
On Inauguration Day, incoming President Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden shook hands at the White House in nearly identical uniforms of white shirts, silk ties, dark suits and navy-blue wool overcoats. Like a twisted re-telling of Ingmar Bergman's "Persona," or "The Bizarro Jerry" episode of Seinfeld, the two grandfathers mirrored one another in irreproachable power uniforms. The only difference was in the shade of their ties: Democratic blue for Biden, and a blue-and-red pattern for Trump.
Not everyone went so by-the-book. Melania Trump donned a cinematic, self-serious hat; Ivanka Trump has treated the past week as a fashion runway; Lauren Sánchez appeared to wear a bra as a top.
With its pomp and circumstance, the presidential inauguration is an occasion for powerful symbolism. Politicians and their cohort shine their shoes and strive for telegenic presence and respectful formality.
"Today is American theater," said Lauren A. Rothman, a Washington style strategist and image coach who has dressed many politicians for inaugurations. "If you really understand how to walk into this day with style, success and power, you understand its theatrical nature, and therefore what you're wearing is to some degree a costume."
Incoming first lady Melania Trump interpreted that mandate by choosing a stern, cinematic navy wool coat by New York designer Adam Lippes and an Eric Javits hat, with sky-high pumps. Lippes has developed a reputation for dressing ladies that lunch in no-nonsense, well-fitting fashion. "Mrs. Trump's outfit was created by some of America's finest craftsmen, and I take great pride in showing such work to the world," Lippes said in a statement.
Jill Biden, meanwhile, wore a vivid violet Ralph Lauren ensemble, reminiscent of the Christopher John Rogers outfit worn by Kamala Harris in 2021. Purple is a historic signature of inauguration ceremonies, symbolizing red melding with blue.
This story is from the January 22, 2025 edition of The Wall Street Journal.
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This story is from the January 22, 2025 edition of The Wall Street Journal.
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