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Hillary Clinton and Ivanka Trump Wear White Pantsuits to the Inauguration

Well, that was unexpected.

Hillary Clinton arriving at the inauguration Photo: Getty Images

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On a day rife with symbolism, Hillary Clinton stepped out of a car for the inauguration of Donald J. Trump wearing an off-white pantsuit by Ralph Lauren, who dressed Melania Trump for the same occasion.

Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump also wore a white pantsuit, albeit a more fashion-forward version from Oscar de la Renta (one that was based on look six from the resort 2017 show, almost definitely designed by new creative directors and Monse founders Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia).

While the most famous Trump daughter entered St. John’s Episcopal Church in the early morning wearing a dark coat and bare legs, she appeared later at the Capitol wearing a sleek white jacket — collarless and dramatically asymmetrical at the bust and hem — over pants. It was a rare pants moment for the first daughter, who typically favors sheath dresses.

Clinton, on the other hand, looked comfortable in her signature suit paired with a sleek cashmere overcoat draped over her shoulders. White pantsuits became a symbol on her campaign trail; white being the color of women’s suffrage back in the early 20th century, dating back to 1908 when British activists chose it as one of their signature colors.

Clinton wore several white suits through 2016, including one to accept her nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention in July and another at the third presidential debate in October, both by Ralph Lauren. Together, the color and style seemed to represent Clinton’s historic position as a feminist trailblazer for the country’s highest office.

Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images

Ivanka Trump, on the other hand, hasn’t shown a particular tendency toward white, and certainly not pantsuits. She favors professional-looking blouses or sleeveless sheath dresses, embracing that feminine-meets-business look that screams “women who work.”

Tiffany Trump, by the way, also wore a white pantsuit.

Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images

Watch: The Politics of Pockets