What Will Dr. Jill Biden Wear in the White House? Here's Our Best Guess

Published on 12/15/2020 at 12:28 PM

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Dr. Jill Biden will become First Lady of the United States in January, when Joe Biden is inaugurated as US president. "I'm Jill's husband," Joe famously said during his victory speech from Wilmington, DE, thanking his support system for their hard work on the campaign and not forgetting, of course, the clear impact Jill has made on Americans as his wife. Jill will be the only first lady to continue her career as a lifelong educator while maintaining her responsibilities as FLOTUS. But just like those before her, she will be scrutinized for her clothing choices and faced with the reality that fashion plays a role in politics.

During the course of the 2020 election, Dr. Biden proved that she's unafraid to make a statement (her Stuart Weitzman VOTE boots and VOTE face mask may immediately come to mind), but she has also sent more subtle messages. Jill opted to wear Gabriela Hearst for the first presidential debate, a designer whose career is rooted in sustainability and eco-friendly practices, the same way Jill's is rooted in nurturing and cultivating growth. Though this is more of an underlying connection, it suggests Jill won't shy away from making even more blatant style moves, like when she wore a matching face mask and dress set to drive home the point that wearing a mask is essential — clearly, her own look wouldn't have been complete without one.

Dr. Biden has also championed designers from diverse backgrounds during her time in the spotlight, and this extends beyond the past year or so, though her most recent choice to sport Oscar de la Renta for her husband's victory speech was in support of co-creative directors Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, who are at the helm of ODLR and both immigrants to the United States. Ahead, we break down the most notable elements of Jill's style, all of which suggest she'll pay careful consideration to her wardrobe but also keep wearing what she likes. As an American, there's no better way to achieve balance and keep it real.

Jill Biden's Go-To Designers

Dr. Biden chose an asymmetrical Oscar de la Renta dress to salute the crowd on stage with Joe when he delivered remarks in Delaware after being declared the winner of the US presidential election. Oscar de la Renta is a brand worn by many first ladies past, and it's worth mentioning that the late designer was born in the Dominican Republic before eventually launching his namesake label in the US. Now, co-creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, who also founded New York-based brand Monse, are at the helm of Oscar de la Renta. They, too, are immigrants to the US.

In what is perhaps Biden's most impactful messaging throughout the course of the 2020 election, her Gabriela Hearst dress made a statement at the first presidential debate in September. The label is known for its sustainable practices — the dress just so happens to be green, which makes Jill's point quite literal — and Jill recycled it in her own wardrobe, too, having worn it back in 2017 for a different event. Hearst applauded Dr. Biden for her eco-friendly clothing decision on Instagram following the debate. Now that Hearst has been named new creative director of Chloé, we may see Jill showcase her bohemian side in pieces from that brand, too. Here, she wore Valentino Rockstud heels, a designer It item recognizable to many, which speak to her knowledge of fashion history.

Jill Biden's Accessories

Dr. Biden seems to favor pearls for most events — she wears them in the form of long-stranded necklaces, elegant earrings, and bracelets.

You'll also see her wearing her own signature "stack" of bracelets, some braided with a few bangles mixed in. Dr. Biden also frequently wears printed scarves — we've seen her in this lightweight graphic print one more than once.

Dr. Biden coordinated her floral face mask with a Dolce & Gabbana sheath dress for the final presidential debate in late October. The matchy-matchy statement drove the point home that going the extra mile to incorporate your mask into your outfit is essential — and it can also be uplifting as you save lives.

Jill Biden's Statement Clothing

Dr. Biden wore her fair share of slogans and encouraging messages throughout the 2020 campaign, most regularly encouraging Americans to cast their ballots with her VOTE mask.

When Vice President Joe Biden kicked off his campaign in May 2019, Dr. Biden was there with him in Philly wearing this neon knee-length dress with a blazer that read LOVE on the back. One can't help but compare the moment to Melania Trump's infamous "I really don't care, do u?" Zara utility jacket that she wore in 2018 while visiting facilities that house migrant children in Texas. Melania's slogan sparked controversy, while Jill's, exactly one year later, encouraged hope and unity.

Jill sent a clear message with her Stuart Weitzman VOTE boots that she's worn publicly twice, but debuted in Delaware where she joined Joe Biden to cast her early ballot in the state's primary election. While the shoes have an expensive price tag, all proceeds went to the I Am a Voter movement, and we're sure Jill was well aware of that. Mandy Moore and Karlie Kloss are also proud owners of the same boots.

Jill Biden's Gowns

Dr. Biden wore this red dress by Lebanese designer Reem Acra for the Inaugural Ball celebrating US President Barack Obama in 2009. Acra used her studies of culture and world travel to influence the label she launched with her very first bridal collection from New York in 1997.

Jill chose this blue silk gown for the Inaugural Ball in 2013, completing her homage to the "red and blue" colors of the US flag. The look was created by American fashion designer Vera Wang, who is of Chinese descent. "What a joy, honor and privilege to have dressed Dr Jill Biden for tonight's Inauguration. A beautiful, spirited, accomplished woman!" Wang famously posted on Twitter.