10 Defining Fashion Moments from Donald Trump’s Second Inauguration
Inaugural ceremonies have long been a platform for more than just political transitions; they mark the style of the incoming administration. Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025, was no exception, with the event brimming with striking fashion statements. From playful toddlers to bold political figures, here are the standout moments that defined the day:
Second lady Usha Vance wore a powder pink Oscar de la Renta coat dress with a thin belt to cinch at the waist. She added a touch of playfulness to the outfit with blush suede knee-high boots and bold flower statement earrings. Her sophisticated outfit added soft, feminine elements to the events of the day.
First Lady Melania Trump made waves in a dramatic navy hat with an oversized brim that added an air of mystery to her understated outfit. The oversized accessory created online chatter as some compared it to funeral attire. It even obscured her face when she attempted to kiss President Trump.
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman was unapologetically himself, wearing a Carhartt hoodie, gray shorts, and sneakers. The contrast between his informal attire and the formal dress of others, such as former President Bill Clinton, was a clear testament to his dedication to being a “man-of-the-people.”
Lauren Sánchez, Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, went for a white pantsuit à la Hillary Clinton but added her own daring touch to it with the lace bustier underneath. Though some appreciated the boldness of this choice, others felt that the occasion did not call for it.
Ivanka Trump’s 13-year-old daughter, Arabella Rose Kushner, celebrated her first foray in the fashion world with a camel-colored cape coat and corresponding matching pants. The monochromatic ensemble perfectly reflected the understated elegance of the Trump women, hinting at how she might be a style icon in the near future.
Country star Carrie Underwood sang “America the Beautiful” in a subdued gray draped gown by Opificio Modenense. The spare outfit, replete with diamond jewelry, was out of character for the glamorous singer but fit the somber occasion.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave the otherwise staid signing ceremony a bit of attitude by wearing sneakers with his suit. The informal shoes were a small way of showing personal freedom in the stiff day of formalities.
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was honoring her heritage and history in the judicial collar made of cowrie shells. The accessory paired with matching earrings represented resistance and womanhood, bringing profound meaning into today’s political climate.
Vice President JD Vance’s two-year-old daughter, Mirabel, rocked the internet as she wore bandaged fingers featuring beloved cartoon characters like Bluey and Scooby-Doo. Her adorable red coat and playful accessories won the hearts of the whole nation.
Former First Lady Jill Biden made an iconic move to greet Melania Trump with the welcome she deserved by dressing her up in a bold purple Ralph Lauren outfit. The color itself is a mixture of red and blue, indicating what the country wanted in terms of cooperation among political leaders amidst such a highly politicized climate.
Some bold statements; others more poignant in symbolism: from both these angles, fashion captured the day, mirroring the personality of its wearers.
