During the campaign, Trump had said she wanted to be a first lady in the mode of Kennedy, a mid-century fashion icon.
Like Kennedy’s Oleg Cassini ensemble, Trump’s custom-designed Ralph Lauren outfit had bracelet-length sleeves worn with long gloves. Both were made by American designers.
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Where Kennedy’s high neckline was trimmed with sable, Trump’s cutaway jacket had a high wrapped collar, worn with a matching pair of her famous stilettos. Underneath, Trump, 46, wore a trim dress with a faux turtleneck neckline.
There was no pillbox hat, but Trump’s modern updo furthered her channeling of the sleekly feminine Kennedy silhouette, a demure contrast to Trump’s pre-campaign bombshell looks.
Twitter erupted in admiration, with most writers honing in on the Kennedy homage.
Michelle Obama, who wore a sober brick red dress and matching coat for the inauguration, was a fashion industry darling, appearing in bold, colorful styles by both established and up-and-coming designers, but many designers refused to work with Trump, citing dislike of Donald Trump.
Not Lauren, however, who in a bi-partisan move also designed Hillary Clinton’s inaugural day ivory pantsuit and coat.
Both first daughters Ivanka and Tiffany Trump also chose white for their father’s big day. Ivanka donned a long, fitted Oscar de la Renta jacket with asymetrical hemline and matching pants. Tiffany wore a double-breasted white coat and matching gloves.
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