Red, White, and Chic: The Best Looks from the Inauguration Day Runways
Red, White, and Chic: The Best Looks from the Inauguration Day Runways
By Anna Grace Bowling — January 27, 2025
The country may be divided in terms of politics, but one thing that everyone can share an opinion about is a red carpet. The inauguration of 47th President, Donald J. Trump took place on Monday, January 20, and throughout the weekend festivities, there was no shortage of elegance and class in Washington.
Melania Trump opted for a dramatic daytime effect when she exited her town car in a wide-brimmed Eric Javitz hat, paired with a stunning black, floor-length Adam Lippes coat with a white collar. Melania has been all the buzz on social media, with Kim Kardashian reposting her outfit via her Instagram story.
Melania and her longtime stylist, Herve Pierre, collaborated to design her evening gown for the inaugural ball. The white gown was elevated with thick lines of perfectly symmetrical black silk, complemented by a black choker with a diamond brooch attached to it.
Jill Biden worked with Ralph Lauren just weeks after he became the first fashion designer to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Biden took monochrome to the most elegant level, wearing a bright violet coat paired with matching shoes and gloves in a stunning final goodbye to the American people after serving as the First Lady for the last four years.
Arguably the best dressed of the weekend was Trump’s oldest daughter Ivanka Trump. The 43-year-old took advantage of the three days of dressing to the nines and proved what every fashionista has always lived by: every family gathering is a red-carpet event.
Ivanka attended the inauguration ceremony in an emerald green Dior suit and a matching pillbox hat, carrying a black Lady Dior purse.
On the eve of the inauguration, the Trump family celebrated what was to come with the traditional White House candlelight dinner. Ivanka wore a breathtaking custom, off-the-shoulder crystal and pearl-embedded gown with a silver stole by Oscar de la Renta.
The most iconic look of the weekend, however, was the 1954 Givenchy gown Ivanka wore to the inaugural Ball, which was a replica of a dress originally designed for Audrey Hepburn. The floor-length black and white ball gown paid homage to true American elegance and Hollywood’s Golden era.
Oscar de la Renta gained even more press when Usha Vance debuted her candlelight dinner outfit, a black velvet gown embellished with crystals. Likewise, at the inauguration Ceremony, she wore a pink Oscar de la Renta coat and pink taupe boots, another tasteful monochrome look, similar to First Lady Jill Biden.
Both Usha and Ivanka’s Oscar de la Renta outfits have caused an outcry on social media, and OdlR is facing heavy backlash, sparking calls to boycott the brand. Critics online have already begun to rip the fashion house to shreds. One critic ranted online, "You can wrap the fascists in Oscar de la Renta but they’re still fascists. And I hope rich liberals won’t wear his trash anymore.."
Oscar de la Renta is a name synonymous with elegance, but will the brand be able to withstand today’s cancel culture?
On the night of the inaugural ball, Lara Trump wore a bright red, strapless dress with a dramatic cascading ruffle going down the side. The designer, Oscar Garcia-Lopez, has been a long-time friend of Lara Trump’s and has designed multiple looks for her. He also designed her sister, Tiffany Trump’s dress for the same evening.
Image: Kai Trump via Instagram
Politics aside, the nation has fallen in love with Trump’s oldest granddaughter Kai Trump. Not only do they share a love of the game of golf, but Kai has taken to social media platforms like Instagram, Tik-Tok, YouTube vlogs, and Twitter to showcase her life and her grandfather not just as a political figure, but as a family man and a “Grandpa.” Embracing her inner teenager and sweet demeanor, Kai dressed in Sherri Hill gowns both nights of the inauguration weekend.
Kamala Harris has historically been known to wear monochromatic colors and power suits throughout her Vice Presidency, synonymous with her authority and power in the White House. Her outfit at the inauguration was no different. She wore a double-breasted black coat, and black trousers, accessorized with black gloves, and a black and white scarf.
Former First Lady Hillary Clinton arrived at Trump’s inauguration ceremony wearing a dark blue pantsuit, paired with a matching coat, and adorned with a brooch of a dove flying around the globe representing Peace on Earth, designed by jewelry designer Ann Hand.
The 47th presidential inauguration highlighted not only political transitions but also a dazzling array of fashion statements, where style met symbolism in the nation's capital. As the fashion world contemplates the future of iconic brands amidst shifting cultural dynamics, the inauguration weekend proved that style is never just about the clothes — it’s a statement in its own right.
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