In Britain, yearly parties, events, and weddings offer glimpses into the high fashion of the elite class.
Yet, in the United States, we don’t often get regular opportunities to observe the fashion choices of those in the highest echelons of our political structure. So, when the occasion does arise, I’m in full watch mode—noting, judging, aspiring, and researching. Below, I’ve compiled nine of the most memorable looks, ranging from “Perfection” to “Unforgivable.” All written from my couch, in an oversized sweater and my second worst yoga pants.
This inauguration was marked by the monochrome and at times even austere nature of the fashion, reminiscent of the royal family’s signature style. Indeed, the theme of monarchy seemed to permeate the event, evoking a sense of power, wealth, and privilege—precisely the kind of grandeur that resonates with this fashion writer.
Perfection
- Usha Vance
In an Instagram post, the Oscar de la Renta account declares, “Second Lady Usha Vance wears a custom peony cashmere coat with scarf wrap and complementing tea-length dress.”
This fashion writer is in love with the soft pink hue and downy fabric. Such a soft shade harmonized with her creamy complexion, while the luxurious cashmere added a softness popular in Instagram’s “demure” trends. The tailored coat and dress combination perfectly embodied conservative beauty standards. In short, her ensemble was Mauh chef’s kiss.’
- Jill Biden
Former First Lady Jill Biden wore a deep purple ensemble designed by Ralph Lauren. It symbolizes political unity by blending Democratic blue and Republican red. The choice of color also raises the question: was it a gesture of respect and reconciliation toward the current First Lady, Melania Trump, who wore a Ralph Lauren blue dress to the 2017 inauguration?
The rich hue, so deep one could drown in it, complemented Dr. Biden’s light blonde hair, and the luxurious fabric added depth to the outfit. She paired a tailored coat with a matching dress, embodying her signature professional style, both polished and practical—befitting a professor. Briony Raymond earrings added a dazzling touch, completing an ensemble that was nothing short of perfection.
- Arabella Kushner
Arabella Kushner emerged as an unexpected star at the inauguration, captivating attention in a dress that rivaled Princess Charlotte’s signature style. She wore a striking beige coat-dress, featuring a high mandarin collar and a cinched waist, combining elegance with youthful simplicity. Good job, kid!
- Carrie Underwood
Dressed in a spangled silver dress, Carrie Underwood resembled Lady Liberty herself. Her long golden locks framed her face, and her sweet Oklahoma smile ornamented the look. With her pop star glamour, she exuded star power.
Kinda Mid IMHO
- Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump embraced post-World War II British aristocratic style at the 2025 inauguration. She wore a tailored skirt suit with a cinched waist, echoing the elegance of Princess Catherine, Duchess of Wales. She completed the look with a classic hat, drawing from royal fashion traditions. The hat in particular stood out, delighting fans of vintage and mid-century style.
While she earns points for the hat in my book, I don’t think the outfit as a whole was especially flattering. I get that it was cold, but the skirt felt too severe and long, and the exaggerated silhouette caused several head tilts at the choice. A lot of elements worked, but there were enough missteps to keep it from our top designations.
- Amy Klobuchar
Not much has been said about the simple yet elegant blue ensemble worn by the senator from Minnesota, but for me, it’s all about the scarf.
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- Melania Trump
Don’t be mad; I’m just going to be honest. I didn’t like Melania Trump’s hat, designed by Eric Javits. She’s an incredibly beautiful woman with striking bone structure, and the hat certainly highlighted her chiseled Slavic cheekbones. However, I felt the hat accentuated her toner and some other features that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. To be clear, this isn’t a critique of her appearance—after all, she’s a supermodel. But the hat gave off a sense of discomfort, almost like a cry for help. Perhaps after years of scrutiny, she was trying to hide her expression from the millions of prying eyes.
I did like the dress, particularly when I imagined it as a British hunting dress from Downton Abbey. That said, I still preferred the 2017 Ralph Lauren dress and coat. This one again, struck me as hiding. It’s a well-made structure and a piece of art, but as someone who was looking for sneak peeks before the reveal in excitement, in the words of Randy Jackson from American Idol, “I’m not feeling it dog.”
Follow-up question: Is anybody getting Reputatiin era vibes from this?
Unforgivable
- Laura Sánchez
Do I even need to say it?
- John Fetterman
Dude. Aren’t you, like, a politician?
