The United States’ First Ladies have long been examined by the rest of the country, particularly when it comes to the outfits they wear. Take a look back at First Lady fashion through the years, including some of the most beautiful gowns and the designers that made them. Who said fashion and politics couldn’t go hand in hand? The position of First Lady of the United States of America has long been revered. Each of the ladies who have taken on the job has demonstrated exceptional attention to detail. This, of course, includes their dress choices.
The Evolution Of First Ladies’ Fashion
Mamie Doud Eisenhower
In San Antonio, Texas, Mamie Eisenhower met her future husband, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Dwight was a military man, and the two spent a lot of time together before Dwight ran for president and won by a landslide. Mamie, unlike past first ladies, was obsessed with fashion! She also enjoyed playing the role of a hostess. Some of her outfits were designed by Scaasi, Mollie Parnis, Trifari, and Sally Victor. She was regarded as one of the “best-dressed” ladies of the day. There was even a “fashion style” named after her, “The Mamie look,” which Dior said was influenced by her.
Mamie Doud Eisenhower
The Mamie Look
Nettie Rosenstein designed her inauguration gown in 1953. The pink peau de soie gown was very gorgeous. Over 2,000 rhinestones were hand-embroidered on it. Trifari gloves and jewelry, a Judith Leiber beaded handbag, and Delman shoes complete Mamie’s look. The dress is still on display in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s collection of inaugural gowns, and it is one of the most well-known. Mamie’s inauguration gown popularized that particular shade of pink.
The Mamie Look
Jackie Kennedy
When she met JFK, he was already a congressman, and the two were regarded as the White House’s most fashionable pair. When John F. Kennedy took office in 1960, the country was already obsessed with television and cinema culture. Jackie became one of the first First Ladies to have her beauty evaluated. Her fashion choices were a tremendous hit, and she swiftly rose to notoriety as a major global trendsetter. She worked with one notable designer, Oleg Cassini, who is now well-known.
Jackie Kennedy
Jackie’s Fashion
Jackie was wary of the media and even hired a press secretary. She was in command of everything. She was dubbed “the perfect lady,” and the Kennedys were regarded as ideal – a kind of American royalty. She set an unreasonably high standard for first ladies in the media. For the inauguration, Ethan Frankou designed an off-white sleeveless silk chiffon gown embroidered with silver thread and a cape. Jackie was aware that the event would be broadcast, so she chose a bright hue. Of course, the gown was a smashing success!
Jackie’s Fashion
Last-Minute Wedding Gown Of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy
Jackie Bouvier commissioned Anne Lowe to design her wedding gown, but tragedy struck. A water pipe burst ten days before the wedding, soaking Lowe’s Madison Avenue studio. Jackie’s gown, which had taken two months to make, was among the items damaged. Lowe acquired new white French taffeta and pink silk faille on the spur of the moment. Her seamstresses were able to complete everything in time. This gown is historically one of the most recognizable bridal gowns.
Last-Minute Wedding Gown Of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy
Betty Ford’s Style
Many people ignore the First Ladies’ fashion and instead focus on their extracurricular activities. The founder of the Betty Ford Center, one of the most notable clinics in history, was a feminist. She should be recognized for her sense of style as well. She was inspired by her attractiveness. Her wardrobe was simple but not overly sophisticated, making it simple for anyone to put together a look.
Betty Ford’s Style
No White Dress For Betty On Her Second Wedding
In 1948, Betty Bloomer married Gerald R. Ford at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Other brides chose to wear white on their wedding days, but she did not. Her gleaming gown and matching shoes complemented her beautifully. Betty had previously been married. Bill Warren, her first husband, was an alcoholic. In 1947, they finally divorced. They postponed their wedding after meeting Ford as he ran for Congress. Jerry was running for Congress and was worried about how his voters would react if he married a divorced ex-dancer.
No White Dress For Betty On Her Second Wedding
Nancy Reagan Covered Her Baby Bump With Her Wedding Gown
Nancy Davis dated several celebrities before meeting Ronald in 1949, while he was president of the Screen Actors Guild. Ronald disliked marriage, especially after his divorce from Jane Wyman. He and Nancy married in 1952 after a three-year engagement. To avoid the press, the wedding was held at the last minute, with only the best man and matron of honor in attendance. Nancy was expecting her first child at the time of the ceremony at Los Angeles’ Little Brown Church. She was dressed in a simple, no-frills gown.
Nancy Reagan Covered Her Baby Bump With Her Wedding Gown
Nancy Reagan
Ronald did not hold back when it came to grandiose festivities. His inaugural celebrations were considered to be costly. Because the country was in the grip of a recession, this received some public criticism. Nancy attended her first inaugural ball in a white beaded one-shoulder silk satin gown with a lace overlay. Nancy wore the designer Galanos gown after Reagan was re-elected for a second term. The designer and her crew are said to have spent more than 300 hours hand-beading the outfit. It is anticipated that the gown will cost $46,000!
