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What will First Lady-Elect Dr. Jill Biden wear to the Inauguration ceremony, and to the virtual Inaugural Ball later that evening? It’s impossible to know, but if you want a few clues – or if you just want to channel her look in your own wardrobe – read on. Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has curated an edit of 10 cool fashion looks from American designers in the signature style of Dr Jill Biden, including tailored jackets, dresses, outerwear and off-duty looks. If you want to be stylin’ like Biden, here are 10 iconic options to get you started.

the signature style of Dr. Jill Biden

For starters, we have to say, we are really excited about the style cues we can all learn from the future First Lady. She manages to nail the very difficult balancing act of looking authoritative, feminine, grounded, polished and – well, we’ll just say it – hot. How does she do it?

fashion style Dr Jill Biden

The defining elements of the fashion style of Dr Jill Biden, including tailored jackets, dresses, outerwear and more.

what are the core elements of Dr. Biden’s personal style?

Dr. Jill Biden is the spunky, real deal role model and sartorial inspiration we never saw coming. During the Obama years, when she was “Captain of the Vice Squad,” all eyes were understandably on First Lady Michelle Obama’s singular, modern style (and sculpted bare arms.)

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bold and also playful

But during last year’s never-ending election cycle, two viral videos caused us to see Dr. Biden in a new way.

Here she is blocking a protestor from getting too close to her husband, President-Elect Joe Biden. And here’s another one, where she is seen pulling him back to maintain 6 feet of social distancing from the press.

This straight-forward, can-do and no-nonsense quality of Dr. Biden’s traces back to the spirited accounts of her as a child. The proud Philly girl described herself as “kind of rebellious” and as someone who “loved to pull pranks.” Once, she stood up for her younger sister by knocking on the door of the neighborhood bully and punching him in the face. Our soon-to-be First Lady is not an ornament; she is a Boss Woman who is totally in control.

fashion style Dr Jill Biden

The defining elements of the fashion style of Dr Jill Biden, including tailored jackets, dresses, outerwear and more.

practical and hard-working

Both Former First Lady Michelle Obama and President-Elect Joe Biden have been heard teasing Dr. Biden – an English professor – for grading papers in the green room prior to taking the stage on a late night talk show. Or on the plane, en route to a political convention.

In addition to being a working woman and lifelong educator, Dr. Biden is also a grandmother — but not your typical grandmother. Naomi Biden, one of Joe and Jill’s granddaughters, recounted in a DNC video: “When she goes on a run, sometimes she’ll find, like, a dead snake and she’ll pick it up and put it in a bag, and she’ll use it to scare someone.”

We would suggest that no one mess with this woman.

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a relatable and authentic signature style

When it comes to her shopping and style though, Dr. Biden is just like many of us regular folk. In a recent feature in Women’s Wear Daily, Sissy Aerenson, the proprietress of one of Jill’s favorite Delaware boutiques, Peter Kate, says that the future First Lady is pragmatic and still checks the price tags. Like many women, she has been known to say, “Oh, maybe not today.” She is known to mix high and low, wearing $50 necklaces and Vera Wang gowns. She has her own authentic, lived-in style.

That style may lean toward classic and preppy. But she looks equally comfortable in bold and colorful prints in fitted, feminine silhouettes. Ditto for those outfits that read more understated, elegant and boardroom friendly.

Dr. Biden seems well-versed in fashion diplomacy, knowing that what she wears carries a message. Sometimes that is quite literal, like the time she matched her floral mask to her floral Dolce & Gabbana dress at one of the Presidential debates. Or her Stuart Weitzman knee-high ‘Vote’ boots. And the black blazer with ‘Love’ embroidered on the back (which seemed like a rebuke to First Lady Melania Trump’s infamous “I really don’t care do u” Zara jacket).

Jill Biden outerwear style is almost always a strong solid color – never black. For the 2009 Inauguration she wore bright red. In 2017, it was pure winter white.

On other occasions, Dr. Biden seems to champion home-grown American designers just like many First Ladies before her. She’s been seen wearing Ralph Lauren, Brandon Maxwell, Veronica Beard, Christian Siriano and Gabriela Hearst — the latter being significant for her commitment to sustainable fashion.

fashion style Dr Jill Biden

The defining elements of the American fashion style of Dr Jill Biden, including tailored jackets, dresses, outerwear and more.

