In a historic break from convention, Virginia's new Governor, Abigail Spanberger, chose to forgo the traditional morning suit at her inauguration on Saturday 17 January 2026, opting instead for a powerful sartorial statement in white.
A Departure from Protocol
For generations, Virginia's gubernatorial inaugurations have adhered to a strict dress code outlined in A Guide to Virginia Protocol and Traditions. The tradition dictates that men in the official party wear formal morning coats with long tails, while women wear dark suits. On Saturday, many attendees, including Spanberger's own husband, followed this established custom.
However, Governor Abigail Spanberger, the first woman ever elected to the role in Virginia, made a deliberate choice to step away from this precedent. Her office did not comment on the outfit, but the Governor had previously signalled her intentions in an interview with NPR, stating plainly, "I'm not going to wear a morning coat, not to disappoint anyone."
A Nod to Suffragists and a Historic Moment
Spanberger's ensemble was a clear and calculated tribute. She wore a long white coat adorned with gold buttons, complemented by white gloves. This choice of colour is widely recognised as a symbol of the women's suffrage movement, which fought for and secured American women's right to vote.
In her inaugural address, the Governor underscored the gravity of her election and paid homage to those pioneers. "I maintain an abiding sense of gratitude to those who work, generation after generation, to ensure women could be among those casting ballots, but who could only dream of a day like today," Spanberger told the gathered crowd, directly acknowledging the suffragists' relentless struggle.
Symbolism and the Breaking of Tradition
The act of wearing white transforms a personal style choice into a public political symbol. It visually connects the state's first female governor to a pivotal movement in history, framing her inauguration not just as a political event, but as the culmination of a long fight for representation.
While the tradition of the morning suit remains for others, Spanberger's decision marks a significant moment where protocol was respectfully set aside for symbolism. It highlights how the entry of new voices into the highest offices can naturally reshape long-held customs, using tradition itself as a canvas to reflect progress and historical context.
