For years, inaugural fashion has signaled a new administration, making way for a new president and new agenda. This year was no different.
President Donald Trump was surrounded by no shortage of fashion headline-makers as the world watched on for him to take his second oath of office.
Here are the top 10 fashion moments from the inauguration ceremony.
Second Lady Usha Vance’s pink coat dress
Second Lady Usha Vance popped in a powder pink Oscar de la Renta coat dress with a thin belt, and blush, suede, knee-high boots. She complemented the femininity of the ensemble with large flower statement earrings and a small clutch purse.
Melania Trump’s hat
First Lady Melania Trump’s hat caused quite the stir online.
The large, wide-brimmed, navy hat evoked a somberness from the former model and had the internet comparing the look to funeral attire. The edge of the hat extended so far that at times, it appeared her eyes were completely covered. The hat also seemed to keep an attempted kiss by the president disappear into the air.
Sen. Fetterman sporting… shorts?
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman played up his man-of-the-people-vibe when he sat front row during the inauguration ceremony wearing a Carhartt hoodie, gray shorts, and sneakers. The moderate Democrat is known for his laid back style and stood out amongst the crowd of designer-dressed men like former President Bill Clinton and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Lauren Sanchez’s white pant suit
Bezos’s fiancé,
wore a white pant suit, reminiscent of Hillary Clinton’s in 2017, with her own twist. The 55-year-old wore a lace bustier beneath her jacket, prompting online criticism calling it racy and inappropriate for the official ceremony.
The children’s author, pilot and philanthropist is known for wearing whatever she wants, despite the dress code, including a corset-style dress at a state dinner at the White House last year.
Future fashion icon Arabella Kushner
First Daughter Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner’s 13-year-old daughter Arabella Rose made her fashionable debut with her mother and two brothers in a camel colored cape coat and matching pants. Arabella fit right in with the older women in her family as they opted to go monochromatic. Perhaps the fashion torch has been passed.
Carrie Underwood’s understated look
Maybe 2025 is the year of minimalist fashion for political elites and their guests? Country music star Carrie Underwood performed “America the Beautiful” during the inauguration ceremony, quickly pivoting to an a capella version after a technical difficulty. She stunned the Capitol Rotunda with her rendition, and ensemble.
The 41-year-old American Idol winner, known more for glam looks, wore a light gray draped dress by Opificio Modenense. She paired the muted look with various diamond rings and dangled diamond earrings.
Hakeem Jeffries’s sneakers
Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave a too-cool-to-care energy when he donned sneakers during Trump’s official signing ceremony. Though he wore a suit and tie, he appears to be the only one not wearing dress shoes.
Melania, Ivanka, TiffanyTrump women go understated and monochromatic for inauguration
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s symbolism-filled collar
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson chose to make a statement with her fashion choices Monday, and a make a statement she did.
The Democrat-appointed justice’s judicial collar, a tradition amongst the justices, was made of cowrie shells which she paired with matching earrings. The shells, Vogue reported, were once used as currency in African cultures, but today, they are seen as a symbol of slavery resistance. The cowrie is often also associated with womanhood, a possible tie to the overturning of the federal right to abortion, which Jackson voted to protect.
Bandages as accessories? Mirabel says so
Usha and Vice President JD Vance’s 2-year-old daughter Mirabel went viral for wearing numerous bandages on her fingers depicting popular cartoon characters, Bluey and Scooby-Doo. The toddler looked adorable in a red coat as the internet praised her parents for letting her wear the bandages.
JD Vance’s toddler is adorableHer ‘Bluey’ bandages: ‘Iconic toddler move’
Jill Biden’s final message of unity
The now-former first lady Jill Biden welcomed Melania and Trump to the doors of the White House with a warm smile, and a purple outfit.
The former educator wore a monochromatic, bold purple Ralph Lauren ensemble with matching gloves and high heels. Purple, being the result when you mix red and blue, could be Jill’s final call for cooperation amongst the two parties as America braces for a hostile political environment.
