Color and Creativity
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 9:00 AM There is no doubt that first lady Michelle Obama wowed us with her gorgeous outfits throughout the inaugural festivities. But which other notable female attendees hit the right notes?
I was impressed by the complimentary color coordination between Mrs O and Dr Biden. Dressed in a gray silk and wool bow coat by Lela Rose, the steely color picked up the pattern in Mrs O’s custom made Thom Browne coat. Dr Biden’s soft white shift dress continued the theme with subtle gray floral detailing. The shift was purchased at Neiman Marcus, per the New York Times, and for this outing, was accompanied by gray suede pumps. The classic choice of color perhaps reflects the somber times we are facing, with the oversized bow providing Dr B’s outfit with the right amount of ‘fun’ always required on inauguration day.
Dr Biden’s choice of Vera Wang for the inaugural balls certainly lit up the stage, and it was great to see both FLOTUS and SLOTUS wearing patriotic hues. Biden’s sleeveless satin purple draped gown, complete with a simple black ribbon belt packed all the right punches, and once again, reaffirmed her status as a stylish woman to watch.
Whilst FLOTUS and SLOTUS veered towards classic shades (with a twist!), others fully embraced the use of color in daywear. Malia and Sasha Obama are perhaps the best examples, wearing jeweled colored J Crew and Kate Spade coats respectively. It was their accessories that made their outfits extra special, and I especially loved Sasha’s awesome jeweled necklace!
Similarly, I loved what House Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi, wore to the inaugural ceremony. Pelosi’s love of bold color is well known throughout Washington, and her selection of a blood-orange coat, dress and matching pumps made her stand out from the crowd. Pelosi accessorized her outfit with one of her signature, oversized bead necklaces in similar complementary tones. Secretary Clinton similarly continued the trend of color, selecting a bright red scarf to provide a burst of color on her classic black coat.
Fashion wise, we will always remember President Obama’s second inauguration for the classically stunning outfits of the first lady, but let’s give a thought to other attendees too! Who stood out for you in the inaugural festivities?
Laura-Emily Dunn is the founder and editor of Political Style. Follow her on Twitter, here.
Reader Comments (29)
I know (and LOVE) that this site is dedicated to Mrs. O. But I have to say Dr. Jill always looks lovely and did NOT disappoint during all of the inaugural events. She has GREAT style and stays outside the box like our wonderful first lady. what a wonderfully stylish team they make.
I always love Jill Biden's wardrobe...and she wears some killer heels! But what I love especially is the closeness between Dr. Biden and FLOTUS - you can tell there is real affection there.
I think that this inaugural ceremony has been simply beautiful. It's truly hard to pick just one! They (FLOTUS and Dr. Biden) have this effortless classic-new style that it's amazing.
Everyone wore their outfits well!
I too love Dr. Biden's style. Her clothing is always classic with a twist! I love FLOTUS because she always does the unexpected. I have also noticed that the two ladies seem to influence each other. Both wore suede boots to the daytime Inaugauration ceremonies. Both also wore sleeveless dresses with shift overcoats. Fabulous!
Alicia Keys was beautiful in red. Beyonce. Eva Longoria.
I loved Dr. Biden's coat. I wasn't feeling that bow in the back of her ball dress. But, other than that, I liked it.
The girls looked beautiful. I'm starting to think that blue may be Malia's favorite color because she has many LBDs (little blue dresses) and purple is Sasha's because of her many LPDs(little purple dresses). Lol, I crack myself up sometimes about the stuff I notice about this family.
Nancy Smash was on point and I know Beyonce isn't a part of the DC crowd, but I loved her emerald earrings.
I must comment on Nancy Pelosi...she did stand out in the crowd and continues to be an amazing role model for a stylish, powerful and feminine grandmother!
Dr. Biden's outfits were fantastic! Also, I liked the colored coats worn by Malia and Sasha.
Everyone looked wonderful that day. I am just so happy that America put these two families back in the White House. That Joe Biden...he's a cutie!
Dr. Biden looked lovely - I loved her stylish coat!
Agreed on all of the above, but I'd add Mrs. Robinson in her camel coat and peach scarf. And how about Hillary's glasses?
This was a very inspiring inauguration. Fashion has a place in helping to define us. I think the choices made by everyone spoke to the theme of color and individuality. No one wore a uniform. I was struck buy the fact that the age of all the women reflect each decade and good fashion sense.. If you did an article on how to dress for your age you would see all the fashion do's displayed by Mrs Obama, Dr. Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Mrs Robinson, Sasha and Malia. It was a beautiful weekend. Thanks for sharing this Mrs. T.
