Jill Biden has become known for her reluctance to play the fashion game, as she has mentioned in interviews. Unlike Michelle Obama and Melania Trump, who have used fashion as a tool for diplomacy and politics, Biden has taken a different approach. Despite this, she has shown that there are many ways to make an impact, as evidenced by her recent trip to the Tokyo Olympics where she represented American designers while wearing outfits from local designers. She also embodied the theme of the Olympics, which focused on being environmentally friendly and working together for the planet and people. Biden wore mostly recycled outfits from her closet during her trip to Japan, with the exception of a new Ralph Lauren navy jacket and pants that were part of the official US Olympic Team uniform. This sustainable fashion choice was also evident at public events, including her arrival in Tokyo wearing a red caped Narciso Rodriguez dress. The outfit was worn during a visit to a Florida vaccination site with Anthony Fauci in June. The floral Tom Ford outfit was worn to dinner with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan and his wife Mariko, and also at the G-7 summit in Britain in July. The polka-dot Brandon Maxwell outfit was worn at the opening ceremony, as well as the one under the famous "Love" jacket. The white Michael Kors dress was worn in Tokyo under a Team USA jacket and had previously been worn at a G-7 appearance with a navy jacket in Britain by President Joe Biden and the first lady. Even the lilac dress Jill Biden wore in Honolulu at the end of the trip had been worn before. Recycling wardrobe may not seem significant, but it has been rare since the 21st century for image-making, celebrities, and their powerful counterparts. The constant demand for new content has typically been associated with new outfits on the red carpet or at events of importance. It has been entertaining to observe and guess the designer behind the outfits. However, it has also unintentionally contributed to the culture of disposable fashion that has led to an excess of clothing that many are now complaining about. This trend also reinforces the idea that every occasion requires a new outfit. Biden's decision to reject this cycle is a significant departure from recent norms, much like her choice to continue working as a professor while in the White House. This decision could be just as impactful, especially if it garners attention. Biden is not dismissing fashion entirely - each outfit she wears contributes to the current narrative of New York Fashion Week, featuring both established and emerging American brands. By doing so, she is supporting local businesses on a global platform. Instead of discarding her clothes, she is emphasizing their importance by wearing them again. The belief is that if a piece of clothing makes you feel confident and empowered, you should hold onto it for the future. These garments are worth investing in for the long run, serving not only as a statement piece for others but also as a source of empowerment for the wearer. They are not disposable items. The idea that anyone could achieve the same thing, regardless of awareness of sustainability, is relatable. It is possible that the decision to rewear outfits was simply coincidental, as the individual was busy preparing for the Olympics and did not have time to plan her wardrobe. However, considering the attention on her first solo trip and the controversial nature of the event, it seems unlikely that her choices were not deliberate. Due to pandemic restrictions limiting the number of audience members in the arena, Biden knew that she would easily stand out in the sparse crowd. While her words may not be heard, her fashion choices would definitely be seen. Her repeated use of recycled styles during events in the first 100 days of her husband's administration, which align with the climate-focused aspect of the Biden agenda, may have reached its peak during this trip. This indicates that her fashion choices may become a defining element of Biden's time in the East Wing, showing how she is shaping her role going forward. This would be a win-win situation for everyone involved. Copyright 2021 by The New York Times Company.