When the cameras panned across the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, they weren’t just looking for the new President. They found Lauren Sanchez. And honestly, she was hard to miss. Standing next to Jeff Bezos, the 55-year-old Emmy-winning journalist and pilot didn’t just attend the ceremony; she ignited a digital firestorm that’s still being debated in fashion circles and across dinner tables.
Lauren Sanchez at inauguration became the phrase that launched a thousand tweets. Some people loved the boldness. Others? Not so much. It was a moment where high-stakes politics met high-octane Hollywood glamour, and the friction was visible.
The White Suit Heard 'Round the World
Let’s talk about the actual clothes. Sanchez stepped out in a monochromatic white ensemble by Alexander McQueen. It featured a sharply tailored, satin-trimmed blazer and wide-leg trousers. On its own, the suit is a powerhouse piece of fashion. But it was what she wore underneath that caused the gasp heard from D.C. to Seattle.
Instead of a traditional silk blouse or even a simple camisole, Sanchez opted for a white lace bustier. Or a bra. Depends on who you ask.
Why the Outfit Mattered
- It defied tradition: Inaugurations are usually "coat and gloves" affairs. Think Jackie Kennedy or Melania Trump.
- The "Lingerie-Inspired" Trend: Sanchez leaned hard into the boudoir-to-boardroom trend.
- The Context: Doing this at a state occasion is basically the fashion equivalent of a loud shout in a quiet library.
She didn't just walk in like that, though. To brave the chilly D.C. air, she layered the look with a fuzzy, full-length white wool and mohair coat from Schiaparelli. That coat alone is rumored to retail for around $9,000. It’s a serious piece of luxury. But once they got inside the Rotunda, the coat came off, and the "lingerie moment" took center stage.
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The Internet Had Thoughts (Lots of Them)
Social media moves fast, but the reaction to Sanchez’s look moved at warp speed. Critics were blunt. On X (formerly Twitter), users didn't hold back. One post that went viral basically said she was "incredibly inappropriately dressed for a state occasion." Another person joked that maybe she could get a shirt delivered via Amazon same-day shipping.
Megyn Kelly even weighed in on her SiriusXM show, telling Sanchez to "have some dignity." It was a lot.
But it wasn't all hate. A good chunk of her fans—and even some fashionistas—stood by her. They saw it as a "modern and classy" take on power dressing. They argued that if a man showed up in something slightly unconventional, nobody would bat an eye. Sanchez herself didn't issue a formal press release defending the lace. She did something more "2025": she liked supportive comments on Instagram.
One comment she liked? "THAT GIRL. Don't let the haters bring you down."
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The Mark Zuckerberg Factor
Interestingly, it wasn't just the clothes that went viral. A photo of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg seemingly glancing at Sanchez’s outfit became an instant meme. People called it "the most normal thing Zuckerberg has ever done." It added another layer of "viral-ness" to the whole day.
This Wasn't Actually a New Look
Here is a detail a lot of people missed: this wasn't the first time Lauren Sanchez wore this specific outfit. She’s a fan of what people are calling "sustainable fashion" (or just, you know, wearing your clothes more than once).
- Forbes Power Women's Summit: She wore the McQueen suit here in September 2024.
- NY Times DealBook Event: She wore it again in December 2024 alongside Bezos.
The difference? The venue. Wearing a plunging neckline at a tech summit or a media event is one thing. Wearing it while the 47th President is being sworn in is a whole different ballgame. Summer Anne Lee, a fashion historian at the Fashion Institute of Technology, told news outlets she actually "gasped" when she saw it. She noted that this might be a "first" in the history of inauguration fashion for such a high-profile attendee.
Comparing the "Class" Narrative
Whenever Lauren Sanchez makes a public appearance, she is inevitably compared to Melania Trump. It happened again on Inauguration Day. Melania went for a very different vibe—a navy blue Adam Lippes overcoat, a matching pencil skirt, and a statement-making Eric Javits top hat.
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It was "Old World" vs. "New Money Glamour."
Melania’s look was shielded, modest, and architectural. Sanchez’s look was open, daring, and unapologetically sexy. This contrast fueled the "money can't buy class" arguments that dominated the comments sections. But honestly? Sanchez has been very vocal about not wanting to fit into a box. She’s a pilot, a journalist, a mom, and a billionaire's fiancée. She seems to enjoy pushing the boundaries of what a "state-adjacent" woman is supposed to look like.
Practical Takeaways from the Controversy
If you’re looking at the Lauren Sanchez at inauguration moment and wondering what it means for your own wardrobe (even if you aren't attending a presidential swearing-in), here is the breakdown:
- Context is King: The suit was beautiful, but the "lingerie" element is what triggered the backlash. If she’d worn a silk turtleneck under that McQueen blazer, she would have been on every "Best Dressed" list.
- The Power of the Coat: Her Schiaparelli coat was the real hero of the outfit. A high-quality, dramatic overcoat can make any outfit look expensive.
- Owning the Moment: Whatever you think of her style, Sanchez didn't apologize. She showed up, smiled for the cameras, and stood by her choice. In the world of high-level PR, sometimes that’s the only way to handle a controversy.
Next Steps for Your Own Style
- Invest in a "Power Suit": A well-tailored blazer and wide-leg trousers (like the McQueen set) are timeless pieces that work for almost any formal event.
- Mind the "Under-Layer": If you're going for a daring look, consider the setting. What works for a gala might not work for a professional or formal ceremony.
- Quality over Quantity: Sanchez’s outfit, while controversial, was made of top-tier materials. The fit was perfect. If you’re going to take a fashion risk, make sure the construction of the garment is flawless.
Ultimately, Lauren Sanchez did exactly what she does best: she made sure everyone was talking about her. Whether you found it "disrespectful" or "refreshing," you noticed. And in the world of the ultra-famous, that’s usually the whole point.