'Commander in Chic: The Fashion of Presidential Inaugurations' Webinar

From Washington’s homespun suit to Kennedy’s iconic top hat, presidential inauguration attire has always made a statement. What do these fashion choices reveal about the men behind the oath and the eras they represent? It’s time to explore how history and symbolism intertwine with inaugural style in this fascinating look at America’s sartorial past.

Join New York Adventure Club for a digital exploration of the most notable presidential inauguration attire, from 1789 to today, and uncover how these fashion choices reflect the evolving image of American leadership and culture.

Led by fashion historian Summer Lee, our virtual showcase will include:

• An examination of George Washington's inaugural suit in 1789, and how it symbolized his approach to the presidency and set a precedent for future leaders
• A close look at symbolic embroidery inside inauguration attire worn by 19th-century presidents like Franklin Pierce and Abraham Lincoln
• A discussion of clothing choices for "accidental" presidents, such as Theodore Roosevelt’s unconventional inauguration in 1901
• The significance of presidential headwear, focusing on Dwight D. Eisenhower’s and John F. Kennedy’s first inaugurations
• An overview of President Ronald Reagan’s controversial formal attire during his 1981 inauguration
• Analysis of President Donald Trump and the First Lady’s attire at the 2025 inauguration, exploring how it fits into the broader historical narrative

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Summer — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Summer

Summer Anne Lee is a fashion historian based in Brooklyn, New York. Summer is currently an Adjunct Professor teaching various courses about fashion history at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and is writing a book about the history of presidential fashion for the Yale University Press. She can be found on TikTok and Instagram at @summerannelee and @presidentialfashionhistory.

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Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment

Event Venue

Online