Monochrome outfits take centre stage at the US Presidential inauguration

The US Presidential inauguration on January 20th was considered historic for many reasons. The ceremony, which saw Joe Biden being inaugurated as America’s 46th President, also saw Kamala Harris sworn in as the United State’s first female Vice President. So, it was only fitting that the most powerful women at the ceremony took to make a striking style statement. From former First Lady Michelle Obama to pop sensation Jennifer Lopez, most women at the ceremony rocked monochrome outfits.

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady sported an incredible plum attire — a turtleneck and pants with a matching trench coat. She accessorised her monochrome look with a chunky gold belt.

Michelle Obama

Kamala Harris

American VP Kamala gave her favourite pantsuit a miss for a bright ensemble in purple, a colour that is said to be historically associated with nobility and strength. Like Michelle, Kamala honoured Black designers with her looks at the ceremony.

Kamala Harris

Hillary Clinton

Like Kamala, the former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opted for purple, and styled the colour with a sharp pantsuit. She completed her tone-on-tone look with a plum trench coat and a matching ruffled scarf.

Hilary Clinton

Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi was seen in a head-to-toe turquoise look. The American House Speaker accessorised her ensemble with matching stilettos and a patterned mask.

Nancy Pelosi

Jennifer Lopez

The If You Had My Love singer stunned in a head-to-toe white look. J.Lo played around with textures for her ensemble, going for a ruffled silk blouse, pairing it with sequinned pants. She took the look a notch higher by rocking pearl jewellery and a white fedora.

Jennifer Lopez

Jill Biden

First Lady Dr Jill Biden opted for a marine blue dress and a matching coat with full body sequins. She topped off her all-blue look with chic gloves and a matching textured mask.

Jill Biden

Monochrome has undertones of power

Celebrity stylist and style architect Ami Patel notes that a solid monochrome look signifies power. “Apart from being a current trend, the monochrome look has undertones of power. Monochrome and tone-on-tone looks are distinctive and statement-like,” she says, adding, “And their choices of colour stood out. Take Kamala’s look for instance. Purple signifies royalty and strength. From a fashion perspective, it all comes down to the colours.”