Inauguration Style SHOCK: Did Spanberger Break a Centuries-Old Tradition?!

RICHMOND, Va. -- Okay, let's talk Inauguration fashion, shall we? Virginia's governors, steeped in tradition as they are, *traditionally* rock morning suits for their swearing-in ceremonies. We're talking formal daytime attire, those long-tailed coats and all the trimmings. It's a whole thing. But this year? Things took a turn, and I've gotta say, it was a pretty powerful one.

Inauguration Style SHOCK: Did Spanberger Break a C...

For her Inauguration this past Saturday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger, making history as the first woman to hold the office, decided to switch things up. Instead of the expected morning coat – which, let's be honest, she probably couldn't pull off anyway – she donned a stunning white ensemble. All white. Now, if you know anything about symbolism, that color choice speaks volumes.

According to the somewhat dusty, but still relevant, “A Guide to Virginia Protocol and Traditions,” the men in the official party are expected to sport those morning coats, while women accompanying them typically opt for dark suits. And indeed, many did stick to the script on Saturday, including the new governor's husband, who looked quite dashing in his own traditional attire. Respect for tradition is a good thing, of course.

We reached out to Spanberger's office for a comment on her sartorial selection, but haven't heard back just yet. However, she did drop a hint about her intentions in a recent NPR interview. "I’m not going to wear a morning coat, not to disappoint anyone," she stated. So, clearly, she was aware of the tradition, and made a conscious decision to deviate.

The new governor’s white outfit – a long, elegant white coat adorned with gold buttons, paired with equally pristine white gloves – appeared to be a direct and deliberate nod to the women’s suffrage movement. Think about it: white was a signature color of the suffragists. It's hard to see it as anything else. In her inaugural address, Spanberger herself acknowledged the significance of the moment, emphasizing the suffragists' unwavering determination and refusal to back down. That's a powerful connection.

Ultimately, whether it was intentional or not (and let's be real, it was probably very intentional), Spanberger's choice was more than just a fashion statement. It was a symbol. A symbol of progress, a symbol of breaking barriers, and a symbol of honoring those who paved the way for her to stand on that stage. And you know what? It looked pretty darn good, too. Tradition is great, but sometimes, a little change can make a big statement.