When Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, the world was watching the podium. But in the VIP section of the Capitol Rotunda, a different kind of history was being made—at least according to the fashion police on X (formerly Twitter). Lauren Sanchez at the inauguration became an instant lightning rod for controversy, not because of what she said, but because of a specific Alexander McQueen suit that left very little to the imagination.
She didn't just show up; she made a statement that felt like a deliberate departure from the "Washington Wife" playbook.
The outfit that broke the internet (and the Rotunda)
Lauren Sanchez arrived at the sub-freezing D.C. ceremony alongside her fiancé, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. At first glance, she looked prepared for the biting cold, wrapped in a plush, fuzzy white mohair coat. It was classic "winter white," a staple for high-stakes political events.
Then the group moved inside the Capitol Rotunda.
The coat came off. Underneath, Sanchez was wearing a monochromatic white Alexander McQueen pantsuit. The blazer was sharply tailored with a satin trim and a deep V-neck. But the part that sent social media into a tailspin was what she wasn't wearing: a shirt. Instead of a traditional silk blouse or a modest camisole, Sanchez opted for a white lace bustier—basically a high-end corset bra—that was fully visible.
Honestly, it was a vibe that felt more "front row at Milan Fashion Week" than "solemn swearing-in ceremony."
The internet, predictably, had no chill. Critics were quick to point out that the look felt more like lingerie than formal state-wear. One user on X summed up the mood by saying, "Today is NOT a night club event. Show some class & dignity." Others were even more blunt, suggesting she looked like she’d been dressed by Victoria’s Secret.
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The "Zuckerberg Glance" and the billionaire row
It wasn't just the clothes that caught people's attention. The seating arrangement put Sanchez and Bezos in a power-packed row of tech titans. We're talking Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai, and Elon Musk.
A moment that went viral almost immediately involved Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Cameras caught him seemingly sneaking a glance toward Sanchez's chest, a split-second interaction that fueled a thousand memes. While some viewed it as a natural human reaction to a bold outfit, others saw it as yet another reason why the wardrobe choice was "distracting" for a state occasion.
A recycled look with a new context
Interestingly, this wasn't the first time Sanchez had rocked this specific McQueen ensemble. Fashion sleuths quickly realized she had worn the exact same white suit and lace bustier back in December 2024 for a New York Times DealBook event. She’d even posted a sultry selfie in it for her followers.
While recycling high-end fashion is usually praised (think Kate Middleton), the context here changed everything. Wearing a daring look to a business summit in Manhattan is one thing; wearing it to the inauguration of the Commander-in-Chief is a whole different ballgame.
Contrasting styles: Melania vs. Lauren
The backlash against Lauren Sanchez at the inauguration was amplified by what the other women in the room were wearing. Melania Trump, returning as First Lady, opted for a structured navy blue Adam Lippes coat over an ivory neckline, topped with a dramatic, wide-brimmed Eric Javits hat. It was the epitome of "stately."
Even Usha Vance, wife of Vice President J.D. Vance, and Priscilla Chan (Zuckerberg’s wife) leaned into more conservative, modest silhouettes. In a sea of wool coats and high necklines, Sanchez’s lace-and-corset combo stood out like a neon sign.
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Summer Anne Lee, a fashion historian at the Fashion Institute of Technology, told Newsweek she literally "gasped" when she saw the look. She noted that while Sanchez was technically just an attendee and not part of the official ceremony, a "revealing lingerie moment" was likely a first in the history of U.S. presidential inaugurations.
The pivot: The Starlight Ball
If Sanchez felt the heat from the morning’s criticism, she didn't show it. In fact, she did what most modern celebrities do—she leaned into the "haters." She began "liking" supportive comments on Instagram, including one that told her she "ate" the inaugural look and shouldn't listen to the noise.
However, when the sun went down and the Starlight Ball began, Sanchez performed a total style 180.
For the evening festivities, she swapped the "lingerie suit" for an ethereal, golden-peach Dolce & Gabbana gown. This look featured:
- A structured satin corset (her signature, clearly)
- Soft tulle sleeves that draped over her shoulders
- Dangling pearl chandelier earrings
- Soft, romantic curls instead of the sleek updo she wore earlier
The gown was still sexy, sure, but it was much more in line with traditional "black tie" expectations. Fans who had slammed the morning outfit were suddenly praising her for looking "stunning" and "regal." It felt like a strategic move to soften the blow of the morning's controversy.
What this says about the "New Power" aesthetic
The debate over Lauren Sanchez at the inauguration isn't really about a bra. It's about a clash of cultures. On one side, you have the old-school Washington tradition that demands modesty, subtlety, and "decorum." On the other, you have the "New Power" aesthetic—the billionaire class that views themselves as global celebrities who don't need to follow the rules of the D.C. establishment.
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Jeff Bezos himself kept it classic in a dark suit with an oxblood tie, but his fiancée’s choice signaled that they aren't looking to blend in. They are looking to stand out.
Whether you think she looked "trashy" or "trailblazing," one thing is certain: Lauren Sanchez knows how to command a room. She turned a political milestone into a fashion referendum.
Key takeaways from the Sanchez style saga
If you're looking for the actionable "TL;DR" on this fashion firestorm, here is what we can learn from the 2025 inauguration style choices:
- Context is King. A look that works for a high-profile media interview in New York might not translate to the halls of the Capitol. Formal state events still carry a heavy weight of traditionalism.
- The Power of the Pivot. Sanchez’s shift from the McQueen suit to the D&G gown shows she understands how to manage a narrative. If the first look causes a scandal, the second look should offer a "redemption."
- Billionaire Branding. The tech elite are increasingly using fashion to signal that they are distinct from the political class. Sanchez's outfit was a reminder that she answers to her own brand, not a government protocol office.
To truly understand the impact of these choices, keep an eye on how future "First-Adjacent" figures dress for state functions. We might be moving toward an era where the "rules" of political fashion are finally being rewritten—or at least, being challenged by a very expensive lace bustier.
Next Steps for the Fashion Conscious:
If you want to emulate the more "approachable" version of Sanchez's look, skip the visible lingerie for daytime and look for a tailored white blazer with a high-neck silk camisole. This gives you the power of the "Winter White" suit without the social media backlash. For evening wear, look for gowns with internal corsetry to get that structured silhouette without needing to show the actual undergarment.