Fashion forward: the 2021 inauguration

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While watching the inauguration of President Joe Biden we, like many Americans, were inspired to make great changes in our lives. Of course, we are referring to the extreme changes that need to be made to our wardrobes.

January 20, 2021 will forever be known as the day when every political figure in America decided to dress to impress. With bold and symbolic colors, we felt more like we were watching coverage of the Met Gala rather than a presidential inauguration, and honestly, we loved every minute of it. Here is our ranking from poorly-planned to best-dressed looks from the 2021 presidential inauguration.

12. Mike and Karen Pence
Seeing as this event represented the end of his vice presidency, we understand why Former Vice President Pence and his wife Former Second Lady Pence would be somber for the occasion. However, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have dressed up. Their outfits were unoriginal and somber, appropriate for the inauguration but nothing too special, unlike the other fashion stars of the event.

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11. Bill and Hillary Clinton
The Clintons did not stand out like the rest of the former Presidential couples. Hillary Clinton’s ruffles were overwhelming, and the single shade of purple of both her shirt and pants did not do her justice. She then wore a coat that did not pair well with the outfit and left us disappointed after seeing the other ladies’ purple looks. We do appreciate that she, as well as Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris, went with purple for this event to symbolize the fight for femme equality in politics. Alongside Hilary was Bill Clinton, who like most of the male guests wore a light blue tie, which mismatched with the purple and didn’t give a cohesive look overall. As Tim Gunn would say, “Let’s say it all together: cohesion.” We would also like to note that we liked his mask which featured stars and “We The People” lettering and felt it was a fun and patriotic addition to his otherwise average outfit.

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10. Garth Brooks
We get that Garth Brooks is a country star, and that belt buckles, jeans, and cowboy boots complete the country star uniform. However, this wasn’t a country concert; it was an inauguration! An inauguration is not a place for jeans, though they did go nicely with his black shirt and jacket. Please don’t get us started on the cowboy hat. This wasn’t the Grammy’s!

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9. George W. and Laura Bush
Now that we’ve gotten the fashion faux pas out of the way, these next few outfits were appropriate and formal – just not show stopping (we’ll get to those later). The Bush’s outfits, in a slate gray theme, were classy and well thought out. Former First Lady Bush’s jacket seemed to go with her dress seamlessly, and we loved the simple pearl necklace that she paired it with. George W. Bush’s blue tie cohesively fit their color scheme. We loved everything about this look and that they stuck to a timeless theme.

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8. Ella Emhoff
The internet is raving about Ella Emhoff’s outfit, and we must agree that it looks good on her. Usually a plaid jacket and skirt combo would make the wearer seem like a retirement-ready secretary, but Emhoff pulled it off well. The orange embellishments at the top of the jacket added a bit of youth, but overall didn’t seem to totally fit the plaid. It gives us dark academia vibes, but we just don’t think it clicks as well as the others.

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7. Joe and Jill Biden
Our new Presidential couple! They certainly dressed for the occasion, as First Lady Dr. Biden kept up with the jewel tone monochromatic theme in her elegant blue dress and jacket. The little flowers at her neckline and the addition of sheer fabric were a nice youthful touch to break up the matronliness of the outfit while keeping its classiness. She also happened to be one of the only attendees who matched her face mask and gloves with her dress… FINALLY!! However, our one qualm is that President Biden’s tie wasn’t the same shade as her dress. We get tie colors and political party dedication, but where is the cohesion people?!

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6. Amanda Gorman
First of all, we have to mention how beautiful Amanda Gorman’s patriotic poetry was *chef’s kiss*. Second of all, let’s talk about that coat! The yellow was an exciting addition in the sea of grays and blues, and certainly contributed to her colorful, preppy theme. We found that her red headband was a literal cherry on top and completed her look. Our only reservations are her bottoms (Are they pants? Is it a skirt? Is it faux leather?) and her tie, which if it had been a few shades darker, would have been a great addition to her primary color theme.Embed from Getty Images

5. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has done it all. She knows how to read a room and decide on the best possible outfit for the occasion. This dress was fabulous, and she styled everything perfectly for the occasion. Her dress was thick and warm and was a smart way to avoid a clunky jacket. We love the dove pin’s symbolism of peace, but wish it had been constructed to be a little less tacky. Overall, it’s a beautiful look and reminded us of Effie from The Hunger Games in the best possible way.

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4. Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff
Hello Vice President Harris!! What a great way to start her term as VP. She looked regal, she looked classy, she looked effortless. Everything about this ensemble worked together. Her jewelry was elegant, and we love that she made her jacket the focal point and not the extra piece that looked out of place… sorry Hilary Clinton. Second Gentlemen Emhoff let her shine and that’s all we could ask of him.

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3. Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez looked stunning at the inauguration! She pulled off not only an all white outfit, but a sheer shirt and a ruffle. JLO kept the shirt classy yet still young, a perfect balance of her stage persona and dressing for a presidential event. She gave us yet another example of using a coat to tie the whole look together, and it demanded attention for her entire performance. We honestly have nothing to point out or suggest for this outfit, it was just exquisite.

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2. Barack and Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s outfit was simple. It was put together. It was youthful. She pulled off monochromatic, but made it interesting with different shades of maroon and burgundy. She stole the show with this outfit and looked as powerful as ever in high waisted boot cut pants and matching coat. She ditched the jewelry and instead went for a statement belt that completed the ensemble perfectly. From her shoes to her voluminous hair, this outfit was perfectly planned out and executed. On her side, Former President Obama complimented her well in his all black suit (but again, no tie cohesion!).

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1. Bernie Sanders
With all the memes that Bernie Sanders has been featured in over the past couple of days, we had to put him at number one. He is the image of the people. Not to mention, he was the only person at the inauguration to wear a proper winter coat – brought to us all the way from Vermont. And his mittens! They were made by a school teacher and constructed from repurposed wool sweaters and fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. Overall, he gets a 10/10 for being the most environmentally friendly and the most meme-able attendee.

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gilbert5981@students.d211.org'

Neela Gilbert

Neela Gilbert is a Social Media Editor and Writer, as well as a senior at Conant. This is her second year on the Crier Staff. At Conant, Neela is a part of RISE, Student Council, and NHS. Outside of Conant, Neela plays SAA Softball, works part time, volunteers, bakes (a lot) and watches Gossip Girl.

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