First Ladies’ Fashion: A Look Back at the Most Memorable Inauguration Day Outfits
From Rosalynn Carter to Melania Trump, first ladies have long used their Inauguration Day outfits to make statements. Many have opted to wear US brands, in a show of support for domestic design talent; others, most notably Michelle Obama, have incorporated affordable accessories everyday Americans could purchase.
Early Years
Mary Todd Lincoln wearing what’s believed to be her gown for President Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural ball in 1861
Julia Dent Grant’s gown from President Ulysses S. Grant’s second inauguration in 1873
Caroline Scott Harrison wearing Ghormley, Robes et Manteaux at President Benjamin Harrison’s inauguration in 1889
Ida Saxton McKinley at President William McKinley’s inauguration in 1897
Early 20th Century
Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt’s gown from President Theodore Roosevelt’s inaugural ball in 1905
Helen Taft at President William Howard Taft’s inauguration in 1909
Helen Taft at President William Howard Taft’s inaugural ball in 1909
Mid-20th Century
Eleanor Roosevelt wearing Silly Milgrim at President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first inauguration in 1933
Eleanor Roosevelt wearing Arnold Constable at President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first inauguration in 1933
Eleanor Roosevelt wearing Silly Milgrim at President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s second inauguration in 1937
Eleanor Roosevelt at President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s third inauguration in 1941
Eleanor Roosevelt wearing Arnold Constable at President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fourth inauguration in 1945
Late 20th Century
Bess Truman (center) at President Harry S. Truman’s inaugural ball in 1949
Mamie Eisenhower at President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first inauguration in 1953
Mamie Eisenhower wearing Nettie Rosenstein at President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first inaugural ball in 1953
Mamie Eisenhower wearing Nettie Rosenstein at President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s second inaugural ball in 1957
Modern Era
Jacqueline Kennedy wearing Oleg Cassini at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961
Jacqueline Kennedy wearing Ethel Frankau of Bergdorf Custom Salon at President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball in 1961
Claudia Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson at President Lyndon B. Johnson’s inauguration in 1965
Claudia Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson wearing John Moore at President Lyndon B. Johnson’s inaugural ball in 1965
Pat Nixon wearing Jay Sarnoff Custom Couture at President Richard Nixon’s first inauguration in 1969
Pat Nixon wearing Karen Stark for Harvey Berin at President Richard Nixon’s first inaugural ball in 1969
Pat Nixon at President Richard Nixon’s second inauguration in 1973
Pat Nixon wearing Adele Simpson at President Richard Nixon’s second inaugural ball in 1973
Contemporary Era
Rosalynn Carter wearing Dominic Rompollo at President Jimmy Carter’s first inauguration in 1977
Rosalynn Carter wearing Mary Matise for Jimmae at President Jimmy Carter’s inaugural ball in 1977
Nancy Reagan wearing Adolfo at President Ronald Reagan’s first inauguration in 1981
Nancy Reagan wearing James Galanos at President Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural ball in 1981
Nancy Reagan wearing Adolfo at President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985
Nancy Reagan wearing James Galanos at President Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural ball in 1985
Barbara Bush wearing Bill Blass at President George Bush’s inauguration in 1989
Barbara Bush wearing Arnold Scaasi at President George Bush’s inaugural ball in 1989
Recent Years
Hillary Clinton wearing Connie Fails at President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration in 1993
Hillary Clinton wearing Sarah Phillips at President Bill Clinton’s first inaugural ball in 1993
Hillary Clinton wearing Oscar de la Renta at President Bill Clinton’s second inauguration in 1997
Hillary Clinton wearing Oscar de la Renta at President Bill Clinton’s second inaugural ball in 1997
Laura Bush wearing Michael Faircloth at President George W. Bush’s first inauguration in 2001
Laura Bush wearing Michael Faircloth at President George W. Bush’s first inaugural ball in 2001
Laura Bush wearing Oscar de la Renta at President George W. Bush’s second inauguration in 2005
Laura Bush wearing Oscar de la Renta at President George W. Bush’s second inaugural ball in 2005
Michelle Obama wearing an Isabel Toledo coat and dress and J.Crew gloves at President Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009
Michelle Obama wearing Jason Wu at President Barack Obama’s first inaugural ball in 2009
Michelle Obama wearing a Thom Browne coat and J.Crew gloves and belt at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013
Michelle Obama wearing Jason Wu at President Barack Obama’s second inaugural ball in 2013
Melania Trump wearing Ralph Lauren at President Donald Trump’s first inauguration in 2017
Melania Trump wearing Hervé Pierre at President Donald Trump’s first inaugural ball in 2017
Dr. Jill Biden wearing Markarian at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021
Melania Trump wearing an Adam Lippes coat and Eric Javits hat at President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in 2025
Conclusion
The first ladies’ fashion choices have been a reflection of their personal style, as well as their role as a symbol of the nation. From the early days of American history to the present, the first ladies have consistently used their fashion choices to make statements and showcase their personalities.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the first lady’s inaugural outfit?
A: The first lady’s inaugural outfit is a symbol of her role as a representative of the nation and a reflection of her personal style.
Q: Who has worn the most iconic inaugural outfit?
A: Michelle Obama’s inaugural outfit in 2009 is often considered one of the most iconic and influential.
Q: What is the most common color worn by first ladies on inauguration day?
A: The most common color worn by first ladies on inauguration day is blue, followed by white and red.