Jill Biden has become known for her reluctance to engage in fashion diplomacy like Michelle Obama or use high fashion tactics like Melania Trump. Despite this, she has shown that there are different ways to be successful, as evidenced by her recent trip to the Tokyo Olympics where she represented the American industry by wearing a variety of local designers. She also embodied the theme of the Olympics, which focused on sustainability, with the motto “Be better, together — For the planet and the people.” Biden wore mostly recycled outfits from her closet during her trip to Japan, only wearing a new Ralph Lauren navy jacket and pants as part of the official US Olympic Team uniform. Worn during a visit to a Florida vaccination site with Anthony Fauci in June was a floral Tom Ford outfit, while a polka-dot Brandon Maxwell was worn at the opening ceremony and the same outfit was also worn under the famous "Love" jacket at the G-7 summit in Britain in July. Additionally, the floral Tom Ford outfit was worn to dinner with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan and his wife Mariko. The white Michael Kors dress was worn in Tokyo with a Team USA jacket, and had also been worn earlier with a navy jacket during a G-7 appearance in Britain by President Joe Biden and the first lady. Jill Biden also wore a lilac dress in Honolulu that had been seen before on the trip. Recycling wardrobe choices may not seem significant, but it has been rare in the world of image-making and celebrities since the early 2000s. The constant need for new content is often associated with new outfits for red carpet events, premieres, and state occasions. It has been entertaining to see and guess the designer behind the outfits. However, it has also unintentionally reinforced the disposable nature of fashion, contributing to the abundance of material possessions that many people now lament. The idea that every occasion requires a new outfit has been perpetuated. Biden's decision to reject this cycle is a significant departure from recent norms, similar to her choice to continue working as a professor while serving in the White House. This decision may be just as influential as it is important, especially if people take notice. Biden is not dismissing fashion altogether - each outfit she wears contributes to the narrative of New York Fashion Week, showcasing both established and emerging American brands. By doing so, she is actively supporting local businesses on a global platform. Instead of constantly buying new clothes, she emphasizes the importance of reusing her wardrobe to highlight their worth. The belief that when you discover a piece of clothing that boosts your confidence and makes you feel your best, you should hold onto it. If it made you feel great once, it will continue to do so in the future. Such a garment is deserving of being worn for a long time, not just discarded after a few uses. It is just as much for the person wearing it as it is for others to see. It is not disposable. It is possible for anyone to do what she did. This is a relatable experience, regardless of our awareness of sustainability. It could be a coincidence that she repeatedly wore the same outfit, as she was busy with the Olympics and did not have time to plan her wardrobe. However, considering it was her first solo trip and the controversial nature of the Olympics, it seems unlikely that it was just a coincidence. Due to the lack of audience members in the arena caused by pandemic restrictions, Biden was aware that she would stand out. While her words may not be heard, her clothing choices would definitely be noticed. Her tendency to recycle styles during various events in the first 100 days of her husband's administration, which aligns with the climate-focused aspect of the Biden agenda, was most evident on this trip. This indicates that this may become a defining feature of Biden's time in the East Wing and how she progresses in her role. Ultimately, this benefits everyone involved. Copyright 2021 by The New York Times Company.