Why Kamala Harris's Outfit Made a Striking Statement at the Inauguration

The date I've had circled on my calendar is finally here: It's Inauguration Day for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. As you already know, the latter will officially become the first female VP in United States history, cementing today as an occasion for the books.

Nothing is as important as how the administration will handle America's numerous crises, but we've always been about championing both style and substance here at Who What Wear. To that end, I'm excited to report on what our new Vice President chose to wear for such an important day: a striking purple coat and dress by Christopher John Rogers, a young Black designer from Louisiana. The Vice President's commitment to the next generation of Black talent is clear, as she wore Pyer Moss last night.

"Just when you thought she'd don a power suit, Vice President Kamala Harris steps to purpose in a dress coat, an A-line dress, and her signature take on pearls, giving us style and substance indeed!" Mikki Taylor, author, speaker, and editor at large of Essence, told Who What Wear. "There is no gesture too small to her; it's refreshing at every turn to see her demonstrate what true power looks like. She is what we have been waiting for— decisive, empowered, ready to lead, serve and do the critical work of healing our nation. As Black women, we were taught by our elders to show up ready. Vice President Harris is doing just that."

On Vice President Kamala Harris: Christopher John Rogers coat and dress; Manolo Blahnik shoes; David Yurman American flag lapel pin; Wilfredo Rosado necklace

"When we as women of color were coming of age in America, we never dreamed we’d see a Kamala Harris, but here she is!" continued Taylor, who wrote a book on First Lady style during the Obama administration. "As we clap and root for her, our joy is amplified because we are walking in the dreams of the ancestors who, by faith, knew this day would come. Because of Vice President Kamala Harris, millions of girls will be able to dream bigger. Today as she stands in the nation’s capital, she stands on the shoulders of giants and we proudly stand with her at the launch of a new era in the world!"

Scroll down to see photos of what Vice President Kamala Harris wore to the Inauguration. 

On Dr. Jill Biden: Markarian outfit

Shop Christopher John Rogers:

Next, Vice President Kamala Harris has worn her signature pearls for 35 years.