It’s not about rejecting fashion, but rather about valuing the fashion you have.
Vanessa Friedman, Fashion Director and Chief Fashion Critic at the New York Times.
This quote is from an article Ms. Friedman wrote for the NYT about the fashions our First Lady Dr. Jill Biden chose to wear during President Biden’s recent visit to the UK for the G7 summit.
Dr. Biden shopped her closet and sported several outfits she’d worn before, perhaps sending a message of fashion sustainability, “reduce, recycle, reuse.” And love, which was actually spelled out on the back of her jacket. Ms. Friedman goes on to comment that Dr. Biden’s style is informal and “friendly.”
I think Dr. Biden’s style is in keeping with other First Ladies such as Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton: nondescript and appropriate. It’s not showy nor is it dowdy. There’s is some thought and care put into it but it doesn’t overshadow anything. I don’t think Dr. Biden is all that interested in fashion, but she always looks presentable.
Back to the sustainability message – since the fashion industry is among the biggest polluters, sustainability is going to be key as we move deeper into climate change hell. What’s stylish is what we already own and isn’t further hurting the planet.
OverDressed for Life 
Go Dr. Biden. Fashion lives, evolves and morphs. Dr. Biden’s decision to use what she has is right for our time.
Sent from my iPhone
>
Yes! I agree.
Jill Biden’s values are visible in her rejection of a competitive, ‘look-at-me’ pose in fashion. She is appropriate, modest, tasteful without being mousey. I expect, if she really wants to make a statement, she will… at some point. Her achievements in academia are more valued. So much of fashion depends on pocketbook power, branding. She’s displaying the ethic of non-flashy, thoughtful use, while giving permission for us to not go into debt for ego. Well made, quiet clothing, with a lovely accessory (like her brooch) are certainly statements as well, just another kind of statement. If I was advising, I’d say a tad smaller shoulder-pads, tho’.
I agree with every point you make, Nancy. I’d advise her to pay attention to proportion; she tends to wear blazers that are too long for the hemline of her dresses. Thanks as always for reading ODFL and for the insightful comment.