While I didn’t watch the inauguration, I read all about it afterward. I loved everything from the inaugural address and the music to the poetry and shed tears of joy and relief. I am filled with hope for our country. President Biden’s remarks made me want to be a better person.
But the inauguration was also the motivation I needed to get dressed.
Yes, in the midst of this most profound moment in our history, I found myself searching the internet for photos of the spectacular outfits. Well, the coats! The colors, the cuts. There was a time when I cared about fashion, but that seems like forever ago.
As the comedian Seth Meyers said, “So that’s what it feels like when you’re not grinding your teeth. I forgot, and I think – yeah, I can see colors again.”
Or as I might say, so that’s what it feels like when you’re not worrying about who has the nuclear codes. There’s room for lighthearted fare. On the fashion front, my favorite was Kamala’s camel coat. Even though there were brighter choices to admire, she had me at pleats.
I’ve mostly lived in warmer climates, so coats were not usually a fashion statement. I’d buy one multi-purpose coat and make do. Usually a neutral color. My favorite was a flowy coat I bought in Germany made with layers of olive cotton and corduroy. I actually have no idea how much it cost. I just knew I had enough Deutsche Marks in my wallet to buy it!
My go-to warm coat these days is a long black duster with a button-in lining that I bought years ago at Burlington Coat Factory. At one time I wanted a Burberry trench, but I could never find the single-breasted style I liked. I used to keep a picture of Jackie O’s as a reference.
Instead, I purchased a real Mackintosh raincoat that should last forever. Navy. Single-breasted. Simple and beautiful, but not quite as versatile as a trench.
Although I don’t need a dressy coat these days, I wear light jackets for casual outings and sports, or at least I did when there was such a thing as casual outings. Khaki, black, white or navy. My avoidance of bright colors goes back to my childhood of never having enough money. If you could only have one, you didn’t blow it on yellow.
It has been nearly a year since I’ve worn anything more than what is required for groceries or exercise … leggings with pockets. Not even jeans. My hair gets mostly tied into a man-bun or topped with a hat.
As for the new administration, there will be missteps and disagreements, but knowing compassionate adults are in charge changes everything. I’m hopeful we can get to work on the tough issues our country faces, but at the same time, I feel lighter. Freer. Like I want to put on some real clothes and go somewhere. Maybe even fix my hair or buy something purple yellow camel.
Wonderful post. I feel the same. I slept through the whole night and today feels like a new day of hope.
The fashion was fantastic. I loved all of it.
I have been wearing bright colors purposely, but brightly colored tshirts and puffy jackets. I don’t see fancy dress up for awhile, but I’m ready.
I still had crazy dreams, but less crazy than normal. When this business is over, we can visit and wear our bright clothes!
I watched every minute of it – I planned for it and made snacks, like I was watching Steelers football (which I don’t watch at all!). I agree that the clothes were beautiful, but all I could think about was how long they were outside and how cold they must be, wishing somebody would be in a Patagonia puffer. Kamala was in beautiful high heeled pumps at Arlington Cemetery, with hose, and I couldn’t concentrate for fretting about how cold she must be (been there, done that). Great photo of Bernie Sanders in authentic New England mittens, solely for warmth. I pull on a pair of jeans every now and then just to keep an eye on how they fit (currently a bit tight but still ok).
I wanted to do as you did, but I was afraid of potential violence and didn’t think I could stand it. I’m with you on the cold. But then I’m such a wuus. I loved Bernie. The memes are hilarious. I haven’t gained weight, but I should try the jeans on in case anything has shifted around. Yoga pants seem to ignore the shifting.
Well said. I feel MUCH better with the new administration, but living in a predominantly Red (??Trump) state, I am still very concerned for our country. I do believe Biden is probably the best hope we can have for our country at this time. Just hope he can accomplish much, inc a lot of healing, without the Crazies, being too crazy.
As to the fashions, I noticed a lot of purple being worn. I googled this and one theory was that it represented a combination of blue and red, in hopes of some compromise in the future. Perhaps I will wear something purple and some pearls (even at home and with jeans) in support of our new VP and other women leaders.
I’m still concerned as well, but I feel as you do that Biden is our best hope. Purple and pearls is a fantastic idea! I have some freshwater pearls. Not classic, but they will have to suffice.
Watched from 6:30AM to 10PM and loved every second of it. Lots of beautiful jewel toned coats. I thought Hillary looked great, well rested and I like her longer less severe hairstyle. I can imagine her thinking “I told you so” through all of it. The fireworks were spectacular. I’m excited about the new President and Vice President and feel great hope for our country. And I got my covid vaccine today. It’s been a great week.
Wow — now I wish I had watched it, but I was too nervous. I thought Hillary looked great, too. And Bill, so slim these days. She got the butt end of the stick but has seemingly handled it well.
Congratulations on getting the vaccine! I can’t wait, but it’s kind of a cluster you-know-what here in California. I’m trying to be patient and accept that it will probably be a month or two before things get rolling.
As I Canadian I’ve learned to love coats. They are essentials for at least 3 of our 4 seasons! A colleague encouraged me to buy a coat whenever I found one that ‘spoke’ to me and suited me.
Her philosophy was that you could never own too many stylish coats!
The designs and colours worn at the inauguration were inspirations. I loved the jewel colours as well as the bright yellow worn by Amanda Gorman. I’ve never owned a yellow coat and I despair of pulling it off as well as she did.
I could almost live in a cold climate when I think about buying coats that speak to me! What a lovely idea. A lot of people fear yellow, but I might give it a go. Yellow seems like such a happy color.
I watched every minute of the inauguration, and was also taken with the coats. One coat that caught my eye was checked and had what appeared to be sequins on the shoulders. It made an impression on me, but not necessarily a good one. I was thinking it was a little tacky. Didn’t know who was wearing it.-So I took to google and found out that it was Ella Emhoff, Kamala’s 22 year old stepdaughter. And to my surprise, the coat was apparently a huge hit with young women. Guess it’s a generational thing!
I didn’t love that coat, but I liked it on her! A little Hunger Games, perhaps?