7 Most Meaningful Style Moments from Inauguration Day 2021

The inauguration of the 46th President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, was a historic moment in our nation's narrative. But his swearing in, along with that of Vice President Kamala Harris, his message of unity, and his own selection of a Ralph Lauren suit are not the only moments from the day that will go down in history.

The meaning behind many of the fashion choices for Inauguration Day 2021 reflect the symbolism of what transpired. From the colors chosen to the designers commissioned to the jewelry created, each accessory and detail that went into these ceremonial outfits for everyone from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman reiterate the responsibility, duty, and hopefulness that rest on these all-important moments for our country and all Americans. Read on to discover the seven most meaningful style statements from the leading women of Inauguration Day 2021.

The First Lady chose a dress and matching coat in teal bluein wool tweed—a twist on the color of the Democratic Party—designed by New York City's Alexandra O'Neill of Markarian. The house, which is more of a newcomer to the fashion scene, is known for its feminine party-wear (Dr. Biden's choice was trimmed with velvet, chiffon, crystals, and pearls). It is tradition for the First Lady to support American designers during inauguration events, and this kind of exposure for a young brand and its designer is a welcome choice during a year of economic hardships for many industries.

The First Lady also wore white diamond pavé earrings set in recycled platinum for the festivities. The earrings, which are designed by Monique Péan and crafted by master artisans in New York City, are a nod to sustainability.

Kamala Harris, the United States' first female Vice President and the first person of Black and South Asian heritage to hold the position, wore a dress and coat in bold purple—a hue long associated with strength and power. Designed by Louisiana native and Savannah College of Art and Design graduate Christopher John Rogers (who has also designed clothing for Michelle Obama), the outfit was a striking look for our nation's Madame Vice President.

Harris also donned a South Sea pearl and diamond necklace, made for her by Wilfredo Rosado, to simultaneously symbolize toughness and femininity. The Vice President wears pearls in honor of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, of which she was a member at Howard University.

Here, former First Lady Michelle Obama commands attention and exudes confidence with a head-to-toe burgundy ensemble by Sergio Hudson, a Black designer who hails from South Carolina. The turtleneck, belt, coat, and wide-legged pants make an impactful impression thanks to their monochromatic palette, and she finishes off the statement outfit with Stuart Weitzman boots, leather gloves, and a silk mask.

Amanda Gorman delivered her poem The Hill We Climb for the Inauguration dressed in Prada, a house with whom she has collaborated in the past. A double-breasted coat in an uplifting shade of yellow, red satin headband, and classic white poplin shirt and black pencil skirt deliver a polished look much like the reading Gorman gave.

Gorman accessorized the outfit with a pair of Nikos Koulis gold hoop earrings with a hanging diamond and a birdcage ring by Of Rare Origin—both gifts from Oprah Winfrey. The ring is a nod to Maya Angelou's I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, and continues Winfrey's tradition of gifting inauguration poets with accessories to wear on the momentous day. For Bill Clinton's 1993 inauguration, Oprah sent Angelou a blue Chanel coat and gloves.

Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, followed the monochromatic theme of the day and chose a cheerful shade of turquoise for her coat, scarf, and matching heels for the ceremony. Leather gloves, a well-placed brooch, and patterned mask complete the look.

White clothing has historically paid homage to the women's suffrage movement in America, and Jennifer Lopez rocked her all-white Chanel pantsuit while performing a version of This Land Is Your Land after Joe Biden's swearing-in as the 46th President of the United States. The look included pieces shown at Chanel's 2020 Metier d'Arts show, which was held at Chenonceau.

The singer, who performed the National Anthem for the ceremony, made a dramatic addition to the day's order with a custom Schiaparelli couture look. The navy cashmere jacket and red silk voluminous skirt left an elegant mark, but the oversized dove and olive branch brooch, more importantly, nodded to the peace, gentleness, and purity that it symbolizes across many cultures.