YOU CAN HAVE THE FABULOUS COATS
OF THE INAUGURATION
Fabulous coats were the standout fashion statement as America renewed its democracy. I look at things through the eyes of a fashion lover. Darlings let's face it, we are all desperate for a red carpet, and this is the next best thing. I am well aware of the importance of this occasion. These fabulous coats are an important part of the story. With a change of government from the dark, cruel, divisive Trump presidency to the optimistic, hopeful message of a Biden/Harris administration fashion reflects that optimism. Something as simple as cheerfulness can again shine. Certainly, everything is not all well with the world, but this is a time for hope.
While the gentlemen in attendance opted for understated looks, the chilly temps still offered plenty of opportunity for some winter fashion inspiration. The cold temperatures helped in serving up this array of fabulous coats. The colorful coats of this occasion show that fashion and style are often a reflection of our moods. While we are still in the throes of winter, we can bring some color to our lives. Here is my selection of the fabulous coats from the inauguration and how to get these looks for yourself.
FABULOUS COATS
Dr. Jill Biden
The new first lady stood out in teal tweed dress and coat by Alexandra O’Neill of the label Markarian. Markarian is a New York-based brand that produces ready to wear and specializes in custom pieces. This dress and coat is made mainly of tweed but accented and embellished with velvet, chiffon, crystals, and pearls.
A matching dress and coat is an ensemble that is suitable for many occasions. Certainly, a tweed coat is a classic look and can become a staple piece of your wardrobe. When choosing a tweed coat, avoid anything too heavy or bulky. What makes this coat a standout is the velvet collar and cuffs. Therefore, to achieve a similar effect choose a piece that has some details. I've chosen some looks here that will help you achieve a similar feel. I never encourage copying a look, but getting an inspiration. Here are some inspired pieces.
Semi-Couture
Forever 21
Kate Spade
Sika
FABULOUS COATS
KAMALA HARRIS
Kamala Harris chose a bright purple coat by southern-born, openly gay, black designer Christopher John Rogers. Choosing Rogers is a political statement in its self. The most significant color of the day was purple. Purple is known mostly as the color of royalty, however, it has other relevance. Purple is the color of bipartisanship, marrying red (Republican) and blue (Democratic). Furthermore, purple has a strong association with the U.S. women's movement once the color of the suffragettes. Purple was also the campaign color of Kamala Harris, inspired by Shirley Chisholm (the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress) who ran for president as a Black woman decades ago and has inspired her political career. Alice Walker in The Color Purple showed purple as an Imperial color that symbolizes black women’s independence and dignity.
"I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it,"
Alice Walker "The Color Purple"
The straight cut purple coat worn by Harris has clean strong lines giving it power. Another advantage of a bright brilliant color for a public event is that it attracts attention, just ask Queen Elizabeth who is a master of using bright colors to stand out in a crowd. Finding the perfect style and color was accomplished in this case. I predict bright purple will be a hot color this year. I've found you the best purple coats to emulate the brilliance of Kamala Harris's fashion choice.
AMI Paris
Sally LaPointe
Chapeau
Aspesi
Vetements
FABULOUS COATS
MICHELLE OBAMA
The ex-first lady has a defined fashion style, and she lived up to my high expectations. Mrs. Obama cut an elegant silhouette in a Bordeaux cashmere coat with a matching sweater and pantsuit by designer Sergio Hudson. The Inauguration platform was a stage for America's most powerful women, and no one exuded power and confidence more than Michelle Obama.
I love an elegant maxi coat, with its elongating silhouette and its sweeping grandeur. All of that was present in the coat, designed by Sergio Hudson. In fact, the movement of clothes is often an overlooked feature, however, it can be a source of sartorial splendor. Another element of this outfit is the deep wine color, accented with an oversized gold belt that added to its classy persona. Therefore, I have searched for the perfect maxi coats giving you a chance at attaining your dignified, stately moment.
Plan C
Fenty By Rihanna
Kassl Editions
The Row
Calvin Klein
Mary Katrantzou
FABULOUS COATS
ELLA EMHOFF
Vice President Harris's stepdaughter with her husband Douglas Emhoff, Ella, wowed at the inauguration with a calf-length plaid Miu Miu coat with embellished shoulders.
This fresh look stole the show for the young set. I love this fabulous coat, the embellished shoulders showed a sense of joy and whimsy. It was delightful to see looks that had a sense of fun and cheerfulness after the dour, drab looks of Melania Trump. I have scoured my partners to bring you some young, cheerful looks.
Miu Miu
RED Valentino
Alice + Olivia
Moschino
FABULOUS COATS
NANCY PELOSI
Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House is a powerful woman. Ms. Pelosi is not only a political powerhouse but also a fashion tour de force. The most compelling evidence of her stylishness is her daily parade of chic ensembles, that are legendary in the seats of power. The Speaker showed us a fabulous coat in a rich peacock blue, with patch pockets and dark buttons.
Nancy's fabulous coat is a nod to a classic car coat. A typical car coat is thigh-length with a straight collar. On this coat the button front is slightly off-center, adding uniqueness. Certainly, when you invest in a coat, choosing a classic will serve you well. The coat here is in a bright peacock blue, I suggest choosing a coat in your favorite color. Frequently one selects a coat in a dark color, however, a signature color will further your style. I have picked a variety of car coats to give options.
Andrew Marc
Harris Wharf London
Tommy Hilfiger
Etoile Isabel Marant
FABULOUS COATS
JENNIFER LOPEZ
Since the change of administration, the celebrities are back in Washington. There was no lack of glamour when J Lo took center stage. The diva shone brightly in head to toe Chanel.
In past times white was reserved for spring and summer. The winter-white style is something I'll never tire of. First little has an impact more than a monochromatic outfit. When that outfit is white, it has a greater impact. Second, a white coat is a stunning addition to your wardrobe. While we can not all dress in head to toe Chanel, we can achieve a similar effect with a well-chosen ensemble. Therefore, start with the white coat and build from there.
Off-White
Michelle Waugh
Saks Potts
MICHAEL Michael Kors
FABULOUS COATS
AMANDA GORMAN
When Amanda Gorman strode to the dais, all heads turned. While she came to deliver her poem "The Hill We Climb" she also delivered a huge dose of style. Gorman has the poetry chops and was the star of the day. Furthermore, this 22-year-old has the fashion chops as well in head to toe Prada.
For this momentous occasion, the young Poet Laureate enforced her optimism with a sunny yellow double-breasted coat. Beneath her coat, she wore a white shirt and black leather pencil skirt. The ensemble was topped with a red satin headband, supporting her braided hair like a crown.
The brilliant yellow coat was stunning. Yellow can be a tricky color to get right. When paired with too much black, we get the bumble-bee effect. Furthermore, with the wrong skin tone, yellow can reflect a jaundiced glow upon the wearer. However, when you get it right, it's a sunbeam, a golden blast of daylight. Here are my choices to add that some brilliancy to your closet.
Prada
Mackage
ROWEN ROSE
Etoile Isabel Marant
VIOLANTI Down Jacket
IN CONCLUSION
Fashion is a part of our history. Therefore it's appropriate that we document historical events in the fashion world. I was pleased to see the optimistic view of the 2021 Inauguration. That optimism was reflected in the clothing people wore to celebrate their country. Fashion is omnipresent and the recording of what we wear is important. As a fashion lover my passion is to present fashion to my followers. Sometimes it involves history, We are all making history in what we wear therefore continue to Dress The Part.
CIAO FOR NOW J.ANDREW