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Jill Biden’s Silky Dress Has a Sustainable Twist at the First Presidential Debate

Fans of Gabriela Hearst may recognize this design from 2017.
jill biden, joe biden, presidential debate, green dress, heels, shoes, style, dress, outfit
Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.), right, walks with his wife Jill after announcing his candidacy for president, Tuesday, June 9, 1987, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/George Widman)
Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.), flanked by his wife Jill and daughter Ashley, meets with reporters following his release form Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, May 21, 1988.  Biden underwent successful surgery earlier this month to correct an aneurysm near his brain. (AP Photo/Adelle Starr)
Jill Biden, left, wife of vice presidential running mate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., and Michelle Obama, wife of presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., arrive for a campaign rally introducing Biden as Obama's running mate Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Jill Biden, right, Jean Biden, center, and Ashley Biden on stage at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008.  (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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Jill Biden attended the first presidential debate last night in Cleveland between her husband and Democratic candidate Joe Biden and incumbent President Donald Trump.

After the debate moderated by Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, Jill joined her husband on stage in a green satin dress coated in fringe. Matched to an Athleta face mask, the midi-length design with its long-sleeve finish comes from Gabriela Hearst and is a recycled design the brand’s fall ’17 collection. Though now sold out, the Kelley design once retailed for $1,585 at MatchesFashion.com.

jill biden, joe biden, presidential debate, green dress, heels, shoes, style, dress, outfit
Joe Biden and Jill Biden at the first presidential debate in Cleveland, Sept. 29.AP

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Jill Biden and Joe Biden after the first presidential debate in Cleveland, Sept. 29.MEGA
jill biden, joe biden, presidential debate, green dress, heels, shoes, style, dress, outfit
A closer view of Jill Biden’s designer heels.MEGA

As for footwear, the former educator introduced a new brand into her rotation: Valentino. The former second lady opted for the Valentino Garavani signature Rockstud pumps in a mixed nude and black colorway, all covered with sharp square studs across its strappy design. Finished off with an impressive 4-inch stiletto heel, the pair retails for $995 at Farfetch.com.

jill biden, joe biden, presidential debate, green dress, heels, shoes, style, dress, outfit
(L-R) Melania Trump, Donald Trump, Joe Biden and Jill Biden at the first presidential debate in Cleveland, Sept. 29.MEGA

jill biden, joe biden, presidential debate, green dress, heels, shoes, style, dress, outfit
A closer view of Jill Biden’s designer heels.MEGA
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Valentino Garavani Rockstud pumps.Courtesy of Farfetch

As for Jill Biden’s dress, the designer Gabriela Hearst herself took to Instagram to share the news behind the design, explaining that the dress is actually a repurposed design from three years prior, before going on to discuss topics of climate change and environmental impact.

In the fashion world, recycled dresses and gowns are slowly becoming the new normal on red carpets and at major events as stars take a more sustainable route to their styling. In this manner, figures like Jill Biden herself are giving new life to older pieces with lessened environmental impact thanks to the elimination of additional production and manufacturing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFwH87PA07P/

As for Jill Biden’s own personal style, Valentino and Gabriela Hearst are just two of the many brands in the former educator’s rotation. When it comes to shoes, the former educator has always been a fan of slingback silhouettes, which are known for their ease of wear thanks to straps around the bank of the ankle. Her go-to brands include Dior and Prada. She also is known for her love of running and in the past has preferred workout-ready footwear from running brand On as well as her newfound love for Stuart Weitzman’s standout Vote boots.

Give your outfit an edgy touch with these twists on studded sandals inspired by Jill Biden’s pick.

sandals, shoes, heels, black, nude, studded, cecelia

To Buy: Cecelia New York Vanessa Sandals, $92 (was $230).

sandals, shoes, heels, black, nude, studded, kurt geiger london

To Buy: Kurt Geiger London Portia Sandals, $150.

sandals, shoes, heels, black, nude, studded, steve madden

To Buy: Steve Madden Denali Sandals, $100.

Click through the gallery to see more of Jill Biden’s top looks over the years.

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Jill Biden’s Presidential Debate Green Dress Has a Sustainable Twist
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