Clothing can be political, fact.
The devil was in the detail with many of the outfits donned during Inauguration Day.
President Joe Biden was dressed in a sharp suit and good overcoat by Ralph Lauren, a patriotically on point and fashionably astute choice. Ralph Lauren could personify the American Dream and embody success. He is de facto, The Godfather in terms of American clothing and designers with a slot reserved in the sartorial equivalent of Mount Rushmore. Joe Biden donning Ralph Lauren makes for a subtle sense of the American Dream almost being cleansed and purified after being manipulated and tainted during the Trump era. The presidency no longer feels tarnished or a mockery of democracy.
Gone are the days of Donald Trump (or bitter orange tart as Nigella implied #smooth) and his ill-fitting, villianesque Brioni suits, garish tape fastened tie fiascos, terrible tan and bad head of hair that rivals only Boris Johnson. (Shade thrown and what?). Trump always left an impression that he wore suits part armour and part costume, to protect himself from the criticism and as dress in his political charade but thankfully no more. The Sartorial gods rejoice with/in jubilation.
It was smart a choice, clean, simple, well-fitting and there lies it’s strength. He looked fit to serve and ready to lead the nation by all accounts, a promising start and a good omen indeed. Joe Biden needn’t have worn anything else different, he made is sartorial statement clear and all he did was do what his predecessor couldn’t, which was scrub up, dress well and appropriately. The President’s cut of the suit was tailored, the overcoat was appropriate for the cold weather and there were no excess adornments overtly visible during the ceremony, although the new commander in chief is well known to have a very covetable time piece collection, perhaps we’ll see them worn at other foreseeable function during the course of the year. President Biden knows that first impressions matter, by all accounts he chose to play it safe and safe and assuring is what America needs now.
The navy suit and overcoat, a crisp white shirt and a solid tie are always going to be strong and safe winning combination, there will never be a shortage in their appeal because of their versatility, flattering, timeless and classic qualities. The president appeared to have full knowledge of this and dressed accordingly. None of this was likely by chance, stylists were likely consulted in the name of painting a nice picture and framing the narrative. Make no mistake about it, clothes are political. Tactics were in play, thinking and reasoning once again surrounded the presidency. America slowly rebuilding and changing for the better hopefully, one step at a time even if by appearance only.
It wasn’t just President Biden that opted for them as many family members and friends sported navy, black and camel outwear for the cold morning of the Inauguration. Overcoats and Peacoats were plentiful to see. Classic, stylish and practical dressing is always a win-win when done right. Many other outfits followed suit as the day went on onto the afternoon and evening affairs and the fashion culture and community were quick to point out their top pick and other highlights as a result.
An honourable mention goes out to Bernie Sanders for being, well himself. Funny memes and hilarious photoshopped images aside, Bernie showcased the power of investing in one great coat and the good it will do for you, plus the adorable mittens he was wearing were gifted by a teacher and made with recycled materials. Sanders gets the thumbs up for dressing appropriately, providing the internet with some light-hearted joy via mittens and most importantly, for being himself and representing himself well- honestly.
He might have been the realest politician during the event. He didn’t opt for participating in the pageantry and façade like everybody else, and it was, ultimately a show. A distraction to boost the country’s moral. The event and day were an act, a grand display to suggest normalcy and order returning to a still clearly divided, scared and vulnerable country. Apologies for that sombre and sobering opinion but it had to said.
