The fashion presence at the 2021 presidential inauguration has left the nation dazzled. Candidates and their relatives showed up in their best outfits and were dressed to impress. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez made an appearance in enchanting outfits, but the real showstoppers were Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, and Jill Biden.  

Michelle Obama arrived in a stunning monochromatic outfit paired with a striking gold belt and black accessories. She certainly made her presence known while strutting into the event. Her designer, Meredith Koop, said Obama’s outfit symbolized practicality and unity. Instantly, we can notice her maroon turtleneck that is form-fitting. We also notice Obama’s matching maroon palazzo trousers that are tailored to perfection. Over the outfit lays an unbuttoned Sergio Hudson blazer that reveals the impressive detail of her ensemble. Obama finishes her outfit with a glittering gold statement belt to contrast the monochrome. “The first thing that pops out for me is that belt alongside the color, both magnificent choices. It fits her well,” said Johnny Lu, a junior. And of course, she accessorized with all-black gloves and an all-black mask. Obama was, with no doubt, the best dressed at the inauguration. 

Jill Biden also wore a monochromatic look to her husband’s inauguration. In her piercing all blue outfit, Biden stood out among the other individuals. Her cashmere coat displayed embroidered flowers, which were said to represent every state and territory. Additionally, the coat displayed an embroidered quotation from Benjamin Franklin, alluding to Biden’s career as a teacher: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Underneath the blue coat, Biden wore a blue dress that also had stitching of the state flowers. She accessorized her outfit with blue gloves and a matching blue mask. The dress and the coat were both made in New York City using available fabrics to lessen the impact on the environment. “I liked how bright Jill’s outfit was and the accessories she paired it with like the teal gloves, clutch, and mask,” commented junior Olivia Gonzalo. Biden made a magnificent presence with her clothing choice. 

The new vice president, Kamala Harris, did not make as much of an impression as Biden or Obama. Harris wore a muted purple dress with a matching purple overcoat. Her accessories included black gloves with a matching black mask along with miniscule pearls. For shoes, she opted for matching black pumps. Harris’ piece was very subtle and understated and did not make much of an impression compared to the other guests. Although her outfit was not as fashionable, it was highly symbolic. The monochrome purple in her outfit represented majesty, and the white of her pearls represented rebirth. Both of these colors paired together were an allusion to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. “The bright color takes away from her. It is not form-fitting enough and gives her more of a cylinder shape. It looks tacky and not well suited for this big event,” said Amintta Ragavanis, a junior. Harris’s outfit choice was not the most memorable, therefore ranking quite low compared to others at the event. 

The events of the 2021 inauguration have amazed people across the country. Although this event marked a significant historic moment in our country, viewers could not help but notice the mesmerizing outfits of everyone who attended. All of the esteemed attendees, from Michelle Obama to Kamala Harris, brought a sense of individuality to their outfits and left us all awestruck.