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Bernie Sanders' Inauguration Day casual outfit makes him instant style icon, here's why his mittens are special

Sanders' mittens are made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles

Inauguration Day is usually a political day, but of late, it has also become a day to make fashion statements. While first lady, Dr. Jill Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris stunned in their respective dresses, both by up-and-coming designers, it was Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) who stole the spotlight with his casual outfit completed with a pair of mittens that has a special origin.

For Sanders, Inauguration Day 2021 -- which saw the country's first female Vice President as well as the first Black and South Asian Vice President -- was just like any other day as Joe Biden takes over what is seen as a country fractured by an economic downturn, a once-in-a-century pandemic, and discord. 

Sporting his signature windswept hair, his characteristic grey puffer jacket, and his oversized mittens -- as well as a huge manila envelope -- Sanders immediately became a meme, as many took to social media to laud his appearance at the Inauguration Day festivities as well as point out the fun side of it.

One user joked, "Bernie Sanders giving off strong 'Sir Alex watching from the stands at Old Trafford' vibes at the inauguration #InaugurationDay," referring to the English Premier League team Manchester United. Another user wrote, "Bernie looks fully prepared to leave this event early to mail his taxes and cash a cashier's check."

One user lauded him as a style icon, writing, "As usual, @BernieSanders, the style icon! Check out #berniesmittens - Cool #Bernie. I love you, man!" Another user tweeted, "Bernie Sanders at the #Inauguration is my entire attitude towards 2021: right, I'm here, you're here, it's cold, don't touch me, please get on with it because we have things to do."

Buzzfeed political reporter Ruby Cramer was quick to point out the significance of Sanders' outfit, tweeting about his mittens, "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. They are made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles."

According to The Boston Globe, Ellis first knit the oversized "oven gloves" for staff at her daughters' daycare, which included Sanders' daughter-in-law, Liza Driscoll. She made a bonus pair for Sanders as well and was "surprised when he began wearing them on the campaign trail."

According to Seven Days, Ellis also included a note for Sanders, writing, "I believe in you, I've always believed in you and I hope you run again."