The Birth of a New Kind of Influencer

It was a day of renewal, revival, and hope. From the comfort of our couch, in our WFH uniform of sweatpants and fuzzy slippers, we watched America rise from the ashes of despair.

Inauguration Day was a sigh of relief. A vision of a brighter future, illuminated with the voice of change from our TV screen.

Empowered style, highlighted by broaches, belts, and mittens?

But it wasn't just the words of inspiration that spoke to us. The fashion and style made us dream of days we could brush off the dust from our heels and non-athleisure-wear and have a reason to put real clothes on.

We watched the ladies of power strut onto the scene, filled with color, glam, and the life we all so desperately crave.

From Michelle Obama with her superhero-like pants suit to Jill Biden representing an unknown designer studded with flair.

Lady Gaga, in her signature over-the-top style giving off subtle Hunger Games vibes. And Kamala Harris establishing a new definition of female empowerment.

It was a day that set a new tone for America. Jeweled, bright colors shined bright after a year (or four) of darkness. Finally, there was hope.

Despite the high-fashion, it was an unassuming guest who became the trending fashion statement from the day. Sporting an ordinary, indistinct, and brutally honest outfit that topped our Twitter feeds.

Yes, uncle Bernie, in his practical yet adorable mittens, was the star of the show. Quickly becoming an overnight fashion meme icon and taking his place in social media history.

Appearing everywhere from the Last Supper to the park bench with Forest Gump, everyone could have their moment with the infamous trendsetter.

The statement coat of impact

Our attention pivoted from the statement coats to his drab utility, grandpa-style jacket. When everyone that surrounded him dressed to impress, Bernie was pragmatic and real.

This nonchalant attitude and apparel trended in our hearts and resonated with our reality. The women's fashion was aspirational, but Bernie embodied the humble honesty of our current lifestyle.

Still stuck at home, in the middle of winter and a Pandemic, and still have important errands to run.

Against the oppression of pants

Sweatpants, yoga pants, fuzzy slippers, and comfort defined our fashion choices over the last year. Our closets became filled with athleisure-wear over runway-inspired looks.

Confined in our homes, we couldn't bear more oppression of constrictive clothing and chose the freedom of comfort over style.

We no longer forced ourselves to impress our image with outfits.

Stretching out of our comfort zone, only for Zoom calls, with our fashion mullet of business-on-the-top, comfort-on-the-bottom.

The illusion of trying to be professional, while refusing to abandon our new respect for the elastic waistband.

Mittens for change

Bernie's mittens represented a deeper message.

Locally made and sustainably-sourced from repurposed wool and reused plastic water bottles. A quiet voice, uncommon for the Senator, representing the choice of environmental responsibility.

Along with WFH, fast fashion has become the new normal. We no longer have to wait for seasonal lines to drop. Or be shunned with the taboo of wearing the same outfit twice. Wearing the of-the-moment trends is accessible almost instantly.

Social media has grown our public image and the documentation of our style. And with it grew the need to be stylish without the hefty price tag associated with high-fashion.

But it also disregards the implications fast fashion has on our culture. Global warming, wage disparities, and the impact on labor industries, for instance, sit behind the glamorized curtain of keeping up with the trends.

The mittens were silent advocacy for a more conscious approach to how we fill our closets. And the iconic coat, a gentle reminder that it's ok to wear something more than once.

The unexpected trendsetter

While Bernie's hopes of becoming President faltered, he still managed to stand in the spotlight on Inauguration day.

He was a passive reminder that despite the glitz and glam of promising change, there still is a lot of work to be done. He represented the message of prioritizing reality over expectation.

For all of us still on lockdown, dreams of getting all dressed up are still too far out of our reach.

Bernie's fashion movement is one that questions the status quo of style.

The unexpected trendsetter sparked questions diving deeper into how we design our wardrobe. Equating personal style with comfort while acting with social responsibility to the environment.

Hopefully, this courageous act is a confirmation to all questioning if our newfound style choices can outlive quarantine.

Cover Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash