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Biden’s historical inauguration ceremony had everyone pulling out their genuine smiles, uplifting spirits, and polished outfits, of course.

Jill Biden set the tone as the first lady with a custom look with shades of blue to "signify trust, confidence, and stability." Vice President Kamala Harris was sworn in while wearing a stunning purple ensemble by two young and talented Black designers. And Michelle Obama wowed everyone with a head-to-toe plum and burgundy outfit by Sergio Hudson.

But it’s not them who won the hearts of the internet. The veteran Senator Bernie Sanders sported an exceptionally casual look with huge woolen mittens, his staple winter jacket, and a standard blue surgical mask. Bernie surely meant to keep it practical as the cold wind was blowing on the momentous day.

The look was instantly dubbed ‘iconic,’ with many totally relating to Bernie's low-key effort and simplicity. The hand-warming choice also stole the spotlight in the inauguration meme game, and here are the funniest reactions people have tweeted.

Image credits: Brendan Smialowski

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To find out more about why exactly Bernie Sanders stole the inauguration day and became a viral legend for an outfit that doesn’t look exactly like the most fashionable one out there, Bored Panda reached out to Lina Survila. Lina is the editor in chief at Abstract Stylist news blog that serves as a modern-day guide to fashion, culture, and alternative lifestyle.

“Did Bernie Sanders' outfit matter, and if so, why? Yes! Fashion practically stole the inauguration day. And apparently, the internet thinks Bernie did the best job out there.”

Lina believes that Bernie's look’s indisputable success has to with his very own “eye-catching moment in the context of statement outfits.” “Bernie did the same as others at the ceremony, but in his very own way,” she said.

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The question remains whether to steal the spotlight was his intention, and knowing Bernie and his practical, simple, and authentic ways of going out and about in this world, the probable answer would be negative. After all, he’s the (hu)man of humans.

“I think this outfit mirrors how many Americans feel. It is everything anyone could wear with a twist,” Lina explained. “Why do we relate to Bernie and not Lady Gaga? We all just want to sit there like Bernie and wait while this pandemic passes.”

And when it comes to those huge, cute mittens, Lina calls them “the cherry on top” of his casual inauguration look. “These mittens were made by teacher Jen Ellis that Bernie got as a gift from her,” Lina said and added: “How many celebrities (if I could call him that) actually wear something people gift to them?” This, of course, makes the whole look even more sentimental and Bernie-like, and this is precisely what’s been stealing people's hearts.

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juliaa1960 avatar
Julia Atkinson
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Giant mittens - perfect for when you have to post some mail AND attend a presidential inauguration!

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It turns out, Bernie’s viral mittens have a very heartwarming story. The Buzzfeed News political reporter Ruby Cramer wrote on her Twitter that they were made by a teacher, Jen Ellis, from Essex Junction, Vermont.

According to her tweet, the teacher “gave them to him 2+ years ago and was surprised when he began wearing them on the campaign trail.” Plus, the mittens are a perfect example of sustainable fashion! “They are made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles,” Cramer said.

When asked what Bernie thinks of the whole stir his inauguration outfit has caused, the veteran senator had a likewise simple reply. “In Vermont, we dress warm... and we're not so concerned about good fashion. We want to keep warm. And that's what I did today." No wonder so many people are totally relating to his 'iconic,' yet extremely low-key look.

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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cannot express how much better it looks with that man sitting there. (Not talking about Bernie.)

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Note: this post originally had 68 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.