Jill Biden has been known to be hesitant about her role in fashion, stating that she is surprised by the amount of attention her wardrobe receives. Unlike Michelle Obama, she does not use fashion as a diplomatic tool, nor does she approach it as Melania Trump did, mixing high fashion with politics. However, during her recent solo trip to the Tokyo Olympics, she demonstrated that there are different ways to make an impact, showcasing a variety of local designers to represent the American industry. She also embodied the theme of the Olympics, which focused on being environmentally friendly, with the motto "Be better, together - For the planet and the people." Biden wore only one new outfit during her trip to Japan, a Ralph Lauren navy jacket and pants as part of the official US Olympic Team uniform. The rest of her clothing were recycled outfits from her closet, even at important public events. This outfit was worn during a visit to a Florida vaccination site with Anthony Fauci in June. The floral Tom Ford dress was worn at a dinner with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan and his wife Mariko, as well as at the G-7 summit in Britain in July. The polka-dot Brandon Maxwell dress was also worn at the opening ceremony, along with the much-discussed "Love" jacket. Mentioning the white Michael Kors dress worn in Tokyo under a Team USA jacket, the dress had previously been worn under a navy jacket during President Joe Biden and the first lady's arrival in Britain. Even the lilac dress Jill Biden wore in Honolulu had been seen before. Recycling wardrobe may not seem significant, but it has been rare since the 21st century when it comes to image-making, celebrities, and powerful political or entrepreneurial figures. The constant demand for new content has typically been associated with new outfits on the red carpet, premieres, or state occasions. It has been entertaining to observe and a fun distraction to guess the designer. However, it has also unintentionally reinforced the mindset of disposable fashion, contributing to the overwhelming amount of clothing that many people now lament. It suggests that every occasion requires a new outfit. Biden's decision to break this cycle is a significant departure from recent norms, similar to her choice to continue working as a professor while in the White House. This decision may hold just as much importance, and potentially even more influence if people take notice. She is not disregarding 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 playing a role in promoting local businesses on a global platform. Instead of discarding her clothes, she is emphasizing their worth by wearing them again. The message is that when you discover a piece of clothing that makes you feel confident and like your best self, you should hold onto it. If it had a positive impact on you once, it will likely do so again. This kind of garment is worth investing in for the future, not just for the person wearing it but also for those who see it. It is not something to be disposed of easily. The idea that anyone can relate to reusing clothing, regardless of their knowledge of sustainability, is something that stands out. It is possible that the athlete's decision to rewear outfits was coincidental, as she was very busy before the Olympics and did not have a stylist to help her pack. However, considering that it was her first solo trip and the controversy surrounding the Olympics, it seems unlikely that this was a mere coincidence. Due to the pandemic restrictions causing a lack of other audience members in the arena, Biden knew she would stand out. While her words may not be heard, her outfit would definitely be seen. Her consistent recycling of 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 this will now be a defining feature of Biden's time in the East Wing and how she progresses in her role. If this is the case, everyone benefits. Copyright 2021 by The New York Times Company.