Virginia tradition calls for morning suits at an inauguration. But Spanberger switched things up

In a symbolic break with tradition, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger made history Saturday not only as the state’s first female governor but also through her choice of attire at the inauguration ceremony in Richmond.

Departing from the long-established protocol requiring male officials to wear morning coats with tails and women to don dark suits, Spanberger appeared in an all-white ensemble complete with a long white coat adorned with gold buttons and matching white gloves. The color choice carried significant historical meaning, representing the women’s suffrage movement that fought for and eventually secured voting rights for American women.

Virginia’s inaugural traditions, formally documented in “A Guide to Virginia Protocol and Traditions,” have long prescribed specific attire for these ceremonies. While many participants in Saturday’s official party—including Spanberger’s husband—adhered to these guidelines, the new governor had previously signaled her intent to chart a different course.

“I’m not going to wear a morning coat, not to disappoint anyone,” Spanberger told NPR in a recent interview before the ceremony.

During her inaugural address, Spanberger acknowledged the historical significance of the moment, paying tribute to the suffragists whose persistence made her governorship possible.

“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,” she said in her speech.

The white attire has become an established symbol in American politics for women honoring the suffrage movement. The tradition traces back to the early 20th century when suffragists often wore white while demonstrating for voting rights. In recent years, female politicians have revived this visual statement, most notably during State of the Union addresses and other significant political events.

Spanberger’s decision to wear white instead of the traditional dark suit represents more than a fashion choice—it visually connects her historic achievement to the broader struggle for women’s political representation. Virginia, a state with deep historical roots dating to the early colonial period, had never before sworn in a female governor in its more than 400-year history.

Political analysts note that this sartorial choice aligns with Spanberger’s reputation as a moderate Democrat willing to break with convention when it serves a meaningful purpose. Before entering politics, Spanberger served as a CIA officer and later represented Virginia’s 7th congressional district, building a record as a pragmatic legislator capable of working across party lines.

The inauguration drew thousands of spectators to Richmond, many of whom commented on the visual impact of seeing Virginia’s first female governor dressed in the iconic color of women’s political empowerment. Several women in attendance were also dressed in white in solidarity with the historic moment.

Virginia’s gubernatorial traditions date back centuries, with the state proud of its political heritage as the birthplace of many founding fathers. However, until the 21st century, these traditions primarily reflected male leadership. Spanberger’s inauguration signals an evolution in how Virginia’s political institutions accommodate greater diversity among elected officials.

While Spanberger’s office did not provide an official statement regarding her choice of attire, the visual message resonated clearly throughout the ceremony and in coverage of the event. Her white ensemble served as a reminder of both how far women’s political participation has come and the relatively recent nature of these advances in American democracy.

As Spanberger begins her four-year term, her inaugural fashion choice will likely be remembered as an appropriate symbolic gesture marking a significant milestone in Virginia’s political history.