Mostly, I also enjoyed observing how these couples (Michelle and Jill) seemed to be so in love with their partners. The holding of hands, the quick smooches, how they gazed at each other. So happy for them, I hope they continue to inspire us with their love for each other
And Secretary Clinton looked fresh-faced. I like her dark frames.
Maybe SLOTUS isn't a good acronym. I mentally read slut or slouch. Of course when see FLOTUS my first thought is flotsom.
I admire Dr. Biden and she is a picture of health, fitness, great figure and
how to look your best at any age – career, grandmother, baby-boomer.
I couldn’t watch the inauguration all day – I was called to attend some
urgency. Have seen bits and pieces but it’s all taped. I do visit the Obama Diary often and saw some of the evening balls etc.
Watching The Vice President running down the street is just too awesome
and fit. So I hate when people say they’re too old for this or that, take a page
from their book – and start working out. My hubby and I loved that moment and thought it’s time we become more committed to exercising.
Love Dr. Biden’s hair, figure-flattering mermaid style gown. Great fashion sense for very feminine and ladylike styles. To wear a dress like that you gotta have that flat well toned tummy – and no bulgdes etc. so choosing styles is probably not very difficult for her. Especially while dancing, sheath dresses may reveal body flaws we ladies may get away with if we wear gathers or a different cut fabric etc.
Bow – photograph on fabric – absolutely stunning and very fashion year round - instead of a removable scarf. Details in off-white dress compliments grey boots.
@Jestina so glad you had a great time there. Thanks for your sweet reply. Cant wait to hear about your other trip with the J. W. and N. – tall – I like the “tall” from the rock.
I was happy to read this blog post because when I saw Mrs Obama in red and Dr Biden in blue at the inaugural ball, I wondered if Mrs Obama and Dr Biden confer with each other about what cloths they are going to wear when they attend an event together. I am not an American but I understand red and blue are patriotic colours but I liked that they wore them in different hues than the flag - its add a nice twist. It is lovely to see the First Lady and the Second Lady teaming up like this when I think people would not mind having two women not getting on with each other, like catfighting, and that would privde fodder (of low taste) but these ladies are way beyond that.
Hey true Mrs. O peeps, you can see a glimpse of the outfit that she wore to the staff inaugural ball in the west wing video here: http://theobamadiary.com/
Love all the outfits just beautiful.
Hey Nyon, thanks for the link! Our Michelle looked fabulous in the dress she wore to the Staff Inaugural Ball! Whether her dresses are "sheath" or "gathered" with different "cuts, etc" her toned body enables her to wear them well.
Of course The First Family stood out, but I was thrilled to see the fashion of The Bidens also. That coat that Nancy Pelosi had on was a stunner.
One of my favorites though was Mrs. Marion Robinson, our First Granny. She was snazzy and the camel/peach/brown combo was on point.
It seemed that everybody brought their A-game and showed up to show out!
Our FLOTUS looked truly fabulous, and so did Dr. Jill.. and I MUST give well deserved snaps to Nancy Pelosi... that coat was smashing! She was the only one who, among the other ladies standing there, who looked fresh and stylish...
Hey Soccernanna, it was my pleasure!!! Actually, it's a pants suit. It might even be a onsie or jumper or rumper or something!!! Lol, I don't know what it's called, but it may be one piece. Here is better video:
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch? feature=player_embedded&v=iRZwa_Rs73U&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DiRZwa_Rs73U%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded
Mrs. O is a hoot in this video. You can clearly see why they're always saying she is the funniest of the two.
Any info on the designers of Mrs O's and Dr B's outfits worn at the Staff Inaugural Ball?
Found this look on Political Style via Vogue.com apparently it's Reed Krakoff. Didn't see it linked here, but what a beautiful look for FLOTUS!
http://www.vogue.com/fashion/10-best-dressed/10-best-dressed-week-of-march-26/
I think that everyone looked amazing at the inauguration. It's really cool to see all the different celebrities and politicians come together for such a big day in history. The outfits get more and more fantastic as time goes on and Michelle Obama always looks great.
Not about the inauguration, but like the color combination Mrs. O wears in the following photo: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EC_1ox95OOI/URDIO2wI6KI/AAAAAAAA3dE/Hklb4iCrJ_M/s400/kitchen.jpg.
And Mrs. Obama in purple, this week, at Obama Diary: http://obamadiary.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/i-vmcschb-l.jpg?w=800&h=534