Inauguration style is always a buzzy topic, from coats to hats to figures with style of all their own – like Kamala Harris’ step-daughter Ella Emhoff; Melania Trump; and former Trump adviser Roger Stone, who has a style blog and a love of elaborate menswear, external.
But sometimes it’s the lack of style that draws the most attention – the anti-fashion.
In 2020, independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders stole the show with his utilitarian coat and patterned mittens – a gift from a constituent – that went viral for their contrast to a day of pomp and circumstance.
But mittens? That’s so 2020.
This year, Senator John Fetterman donned perhaps the most unique outfit of the day – his signature oversized hoodie, long, loose athletic shorts and sneakers.
It’s a look the Pennsylvania Democrat is famous for – he wears it almost daily and even prompted a change in Senate dress code.
Much of the chatter focused on why Fetterman eschewed a coat and opted for shorts on a day so frigid, the inauguration events were moved indoors. Forecasters have predicted lows of -11C (12F).
In 2017, Fetterman explained to CNN that he dressed out of comfort and found it challenging to find more formal attire for his 6ft 8in frame.
“Nobody has come to me directly and said the world will burn if you wear a hoodie,” he said, adding that his work spoke for itself.
