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Kamala Harris dazzles in tailored black coat while Usha Vance chooses peony pink for Trump's inauguration

By Juna Tharakan
Updated On : 10:49 PST, Jan 20, 2025

JD Vance's wife Usha Vance was warmly greeted by Kamala Harris at the White House ahead of Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Former vice president Kamala Harris warmly greeted incoming Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance at the White House ahead of President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.

Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff stood gracefully to welcome the couple as she marked the peaceful transition of power following her defeat in November’s election.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Usha Vance, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and U.S. Vice President-elect former Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) stand together at the White House ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) — (L-R) Usha Vance, Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris, and JD Vance stand together at the White House ahead of the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

Kamala Harris and Usha Vance's contrasting outfit

Kamala Harris wore a tailored, double-breasted black coat, paired with black trousers, pointed-toe heels, and black leather gloves.

A black-and-white striped scarf added a subtle flair to her otherwise classic and understated ensemble.

Harris greeted JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance on the White House steps before posing for a photo.

Usha Vance, who married JD in 2014, made a statement with her peony pink outfit, a vibrant choice that contrasted with Harris’ muted tones.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Usha Vance and Vice President-elect, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) attend services at St. John's Church as part of Inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) — Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance attend services at St John's Church as part of Inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

Kamala Harris’ fashion legacy

Throughout her four years as Vice President, Kamala Harris’ fashion choices have been as much about function as symbolism.

Known for her preference for tailored pantsuits and neutral hues, Harris consistently highlighted American designers such as Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung, and Tom Ford, according to Page Six.

Her signature accessory, a string of pearls, paid homage to her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, whose founders are lovingly referred to as the "Twenty Pearls".

For President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration, Harris embraced bipartisanship with a purple coat and dress by Christopher John Rogers, a Black designer celebrated for his bold, colorful creations.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Vice President Kamala Harris fist bumps President-elect Joe Biden after she was sworn in at their inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Biden becomes the 46th President of the United States. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst-Pool/Getty Images) — Kamala Harris fist bumps Joe Biden after she was sworn in at their inauguration on the West Front of the Capitol on January 20, 2021, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

That evening, she wore a sequined tuxedo-style coat and cocktail dress by Sergio Hudson, another Black American designer.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff attend a televised ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. President Joe Biden was sworn in today as the 46th president. (Photo by Joshua Roberts-Pool/Getty Images) — Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff attend a televised ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

Kamala Harris' notable recent looks

Kamala Harris’ style has often served as a platform for young designers and businesses of color.

Her “coconut brown” Chloe suit at the 2024 Democratic National Convention subtly referenced Barack Obama’s iconic tan suit while nodding to her viral “coconut tree” speech.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 19: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic party supporters are in Chicago for the convention, concluding with current Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party's presidential nomination. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) — Kamala Harris speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois (Getty Images)

Similarly, her black sequined LaQuan Smith gown for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation event in September 2024 was a testament to her advocacy for inclusivity and empowerment.

LaQuan Smith reflected on the honor of dressing Harris, saying, “It’s such a huge moment and platform for me."

"She really set the tone by supporting young Black designers and opening doors for so many others," he added.

Fashion highlights at the 2025 inauguration

In addition to Kamala Harris and Usha Vance, the inauguration featured several other notable looks.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Melania Trump and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump leave after services at St. John's Church as part of Inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) — Melania Trump and President Donald Trump leave after services at St John's Church as part of Inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

Returning First Lady Melania Trump wore a matching navy coat and hat by New York-based designer Adam Lippes, while Ivanka Trump turned heads in a sleek green suit, underscoring the event’s diverse sartorial choices.

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