Bernie Sanders Became A Meme Because He Showed Up To The Inauguration Dressed So Practically

The senator wore signature Vermont mittens, a parka, and carried an envelope like he had errands to run afterward.

Like it or not, Inauguration Day can become the Oscars red carpet of political events. People pay attention to what political leaders are wearing, and many of them show up in their finest. (Kamala Harris and Jill Biden both wore vibrant, colorful coats, that people loved.)

Sen. Bernie Sanders, however, showed up dressed down and extremely mindful of the freezing weather.

Sanders wore a winter coat and signature wool Vermont mittens — and came carrying a manila folder?

His extremely practical look became an instant meme.

Bernie with zero sartorial consideration. Just full Vermont grandfather

Twitter: @Kozza

Bernie Sanders’ manila envelope and woolen mittens: where to get the look

Twitter: @caitiedelaney

People online joked he was channeling full Vermont dad energy. His mittens were a particularly endearing choice because, according to BuzzFeed News political reporter Ruby Cramer, they're a staple in the senator's home state and they were gifted to him by a teacher two years ago.

"Bernie’s mittens are made by Jen Ellis, a teacher from Essex Junction, Vt. She gave them to him 2+ years ago and was surprised when he began wearing them on the campaign trail," Cramer tweeted. "They are made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles."

More simply, it was really cold in Washington, DC, and the mittens are probably really warm!

Twitter: @nolanmobie

Lmaooo I love Bernie’s “I couldn’t care less about pomp and circumstance” coat and mittens combo

Twitter: @LeighGiangreco

And while it was first unclear what was inside the envelope he was seen carrying to the inauguration, people hilariously joked that he had errands to run after the historical presidential handoff.

A source later told Cramer that Sanders was holding the original envelope his inauguration tickets came in.

Bernie is on his way to the post office.

Twitter: @bhrenton

Bernie has places to be after this 😭

Twitter: @AstasiaWill

That, or he's still working and drafting new policies during the inauguration, others joked.

Bernie’s got the green new deal in there. He wanted to hand deliver it on day 1. https://t.co/oebVjbFA2v

Twitter: @evanlweber

When Sanders was captured sitting in the audience socially distanced, it created a whole new relatable Mood.

In Jewish yoga this pose is: waiting for my wife at Loehmann's

Twitter: @ChanSteele

I am once again asking that you not talk to me at parties.

Twitter: @obedmanuel

Here's to Sanders' extremely practical choices during a historic and flashy ceremony. We understand; we relate; we all got shit to do.

bernie sanders’ thoughts on the events of today:

Twitter: @douglaskeele

Bernie, on his way to a Stewart’s for coffee, has parked his Subaru on the capitol lawn to briefly attend the inauguration

Twitter: @tai_leclaire

That burlington coat factory drip 💦 https://t.co/5rwIKlgXx8

Twitter: @SophRossss

Your uncle Bernie stepped out to the bodega for a cream cheese and lox bagel and got trapped at an inauguration.

Twitter: @lesterkk


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