Who wowed the president's guests and who was off-key at Obama's inaugural ball?
Was Jill Biden's fringe Michelle's hairspiration? It can't be easy living in Michelle Obama's shadow, but Dr Biden is no style slouch (no slouch, period. Check those upper arms). Her Vera Wang gown is the perfect shade of blue for her hair, and nails the sophisticated elegance we have come to expect from the Obama White House. The silhouette reminds me a little of the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's classically beautiful Narciso Rodriguez wedding gown.
Alicia Keys was on message: she chose Michael Kors, a favourite designer of Michelle Obama's (Flotus wore a black sequinned boat-neck Kors dress for part of Sunday's celebrations). The full, sparkly skirt looks fabulous swooshing around that piano stool, the long length lends gravitas (sorry), while the open back adds a youthful wink so that Keys doesn't look too staid.
Look on the bright side, Brad: Barack must really like your music, because he didn't invite you for your fashion sense. Country singer Paisley looks – how to put this? – a little out of his depth at this occasion, style-wise. Red tie, white hat, blue guitar: see what he did there! This is patriotic dressing by numbers.
Michelle chose Jason Wu, the same designer she wore in 2009. But this time the dress was red instead of white, and the shape more Grecian goddess than blushing bride. The vibe is more mature, bolder, stronger. Barack looks awesome in a white bow tie. Also, is it just me, or is he looking younger again? (Grey hair excluded.)
Jennifer Hudson's dress is so slinky, it is made for slow dancing. And her shoes, if I'm not very much mistaken, are flying the flag for London style: those are the Dolly, by Charlotte Olympia, the label designed by half-English, half-Brazilian Cordwainers graduate Charlotte Dellal.