Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration was bound to be a dramatic affair as a new wave of controversial politics settled over the USA. In a room full of Republicans, Democrats, oligarchs, and tech titans, there were plenty of symbolic ensembles. Oftentimes, actions speak louder than words, and many attendees chose to speak their minds through carefully selected clothes and accessories.
Melania Trump’s wider than wide-brimmed hat
Melania Trump undeniably took centre stage on inauguration day with that hat, whilst a myriad of eye-catching looks surrounded her as Trump ascended office. On show was a predominant display of American traditionalism, with the First Lady opting for an Adam Lippes contrasting navy and ivory outfit, paired with an Eric Javitz wide, flat-brimmed hat. Both designers are New York-based, in keeping with Trump’s business base in the city.
American-based design is not unusual for a First Lady’s outfit choices, as Harper’s Bazaar highlighted a similar choice made by Jill Biden, in 2021. Yet, in this election, could that pointed decision take on further meaning? Especially considering Trump’s threat of tariffs during this campaign and the implications that has for American manufacturing.
When reports of who was wearing what came through on 20 January, onlookers were instantly drawn to the First Lady’s choice of headwear.
Reports speculated on the addition to the outfit. The BBC observed that Melania’s hat drew “the eyes upwards – even if it obscures the eyes of the wearer”. Here, I wonder if this speaks to the openness of Mrs Trump; she invites all eyes upon her, while not giving away anything herself. She may perceive others, but does not allow that to be reciprocated.
Ivanka Trump: Serena Joy cosplay?
Of course, it was not just Melania walking the inauguration day runway, with Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka’s sleek bottle green skirt suit also catching attention for its 1940s style silhouette, in keeping with the theme of traditionalism. Speaking to the BBC, Laura Rothman compared her style to that of Princess Kate, positing the idea that the ‘Trump dynasty’ is leaning toward a framing of royalism rather than a democratically elected president.
Meanwhile, in assessing the President’s daughter’s look, The Guardian were quick to compare her to “The Handmaid’s Tale villain Serena Joy”, seeking obvious links with the concerning steps Trump may make with women’s fertility care during his Presidency. This symbolism was not missed by onlookers commenting on Tiktok also.
John Fetterman and Lauren Sanchez: Prada at the cleaners? Try your hoodie and f**k you flip flops
What piqued my interest while delving into reports of the inauguration, was the divergence from more traditional, conservative dressing, both exhibited by those in governmental positions or otherwise. Two obvious departees from the norm were John Fetterman, the 55-year-old Democrat senator of Pennsylvania and Lauren Sanchez, wife of billionaire Jeff Bezos.
The former sparked backlash for an unprofessional show in shorts and a hoodie, but did not nearly make as much of a splash as those who attended the inauguration who did not have any political standing. Fetterman has been known to don casual hoodies and shorts at similar events, appearing in a Carhartt hoodie with a picture of a bow tie printed onto it to the Correspondent’s Dinner.
Rather than an elected representative making the headlines, it was Lauren Sanchez’s all-white display that caught the eyes of the media. In an Alexander McQueen suit, accessorised by a purposefully on-show lacy bra, Sanchez embodied a movement away from the conservative dress that the wives of other so-called ‘tech bros’ opted for.
Silicon Valley wife Priscilla Chan
Mark Zuckerberg’s wife Priscilla Chan wore the classic DC look of a pastel blue Bottega suit, and Zuckerberg himself shifted towards a more high-end wardrobe, with a symbolic red tie, as opposed to his usual jeans and T-shirt combo.
Perhaps we are seeing experimentation on show here as Silicon Valley enters the White House. On the one hand, Chan opted to blend in with Trump’s entourage in a sleek skirt suit, while Sanchez chose a bold contrast, indicating a potential sign of comfort and power within her position; she knows she stands strong as a member of the elites and, therefore, has the power to dress on her terms.
This idea of comfort in power was not just reflected in Sanchez’s and Chan’s looks, as Usha Vance also opted for a more playful and soft colour palette, sporting a candyfloss pink Oscar de la Renta coat and scarf.
The big man himself
Unexpectedly, Trump himself forwent his classic bright red tie, going for one that combined red and blue, creating a purple effect. A more muted colour choice suggests that now the campaign is over, Trump no longer needs to be noticed by the masses; he has taken centre stage.
Pipped to the post: Kamala Harris
Attending Trump’s inauguration, the former Vice President donned an all-black trouser suit, consistent with her outfit choices for the duration of her campaign against the president. Harris’ monochromatic display was accompanied by her husband’s similar palette of grey and black, with both looks marking a state of mourning for the loss of Democratic control of the US.
Where Melania Trump’s dark colour choice reflected an authoritative stance, Harris could not help but evoke a respectful sombreness, only lifted by the familiar smile that followed her around the campaign trail.
The Bidens followed suit in evocations of muted diplomacy, with a thematic nod to American design not going amiss, the couple attended the inauguration in Ralph Lauren. While Joe Biden wore a classic navy suit, his wife opted for a brighter purple affair, that she committed to from head to toe. While for Donald Trump, purple may not have symbolised harmony between Republicans and Democrats alike, this may be closer to the effect Dr. Biden was aiming for, sending a message of acknowledgement for the change to come.
Democrats face the blues
Joe Biden was not alone in expressing pride in his party, as while his navy suit was subtle, it was thematic of blue tones worn across the board by Democrats on inauguration day. The Clintons were united in blue, with Hillary Clinton championing Stella McCartney, in a suit that mirrored the designer’s typical sharp tailoring, and perhaps acting as a nod to McCartney’s ethical views, in a silent act of protest.
The former first lady’s attire was topped off by a notable Peace on Earth brooch, the work of DC-based Jewellery designer Ann Hand. The motif of a gold dove atop the globe has its obvious connotations, but with Trump’s post-inauguration comments regarding Gaza, becomes a more prominent suggestion of the opinion of Clinton, and perhaps, by extension, other Democrats.
Inauguration fashion has always been a way for public figures to send messages without saying a word. From designer choices to bold colours and unexpected styles, every outfit tells a story about power, influence, and identity. Politics and fashion go hand in hand, and if this inauguration proved anything, it’s that what you wear can be just as much of a statement as what you say.
