Former presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., sits in the bleachers on Capitol Hill before Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th U.S. President on Jan. 20, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)
There were plenty of bold fashion statements at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, from Lady Gaga’s couture gown and massive brooch to the optimistic color of Amanda Gorman’s yellow Prada coat, but it was Bernie Sanders "grumpy chic" look that stole the show.
Soon after photojournalist Brendan Smialowski took the now-famous photo of the Vermont senator sitting in a folding chair with his arms and legs crossed, the image went viral, sparking thousands of memes on social media placing Sanders in situations from a scene in Downton Abbey to the stage of Chicago’s Metro music venue.
For the inauguration, Sanders wore a nondescript but practical coat made by Burton, the Vermont-based ski brand, along with a pair of old-school Fair Isle mittens, setting the internet ablaze. The mittens were made by Vermont teacher Jen Ellis from repurposed sweaters and given to Sanders as a gift. Ellis sells the mittens on her site, with all proceeds going to charity. Sanders has a shop on his website that includes items emblazoned with the now-famous image. The line of T-shirts named "Chairman Sanders" sold out almost as soon as they launched, raising $1.8 million for Vermont charities.
The mittens
Stay warm in inaugural style with Fair Isle mittens. Foco’s mittens come in your favorite team colors, or you can celebrate with the red white, and blue Americana style. $30, foco.com
The jacket
Sanders wore Burton’s Edgecomb jacket to the inauguration, and the style is selling out fast. $314.96, burton.com
The chair
Relive the joyous day sitting in a back metal folding chair just like the one that Bernie sat in. Flash Furniture triple braced, back metal folding chair, $32.27, amazon.com
The mask
No designer masks needed. Bernie keeps it real with a standard-issue blue disposable 3-ply face mask. $8.99 for 50 masks, amazon.com
The keepsake
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled a rendering for the Bernie Sanders Inauguration Day Bobblehead. Pre-order now for May delivery. $25, store.bobbleheadhall.com
RELATED: Bernie Sanders and his mittens win social media during Biden’s big moment
Bernie Sanders and his mittens win social media during Biden’s big moment
"I am once again asking for a space heater." https://t.co/2PmfOWFGYE
— Daisy Razor-in-candy (@daisy_razor) January 20, 2021
Make no mistake, this is how Bernie would’ve shown up to his own inauguration as well. pic.twitter.com/IODzoGL1gJ
— Feed Me Bridgers™ (@TimDuffy) January 20, 2021
bernie arrives at inauguration, carrying what can only be a copy of The Plan in his manila envelope pic.twitter.com/NLLxVcJk4G
— Oliver Willis (@owillis) January 20, 2021
Bernie’s mittens are made by Jen Ellis, a teacher from Essex Junction, Vt. She gave them to him 2+ years ago and was surprised when he began wearing them on the campaign trail. They are made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. pic.twitter.com/ErLr29lY2t
— Ruby Cramer (@rubycramer) January 20, 2021
I wanna be Michelle Obama but I know I’m a Bernie Sanders pic.twitter.com/eHNgvEzAW6
— keesh (@keshiaerica) January 20, 2021
We are all Bernie Sanders today pic.twitter.com/LX79T1I88P
— Doth (@DothTheDoth) January 20, 2021
Bernie Sanders: “How long are these games? My feet are chilly.” pic.twitter.com/pGcInw8Gpv
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) January 20, 2021
Bernie Sanders, Steal his look pic.twitter.com/c4Hw48aCUu
— Emilia (@EmiliaDeLarge) January 20, 2021
bernie absolutely crushing vermont dadcore pic.twitter.com/fWp4dX5Xe2
— rebecca jennings (@rebexxxxa) January 20, 2021
i just love how much bernie sanders looks like a bystander wherever he goes pic.twitter.com/nIJfdWb2W6
— john rose (@johnrose_VA) January 20, 2021
Everyone else is at the Inauguration. Bernie Sanders is at his grandson's soccer match. https://t.co/0qgPAqtoFk
— Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) January 20, 2021
In all the inauguration fashion news, let us not overlook Senator Bernie Sanders’ mittens pic.twitter.com/BlZivZ8cMP
— Vanessa Friedman (@VVFriedman) January 20, 2021
"This could have been an email." #BernieSanders pic.twitter.com/NaGYQwY4bU
— Lamang (@lamangayidova) January 20, 2021
Wait, is Bernie is wearing the same jacket from his meme at the inauguration? pic.twitter.com/q0DtVNpZbB
— Alan Johnson (@TheAlanJohnson) January 20, 2021
Bernie has places to be after this 😭 pic.twitter.com/N8fSBHwgZi
— astasia (@AstasiaWill) January 20, 2021
Everyone else: wearing giant, dressy black and grey coats
— Cameron Newton (@CamBNewton) January 20, 2021
Bernie: This is my good jacket, and it keeps me warm. I’m wearing it pic.twitter.com/fZk9I90iVw
Bernie looks fully prepared to leave this event early to mail his taxes and cash a cashier's check pic.twitter.com/mKJHshDs5T
— Don King's Experienced Graphic Designer (@BoxrecGrey) January 20, 2021
This is now a Bernie Sanders mittens stan account 😍 pic.twitter.com/eHBNWGXkqy
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) January 20, 2021
