
Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images/Kevin Dietsch/Shannon Finney/Getty Images
Usha Vance is finding her fashion footing as second lady.
The former lawyer and mother of three made a splash with her brightly colored outfits and sparkly gowns during inauguration week in January, when her husband, JD Vance, was sworn in as vice president alongside President Donald Trump.
Though she’s had other standout fashion moments in the spotlight, they haven’t all been wins. Take a look at the best and worst outfits she’s worn so far.
Usha Vance set the tone for her second lady style at the Republican National Convention in July 2024.

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Though Vance wasn’t the second lady yet, she shared a glimpse of what her fashion in the role could look like while on the campaign trail.
In July 2024, she spoke at the RNC in a knee-length, form-fitting dress designed by Badgley Mischka.
The bright blue color was a refreshing choice for the event, and the combination of the traditional silhouette and asymmetrical neckline gave the look a modern feel.
Vance completed the outfit with black, open-toed heels.
The outfit Vance wore at a rally the same month was a bit too plain.

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Vance accompanied her husband to a rally in Ohio in a light-gray top with a belt at her waist. She paired it with gray trousers.
The outfit would work well as a laid-back office look, but the neutral tone and casual feel were underwhelming for the rally, particularly next to her husband’s suit.
Her floral dress for an August 2024 rally popped in a sea of suits.

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In contrast to her gray look, Vance attended a rally in August 2024 in a wrap dress with an exaggerated collar.
Covered in an orange, floral pattern and flaring around her legs, the outfit was both summery and professional. It also contrasted nicely with her husband’s blue suit and tie.
The balance was a bit off in her jacket and floral skirt for an October 2024 rally.

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Vance’s next floral look wasn’t as strong as her August look. She attended an October rally in a blue high-neck top, a blue blazer, and a high-waisted skirt covered in yellow flowers.
The patterned skirt was cute, but almost contrasted too much with her simple top and jacket. The outfit would have felt more cohesive if she had also incorporated yellow into the top half.
The second lady wore a slew of stylish looks during inauguration week in January, starting with a strapless black dress.

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She stood out repeatedly the week her husband was inaugurated as vice president, starting with the black Oscar de la Renta gown she wore to a reception at the National Gallery of Art.
The strapless gown featured a sweetheart neckline, an asymmetrical hemline, and crystal brooches on the bodice. It was elegant and had just enough sparkle to stand out.
Her white coat for a wreath-laying ceremony popped next to Melania Trump’s all-black look.

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While the first lady wore all black to a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Vance opted for a white coat from Sergio Hudson. She wore brown gloves and boots with the jacket.
Despite its bright color, the simplicity of the look ensured it still felt serious enough for the occasion.
She also wore a stylish coat for the inauguration ceremony.

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The second lady turned to Oscar de la Renta for her outfit for Inauguration Day. She arrived in a pink coat and a matching dress. The coat came with a scarf, which Vance wore tucked into a thin belt around her waist.
Taupe Manolo Blahnik boots and matching gloves completed the feminine ensemble, which seemed to take inspiration from silhouettes favored by Jackie Kennedy.
The second lady changed into a sparkly dress for the inaugural balls.

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Reem Acra designed her shimmering blue gown, one of the best looks at the 2025 inaugural balls.
The strapless dress cinched at the waist and had sparkles that cascaded above the neckline. It was festive and stylish.
A blue dress Vance wore in France could have stood out more with statement accessories.

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In February, Vance accompanied her husband to meet Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, arriving in a blue dress designed by Favorite Daughter.
The top of the dress looked like a loose blouse, cinching low on her waist before flowing into an ankle-length skirt. She paired the dress with black shoes.
The dress was pretty and professional, but the second lady didn’t wear any accessories, making the look seem incomplete. A statement watch or necklace could have elevated the ensemble.
A pair of teal pants that she wore in March were more distracting than fashionable.

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In March, the Vances hosted Ireland’s prime minister, Micheál Martin, and his wife, Mary O’Shea, for a St. Patrick’s Day breakfast at their home in DC.
For the occasion, Vance wore a navy Veronica Beard blazer, pairing it with a high-neck black top, teal trousers, and simple pumps.
Although the pants were on theme for St. Patrick’s Day, they didn’t look cohesive with the rest of the second lady’s dark-toned outfit. She could have tied her outfit together by incorporating teal or another lighter color into the top half of her look.
In April, the second lady wore a patterned dress that seemed too casual for a ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

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Vance wore a black-and-gray patterned dress from Ba&sh to attend a Good Friday church service at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The dress, which had short sleeves and a tiered skirt, looked a bit out of place at the ceremony, as other attendees wore fully black dresses. If the garment hadn’t been printed, it would have worked better for the event.
Later the same month, she wore an eye-catching dress for a visit to India.

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Vance arrived in New Delhi wearing a dress from Saloni in the shade “Hibiscus,” a pale red that coordinated with her husband’s tie.
The dress had a high neckline, and the skirt cinched at her waist before flowing to her ankles. The tailored ensemble looked effortlessly chic, a vibe that Vance played up with sunglasses and nude heels.
The modern spin on second lady attire was a solid choice.
The striped pattern on her sundress during the same trip was chic and laid-back.

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During her trip to India, Vance visited the Taj Mahal with her family and wore a blue-and-white striped sundress.
The midi dress had a collared neckline and was cinched at the waist, and Vance paired it with white loafers.
The preppy outfit matched the color scheme of her sons’ outfits, which added a nice touch.
Vance wore a traditional look to meet Pope Leo XIV, but the sleeves were distracting.

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When Vance joined her husband and the Rubios to meet Pope Leo XIV, she wore a tea-length black dress designed by Tuckernuck. It had a high neckline and bubble sleeves.
She paired the dress with black heels and a veil, as is traditional for women to wear when meeting the pope. The modest look could have been a perfect fit for the occasion, though the puffed sleeves seemed too big for the moment.
Vance would have been better off wearing a simpler silhouette, as Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio did.
The second lady wore one of her most fashion-forward looks to date to attend a production of “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center in June.

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Vance arrived in a navy gown from Shoshanna for the opening night of “Les Misérables.”
The $635 dress had a strapless, asymmetrical neckline and a column-style silhouette. Sparkly embellishments on the bodice and waistline gave it shape, and a slit on one side added a daring edge.
The dress was similar to both Melania Trump’s and Cheryl Hines’ gowns that evening, though the second lady stood out thanks to the sparkles.
She kept her accessories simple, wearing dark pumps, diamond earrings, and an updo. Her look also coordinated with her husband’s blue suit, making her look even more stylish.
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