Jill Biden's dress is the perfect tribute to Japan at Tokyo Olympics

Jill Biden's dress ahead of the Tokyo Olympics showcases the First Lady's respect for other cultures

Jill Biden recycles a gown
(Image credit: Getty)

Jill Biden has made a fitting tribute to Japan with her latest wardrobe choice, stepping out in a stunning floral dress ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. 

The First Lady is no stranger to picking out dresses so it's no surprise to see she's already nailing overseas fashion on her first international solo trip. Jill had fans swooning after she emerged in a luxurious Tom Ford design to meet Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo on Thursday, proving once again the Professor of English knows just how to dress for the occasion. 

With its silk fabric and flowery print, the sky and black gown emulates the hallmarks of Kimono dresses, Japan's traditional garments. Its belted waist also nods at the sashes of the ancient clothing, which are known as 'obis' and were first used to prevent the satin garment from unraveling. 

(Photo by STR/JAPAN POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

(Image credit: STR/JAPAN POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Jill also expressed her respect for Japan's modern social customs with the $1,495 dress. The national culture expects a conservative dress code when it comes to business affairs, with exposed skin usually a no-no at formal events. 

The First Lady had obviously done her research before selecting her outfit, opting for a modest yet stylish dress for the VIP engagement. Its long sleeves, collared neck, and midi hemline made for the perfect ensemble to attend an extravagant dinner with the Prime Minister and his wife Mariko Suga at Akasaka Palace, the country's guest house for state visitors. 


Painted Floral Midi Dress, $2,990 $1,495 | Tom Ford

Painted Floral Midi Dress, $2,990 <a href="https://www.tomford.com/painted-floral-print-midi-belted-dress/AB2992-FAP119.html?dwvar_AB2992-FAP119_color=XHBLB&cgid=women-ready-to-wear-dresses" data-link-merchant="tomford.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$1,495 | Tom Ford

Jill's stunning gown is a long sleeve midi belted dress with a tied neckline and front diagonal opening. The silk satin is painted with light blue tropical flowers, soft green leaves, and shades of yellow. 

Jill Biden's red dress in Tokyo has also been causing a stir 

Jill Biden's red dress, which she wore on arrival to Tokyo, has also been well received by fans. The custom Narciso Rodriguez cape layer gown was hard to miss as she emerged from the Air Force One at about 3.30pm local time yesterday. While the fitted piece isn't as obviously inspired by Japanese fashion, it does align with many of the dress code guidelines for the country's formal occasions. 

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It's clear Jill Biden is not afraid to recycle fashion, having now donned this Tom Ford dress twice in the last month. The First Lady was originally spotted wearing the spring-themed garment underneath a brown coat at the G7 summit in England, proving she has absolutely no qualms about reusing her clothes. 

She was also photographed in a navy Oscar de la Renta dress more than once, wearing it to a musical performance in Cornwall just a few months after its public debut at President Biden's election rally. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.