On Monday, January 20, Donald Trump and JD Vance officially took the oath of office, becoming the 47th president and vice president of the United States. The swearing-in ceremony was meant to mark the beginning of a new political era, filled with promises of change and fresh leadership. However, as with most high-profile events, it wasn’t just the political speeches and vows that stole the spotlight—many eyes were also on the fashion choices of the attendees.
The inauguration, a grand occasion steeped in tradition and formality, set the stage for a variety of outfits, from sharp suits to elegant gowns. While some guests adhered to the event’s expected dress code, others took creative liberties that sparked debate. In some instances, attendees’ outfits were criticized for being too casual or failing to capture the formal tone of the occasion. On the flip side, there were those whose fashion choices stood out in all the right ways, impressing onlookers with their bold, stylish statements.
As the day went on, social media quickly became flooded with viral posts, with fashion enthusiasts and critics alike weighing in on who nailed the look and who missed the mark. Whether it was the colors, cuts, or the overall vibe, each outfit became a talking point—revealing that sometimes, what you wear can make just as big an impact as the political speeches themselves.
In the following rundown, we take a closer look at the best and worst-dressed attendees at Trump’s inauguration. From classic elegance to daring risks, here’s who stood out in the fashion spotlight and who found themselves in the proverbial style hot seat.
BEST
Jill Biden
The previous First Lady bid farewell to the White House in a look that was nothing short of iconic, stepping out in an all-purple ensemble that made a bold and elegant statement. Her outfit, carefully selected to mark the end of her time in the White House, showcased both sophistication and a touch of regal charm. She wore a stunning purple dress that flowed gracefully, paired with a tailored, double-breasted coat that was cinched at the waist, accentuating her figure while exuding timeless style.
Barack Obama
Although the former president attended the event solo, his impeccable style ensured he still commanded attention. Dressed to impress, he opted for a classic black suit tailored to perfection, paired with a crisp white shirt that added a touch of timeless sophistication. His choice of a blue-striped tie introduced a pop of color, subtly conveying confidence and authority without overshadowing the overall ensemble.
Melania Trump
The First Lady stole the spotlight with her striking ensemble, earning widespread attention and countless comments for her bold and sophisticated fashion choice. Fully adorned in a custom Adam Lippes design, Melania showcased her impeccable sense of style with a navy blue silk-and-wool overcoat that exuded elegance and power. The coat, featuring oversized lapels and a tailored silhouette, was buttoned to perfection, allowing just a hint of an ivory scarf to peek through—a subtle yet impactful detail that added a touch of softness to the look.
The drama of the outfit didn’t stop there. Melania elevated the ensemble with a wide-brimmed top hat by Eric Javits, a daring accessory that not only shielded the top half of her face but also added an air of mystery and intrigue. The hat’s structured design complemented the dark, defining aesthetic of her attire, making her stand out as a beacon of modern sophistication amid the day’s events.
Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump made a stunning entrance at St. John’s Church in Washington, D.C., on Monday, turning heads with her impeccable style as she arrived for her father’s presidential inauguration. Dressed in a striking peacock green skirt suit, she exuded elegance and sophistication, perfectly complementing the historic significance of the event. Her father, President-elect Donald Trump, was preparing to take office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States, but Ivanka’s fashion moment was a statement all its own.
Her tailored blazer was a masterpiece of modern design, featuring a sharp V-neckline and an asymmetrical hemline that added a contemporary edge to the classic silhouette. Cinched at the waist with a thin black belt, the blazer highlighted her figure while maintaining an air of refined professionalism. The matching fitted pencil skirt, falling gracefully just below the knee, completed the ensemble with understated poise.
WORST
Lauren Sanchez
Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, made quite the entrance at Donald Trump’s inauguration, turning heads with a bold fashion choice that quickly became the talk of the event. Arriving in an all-white ensemble, Sanchez initially kept her look under wraps with a luxurious, fuzzy white coat. However, the real statement came when she removed the coat, unveiling a striking Alexander McQueen suit that had everyone buzzing.
The suit featured a sleek, tailored white blazer paired with dramatic wide-leg trousers, exuding modern sophistication and power. But it was Sanchez’s daring decision to forgo a traditional blouse that sparked the most attention. Instead, she revealed a delicate, matching white lace bra beneath the blazer, adding an unexpected and provocative twist to the classic ensemble. The bold styling choice drew immediate reactions, with many praising her confidence while others deemed it controversial for the formal occasion.
John Fetterman
The Pennsylvania Senator caused quite a stir at the inauguration ceremony, turning heads and raising eyebrows with his unconventional choice of attire. In stark contrast to the sea of formal suits, elegant gowns, and polished ensembles, he arrived looking as if he had just stepped out of a workout session. Sporting a casual black hoodie and a pair of gray shorts, his outfit was more reminiscent of a morning jog than a historic political event.
Miriam Adelson
Miriam Adelson, one of Donald Trump’s wealthiest and most devoted supporters, unsurprisingly secured a coveted seat at his January 20 inauguration. Her enthusiasm for the event was evident—her beaming smile in photos practically lit up the room. However, her outfit sparked a different kind of attention, raising eyebrows for its puzzling execution.
Adelson opted for an all-white ensemble that aimed for elegance but landed somewhere between unconventional and overdone. The centerpiece of her look was a blazer adorned with rows upon rows of ruffled bows cascading down the midsection and sleeves—a detail that divided opinion. While some might applaud the boldness, others couldn’t help but feel it was more reminiscent of a holiday gift wrap theme than inaugural sophistication.
