Color and Creativity

There is no doubt that first lady Michelle Obama wowed us with her gorgeous outfits throughout the inaugural festivities. But which other notable female attendees hit the right notes?

I was impressed by the complimentary color coordination between Mrs O and Dr Biden. Dressed in a gray silk and wool bow coat by Lela Rose, the steely color picked up the pattern in Mrs O’s custom made Thom Browne coat. Dr Biden’s soft white shift dress continued the theme with subtle gray floral detailing. The shift was purchased at Neiman Marcus, per the New York Times, and for this outing, was accompanied by gray suede pumps. The classic choice of color perhaps reflects the somber times we are facing, with the oversized bow providing Dr B’s outfit with the right amount of ‘fun’ always required on inauguration day.

Dr Biden’s choice of Vera Wang for the inaugural balls certainly lit up the stage, and it was great to see both FLOTUS and SLOTUS wearing patriotic hues. Biden’s sleeveless satin purple draped gown, complete with a simple black ribbon belt packed all the right punches, and once again, reaffirmed her status as a stylish woman to watch.

Whilst FLOTUS and SLOTUS veered towards classic shades (with a twist!), others fully embraced the use of color in daywear. Malia and Sasha Obama are perhaps the best examples, wearing jeweled colored J Crew and Kate Spade coats respectively. It was their accessories that made their outfits extra special, and I especially loved Sasha’s awesome jeweled necklace!

Similarly, I loved what House Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi, wore to the inaugural ceremony. Pelosi’s love of bold color is well known throughout Washington, and her selection of a blood-orange coat, dress and matching pumps made her stand out from the crowd. Pelosi accessorized her outfit with one of her signature, oversized bead necklaces in similar complementary tones. Secretary Clinton similarly continued the trend of color, selecting a bright red scarf to provide a burst of color on her classic black coat.

Fashion wise, we will always remember President Obama’s second inauguration for the classically stunning outfits of the first lady, but let’s give a thought to other attendees too! Who stood out for you in the inaugural festivities?

Laura-Emily Dunn is the founder and editor of Political Style. Follow her on Twitter, here.

A Vision in Blue

Photo by Yuri Gripas / Reuters Pictures

The Obamas are hosting the Kennedy Center Honors reception at the White House this evening. The First Lady is truly a vision in blue. Stunning!

Update: Mrs. O wore a custom Vera Wang strapless cobalt tulle gown with accentuating bias drape and tiered skirt with feathered organza accents. For jewelry, Mrs. O wore earrings by Miguel Ases.

Pink and Grey

Photos by Charles Dharapak / AP Images

The President and First Lady attended the APEC leaders dinner in Honolulu, Hawaii last evening. Above the first couple is pictured with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen.

On the fashion front, Mrs. O debuted a new frock, a pink and grey off-the-shoulder cocktail dress. Lovely!

Update: The First Lady wears a custom Vera Wang knee length charcoal and stone stretch faille dress with tulip-pink organza draped shoulder. To my knowledge, this is the first time that Mrs. O has worn a Vera Wang design for a public event. The designer took to Twitter in her excitement, writing, "What an honor and privilege to have dressed our beloved First Lady, Michelle Obama."

A Fashionable Crowd

Image by Evan Vucci / AP Photo 

Also in attendance at this evening's state dinner ... 

"Watch Anna Wintour Arrive at the State Dinner" [NYMag]

Chelsea Clinton's Vera Wang Confection

Photos by Genevieve de Manio via Getty Images

It feels almost impossible not to acknowledge one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer -- the wedding of Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky, which took place last evening at Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, New York. 

The bride chose a frothy, confection of a gown by Vera Wang, featuring "a diagonally draped bodice, ballgown skirt made out of raw edged laser-cut swirling silk organza, and a train in silk tulle." A crystal-encrusted belt, also by Vera Wang, defined the waist. Jewelry was kept simple with understated earrings and a bracelet. A long tulle veil and simple bouquet of white flowers completed the classic bridal look.

Various news sources reported Chelsea Clinton visiting both Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta earlier this week. The latter, it seems, was for the radiant mother-of-the-bride, who wore a wine colored Oscar de la Renta gown for the wedding.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

P.S. Check out WWD's piece "Chelsea Clinton's Moment", which includes more detail on the dress and bridal accoutrements. Look to the far right in the photo below to see a bit more of Hillary Clinton's Oscar de la Renta gown.