peace. The black top had a simple high round neck and slightly flared sleeves, and was fitted to the slightly dropped waist. The hugely full red skirt and train could have been unwieldy, but Gaga is an expert in managing oversized costumes and was perfectly comfortable moving around. Her braided coronet hairstyle incorporated a touch of black and was just the slightest bit messy, which worked surprisingly well for me. A great look for her, and perfectly appropriate to the occasion. 

Of course, all eyes were on Vice President Kamala Harris, who did not disappoint in a traditional style purple-blue dress and coat with simple accessories. Her outfit was designed by Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson, who are both Black, no doubt a conscious choice by Vice President Harris. Harris also wore a pearl necklace, something she has done for years as an homage to her college sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. 

Nancy Pelosi opted for a short turquoise coat with matching scarf and shoes and coordinating print mask, over a white dress. The slightly flared sleeves with deep cuffs was rather reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy - never a bad thing, fashion-wise. I almost wished she had worn a pillbox hat to complete the look. 

Michelle Obama looked beyond fabulous in an all-plum ensemble by Sergio Hudson, with flowy, wide-legged trousers, turtleneck sweater, wide belt with large brass buckle, and an ankle-length, flared dress coat. At first I was bothered by the fact that there was some slight variation in the shades of plum in the pieces, but it grew on me and I decided that overall I loved the look. Bonus points for rocking the extra-long COVID hair. 

One of the few fashion flops for me was worn by Harris' sister, Meena Harris. She wore a long gray-green Coach coat with a fluffy fur collar that was almost a capelet, and a bright green prairie-style ruffled Ulla Johnson skirt and blouse. Although the coat wasn't the best color for her, it was not a bad look. But it seemed a completely different style than the outfit underneath. I liked the color of the skirt and blouse, but the ruffles made for an unflattering and overlarge silhouette, and the curved, ruffled hem of the blouse didn't seem to go with the straight ruffles of the skirt, despite clearly being intended to be worn together. It just was a very dowdy and disappointing look for me, and felt out of place with the more polished and tailored looks worn by most of the women in attendance. 

And of course, no fashion blog for the 2021 inauguration would be complete without a mention of Bernie Sanders' infamous look. In a sea of long woolen dress coats, Sanders wore a parka, and his knitted mittens stood out among the black leather gloves. Although I do wish he'd worn a more formal coat, I love that he kept his tradition of wearing these mittens, which were given to him by a supporter who knitted them from recycled sweaters and lined them with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. Meaning is sometimes as important as fashion. 

Let's hope that we can all support the new administration as universally as we support their fashion choices!