You don’t have to say anything. You don’t have to do anything. All you have to do to command First Lady level attention is look the part. Divided Americans came together on January 20th, 2021 not about our new President (though I hope everyone gets on board soon) but to gush over Kamala and Hillary’s purple suits, Jill’s timeless tweed set, and Michelle’s smokin’ jumpsuit. Sorry men, but this is our year! My fellow Americans, you don’t need designer clothes or a stylist to pull off these looks. It’s actually more satisfying to DIY.
Step 1: Homegrown:
Instead of buying a few pieces from China, reserve your dollars for one fabulous statement piece (a made-to-last coat or suit, perhaps) made in your favorite country, the USA. When shopping online, the country of origin is almost always written at the bottom of the item description. When in doubt, go directly to an American designer’s website. If you have the means to support your country’s fragile economy via shopping, I mean, why wouldn’t you?
Step 2: Glove It:
The secret sauce in all the former First Lady’s looks include a pair of short but, tight leather gloves to match their polished outfits. They look good when they wave. The wrist-down cut makes the hand look dainty and feminine but the bright colors like plum, mint green, sea blue, and bright orange exude power. (And mittens specifically in a Fair Isle pattern were recently made famous by Bernie Sanders.) People look to the First Lady to represent all women of the country. This puts a lot of pressure on their outfits - especially the inauguration look because it is the first one “on the job.” Past First Lady’s are even more talked about on Inauguration Day as they have been more hidden from the public eye.
I was quite disappointed in Laura Bush’s 2021 inauguration outfit. (She was the only one not in fun gloves.) Sure, she selected a nice blue coat but the whole look seemed matronly and dated...a quick trip to Google Images proved me right. To her husband’s 2001 inauguration, Laura Bush wore almost an identical coat: both blue with dark brown collars paired with stockings and pearls. Tip: refresh your look every 20 years.
Step 3: Cohesion:
Today is a time when mixing prints and mediums is encouraged. However, when you know your look is being photographed, and will forever be in history books it’s okay to play it safe by matching. Running with one color palette makes the most dramatic entrance.
Step 4: Power Walk:
If there’s one thing the Disney Channel taught me long ago, it’s to “strut like you mean it.” Like I alluded to in my intro, most of the time putting out boss babe energy into the universe is not even about the outfit you put together, but the way you wear it. As you go through daily life that can sometimes turn dreary, practice pulling your shoulders back and holding your chin high. Posture is one of those few things in life that can be perfect!
Step 5: Dress Like Yourself:
Okay, so this blog wouldn’t exist if the outfit truly daresay: does. not. matter. Everyone is different. It would be wrong to tell you, that because Michelle Obama rocked it, you too should save your schmeckles for a Sergio Hudson jumpsuit. It takes time to figure out what styles of clothing make you feel the most confident. Being at home is a great time to test out different looks. Take note of your attitude in them. I feel like I can rule the world when I’m in a warm-tone printed skirt, heeled booties, and gold jewelry. Hair loose, sunglasses at the ready, nails painted. To me, the blouse doesn’t really affect my mood - as long as it fits correctly!
Much like fashion, the American Dream is all about risk-taking. You don’t need the title to look the part. One fine day the First Lady will be a First Gentlemen. I can’t wait to see what he’s going to wear on Inauguration Day!
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