The inauguration of the 47th president of the United States was held at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 20th, 2025, officially making Donald J. Trump president. Along with the slurry of updates in the political world, many new styles and custom pieces were sported by members of the Trump administration and their families. The structured dresses, bold accessories and timeless silhouettes indicate the resurgence of classic American aesthetics. Fashion has long served as a barometer of America’s societal climate, well before the Great Depression, and the present day is no exception.
A Sign of the Times
Throughout history, fashion has served as an indicator of the economic and political realities among citizens. The minimalist designs of the 1930s and 1940s reflected the financial constraints of the Great Depression and WWII, while opulent designs of postwar America indicated a return to prosperity.
Today, we see a rise in iconic American patriotism with signature reds, blues and whites, as well as classic textures like cashmere, herringbone and wool making comebacks.
Fashion and Class: A Political Reflection
“The rich man buys once, the poor man buys twice”—a saying deeply indicative of the culture surrounding quality fashion and its cheap alternatives. In a capitalistic world run on fast fashion, well-made and timeless pieces have been associated with the wealthy, while ill-constructed clothing has been linked with the lower class.
The republican victory this past election was no surprise for students of fashion. The relevance between clothing styles and the political leanings they associate with have always been clear indicators of what is to come.
The recent collective interest in leather belts, dark wash denim and other quintessential old money pieces directly correlate with a return to conservatism in the political landscape.
Spotlight: Inaugural Style
Melania Trump
At the Commander-in-Chief Ball on January 20, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump wore a strapless white gown with geometric black trim and a high slit. Designed by Hervé Pierre, her longtime stylist who also crafted her 2017 inaugural ball gown, the piece appreciates classic American aesthetics with an added modern twist.
Other looks by Melania Trump were not as widely palatable. The first lady’s choice of a wide-brimmed navy hat by designer Eric Javits drew significant attention, and with it, a slew of mixed reactions.
Some praised her elegance, while many found the hat’s design unusual and reminiscent of various pop cultural references, for one, the fictional character Carmen Sandiego. The broad brim also led to an awkward moment when it obstructed a kiss between the First Lady and President Trump.
Usha Vance
At the Vice President’s Dinner on January 18, 2025, Second Lady, Usha Vance, wore a custom black velvet gown by Oscar de la Renta. The strapless dress featured a sweetheart neckline and asymmetric floral accents, combining classic elegance with contemporary design.
Ivanka Trump
At the inauguration, first daughter, Ivanka Trump wore an emerald green skirt suit and a matching hat. The hourglass silhouette, determined by its cinched waist and fuller skirt, pulls inspiration from Dior’s glamorous ‘New Look’, a style that began a new era in fashion following World War II.
At the 2025 Liberty Ball, Ivanka Trump paid homage to classic Hollywood glamour by wearing a custom black-and-white Givenchy ball gown. This strapless dress featured black floral detailing and was a modern recreation of the iconic gown designed by Hubert de Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn in the 1954 film “Sabrina.”
What were your thoughts on the inaugural looks? Let us know @VALLEYmag on Instagram!
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