Tailored jackets, fitted dresses, pearls and pure strong color are signature elements of Biden’s fashion style. How will that translate on Inauguration Day?

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what will future First Lady Dr. Jill Biden wear to the Inauguration?

All this to say, we can’t wait to see what Dr. Jill Biden will bring (and wear) to her role as our First Lady. Her versatile and polished sartorial choices already match with what we know of her personality and character. They fit her lifestyle as an approachable, multi-faceted modern woman. One who happens to be a teacher who gives a lot of homework, a mischievous grandmother, and a tough as nails protector for her husband.

The Capitol on Inauguration Day.

Her sartorial choices from January 20th onward will reflect the new Administration’s values and politics. Rumor has it that the future First Lady will be wearing Ralph Lauren on the big day (which would be an interesting choice, given that First Lady Melania Trump wore Lauren at her husband’s Inauguration). Whichever designer she ends up wearing, we know she will easily join the ranks of our nation’s most stylish First Ladies.

10 cool looks in the signature Dr. Jill Biden style

In the meantime, if you want to be stylin’ like Biden, check out some of these outfits inspired by her past ensembles and go-to brands — many of which are from her favorite local Delaware store.

1. l’agence ariel cardigan

Preppy and patriotic, we could see the soon-to-be First Lady wearing this with jeans and comfy ballet flats.

BUY NOW: $475.

2. veronica beard empire teal dickey jacket

Tailored jackets are a key fashion element of Dr Jill Biden style. The deep, jewel tone of this blazer resembles one that Dr. Biden wore on the campaign trail. We’d pair it like she did, with monochrome bottoms to look sophisticated and polished.

BUY NOW : $695.

3. lagos multi strand pearls

One of Dr. Biden’s signature accessories is a pearl necklace. This version helps execute her modern and approachable look.

BUY NOW: $350.

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4. gabriela hearst cassat trench

Can we nominate this gorgeous, sunny yellow trench for Dr. Biden to wear to the Inauguration as she helps usher in more optimistic times? This fully embodies American fashion design in classic Jill Biden outerwear style: strong, feminine and warm. It also sends an eco-friendly message as it’s made from 100% recycled cashmere.

 

BUY NOW: $4,590.

5. lauren ralph lauren belted shirtdress

This fit and flare belted shirtdress is a classic, and reminds us of the practical, green-hued dress she wore for her DNC speech.

BUY NOW : $145.

6. brandon maxwell striped tunic button down

Every woman needs a classic striped button down for her work and weekend wardrobe. Brandon Maxwell’s version has a chic, tailored tunic hem to elevate it from the crowd.

BUY NOW: $1,090.

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7. oscar de la renta bouquet dress

Everything’s coming up roses! This sweet, feminine silhouette gets a burst of energy from the bold, floral placement. Rock it like Dr. Biden would, with a pop color heel.

 

BUY NOW: $845.

8. veronica beard carla crew tee

Casual but polished, this Veronica Beard tee is embellished with metal crest buttons for effortless style.

BUY NOW: $168.

9. bottega veneta leather dress

The one common element of American fashion designer dresses in Jill Biden style are that they will be fitted – whether a sheath or a fit-and-flare. We loved seeing Dr. Biden step out on the late night talk show circuit in a sexy, leather dress. This beautifully sculpted version from Bottega Veneta is a  timeless example.

fashion style Dr Jill Biden

BUY NOW: $3,517.

10. roland mouret silk gown

At the Obama Administration’s two Inaugural Balls, Dr. Biden opted for minimalist gowns from American fashion designers in her go-to Jill Biden dresses style: first in red and then in blue. We’re betting on white for this Inauguration in a modern, architectural style. Maybe something like this.

fashion style Dr Jill Biden

BUY NOW: $3,043.

the signature style of Dr. Jill Biden

From tailored jackets, outerwear and dresses to off-duty looks, those are some current pieces from American designers that are emblematic of Jill Biden style. Her modern approach to is a breath of fresh air in the world of fashion – and we are here for it!

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This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links. 

Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

Julie Murphy

Julie began her career in fashion as a design intern at 3.1 Phillip Lim after graduating from Parsons School of Design. As the fashion editor at Dandelion Chandelier, she brings over a decade of experience as a designer and marketing creative to cover trends and styling.