As we all know, clothes have a much greater significance than simply pieces of fabric that we put on our body when we leave the house. Clothes are a form of self-expression, a form of art, and a way of communicating our identity to others. Historically, clothes have always been political vehicles, symbolic of class and culture, but in light of recent events, a very specific fashion choice that everyone awaits has come to the forefront: the First Lady’s inauguration outfit.
What the First Lady wears on inauguration day is more than just a typical fashion statement; it’s a symbol of what’s to come. Recently, Melania Trump took to the stage in a navy jacket and pencil skirt, accompanied by a bold accessory which has been at the center of the conversation: a wide-brimmed boater hat.
The public noted the humour of this choice as a clip went viral of President Donald Trump being unable to kiss Mrs. Trump due to the nature of the hat. However, it was also noted that it completely blocked out her eyesight, making her somewhat detached from the audience. This is quite contrary to many first ladies who desire to present a welcoming presence while entering a new era of presidency. This look was also a clear diversion from her past powder-blue inauguration look, which many claimed was an ode to Jacqueline Kennedy.
This specific outfit is among many iconic looks that have sprouted from bold choices adorned by the First Ladies of the United States. Of course this article would be incomplete without an ode to Jacqueline Kennedy herself, whose ‘First Lady’ fashion was never before seen by the White House. Her timelessness and elegance is still remembered to this day as we can see in Mrs. Trump’s first inauguration dress that had the same color and similar shape. Other outfits have also been of note. Michelle Obama made the bold choice of wearing J. Crew gloves, a non-designer brand, to her inauguration, signaling her as a First Lady that is ‘for the people.’
From these iconic women, we can see that the clothes we wear truly do matter. This is especially prevalent for women, who are often judged harsher than men for their physical appearances and the way they come across. Men can always get away with a suit and tie, but women always have to pay attention to the details of their outfits.
In the rest of this article, I would like to offer some tips and tricks for using your clothing creativity to your advantage in professional settings where it truly matters.
This is especially prevalent for university students who may be attending an interview, working or interning.
Stereotypically speaking, professions settings, it can be important to look clean-cut and put together, but there are also unique ways to bring your own personal style in, just like these First Ladies. One way to do this is wearing a cool piece of jewelry. This way, you can still look put together, but add some personal flare in a subtle way. Adding a chunky necklace or a pair of dangly earrings can go far.
Playing with colour can also be a really fun way to showcase personality. Maybe try brighter colour trousers or even a trouser suit to rock. Not only will you get to showcase your favourite colours, but you’ll also stand out from other candidates, just like Jaqueline Kennedy’s iconic blue dress did for her. Even playing around with patterns and layering can add a fun twist to any look.
Lastly, experiment by wearing your hair in a unique way or experiment with makeup. Rocking a bold lip or adding a cool hair clip or headband can let you dabble with accessories and add your own unique spin to a typical office-fit.
These women have demonstrated that fashion goes far, and cannot be something that is overlooked in the political sphere. However, this can also be applied to everyday women, including St. Andrews students who are starting to enter the job arena. Hopefully, this article gave some helpful pointers on how to add fun to creating a professional look.
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