Nancy Reagan
Laura Bush
Laura, like Hillary, wore a red-crystal encrusted gown designed by a Texas designer for her first inauguration. She also wore pearls as a tribute to her mother-in-law, former First Lady Barbara Bush. The country was in a totally different post-September 11th phase when Bush was re-elected for a second term. Laura followed in Hillary’s footsteps and wore Oscar De La Renta. In an embroidered icy blue and silver tulle gown encrusted with Austrian crystals, she looked breathtaking. Fashion, clearly, recognizes no political bounds.
Laura Bush
Laura Chose Simple
Less really is more. Laura Bush’s attitude toward her wardrobe was as follows. Sure, she could have strolled into a room and been the belle of the ball every time, but she didn’t. Dallas fashion designer reacted on Bush after noting that Melania Trump got it right at the inauguration. “What I loved about Mrs. Bush was that she was always extremely conscious of not wanting her clothing to shout loudly,” Faircloth said. “She had a lot of things she thought were more important.”
Laura Chose Simple
Laura’s Tan Wedding Dress
Laura Lane Welch married George Bush on November 5, 1977, in Midland, Texas, in her childhood church. The newlyweds posed with the parents of the future president. Laura, unlike her mother-in-law, did not go for a traditional, lavish wedding gown. Instead, she wore a plain brown dress she bought off the rack to the event. She met George at a backyard barbecue in July, and they were engaged three months later. From 1995 to 2000, he was Governor of Texas before being elected President of the United States in 2001.
Laura’s Tan Wedding Dress
Jill Biden
Jill Biden looked stunning in a bright red gown during the Midwest Inaugural Ball in 2009. Biden looked magnificent in her Reem Acra evening gown, which highlighted her signature bright colors. The sleeveless, waist-cinched gown looks lovely on the current First Lady. She also made a risky move, wearing only a single bracelet and earrings on her right arm and leaving her neck bare. In any event, she is stunning.
Jill Biden
Lady Bird Johnson
In the aftermath of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, LBJ took office. As a result, the initial event was depressing. Lady Bird wore a yellow gown because she wanted to convey hope and optimism for the nation. She was quite involved in the White House. She advocated for several of her own causes, including the Head Start program, which helps low-income children get a good education. Lady Bird admired beauty, but her primary focus was not on fashion, and she preferred to spend her attention elsewhere.
Lady Bird Johnson
Pat Nixon
When President Nixon took office, there were large demonstrations and a social movement spurred by opposition to the Vietnam War and the assassination of Martin Luther King. Nixon vowed to restore “law and order” in the United States, and his own administration admitted to attempting to prosecute both the civil rights movement and anti-war protesters. Needless to say, all of this did not end well for Nixon. Pat also wore a yellow gown at the inauguration. It was adorned with gold and silver embroidery as well as Austrian gems.
Pat Nixon
Rosalynn Carter
Because the United States was not doing well economically at the time of the inauguration, President Jimmy Carter elected to hold what they labeled “people’s inaugural celebrations,” with tickets selling for only $25. Rosalynn wore a gown she had worn previously when President Carter was governor. In a sleeveless blue chiffon gown with gold details, she looks gorgeous. While she was attempting to make a public message that the president would not be lavishing himself with wealth while the rest of the country suffered, the decision did not go well.
Rosalynn Carter
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt is one of history’s most well-known first ladies. While President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was in office, she was also among the first to make her opinions, feminism, and other civil rights concerns well known. Eleanor was not particularly fond of or interested in fashion, as her interests clearly lay elsewhere. She made quite a stir, though, when she developed a gorgeous slate-blue crepe that was finally named for her: “Eleanor blue.” It was designed by Sally Milgrim and had a gold leaf and floral theme.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Helen Taft
She met her husband Howard Taft while bobsledding when she was 18 years old. They met and dated around 1860 and married many years later. She has preferred the name Nellie over Helen since infancy. She was there for her husband at every step of his political career. She was the first First Lady to accompany her husband in the inaugural procession. She looked lovely in a white chiffon gown with gold embellishments.
Helen Taft
Edith Bolling Wilson
Edith Wilson met and married President Woodrow Wilson after he had already taken office, therefore she never got to wear an inauguration gown. Edith’s life has been blighted by tragedy since her first spouse left her a widow at a young age. She also had a son, who died a few days later. She was no longer able to bear children, which was unfortunate. In 1915, she met Woodrow. He soon became a widower as well.
Edith Bolling Wilson
Florence Kling Harding
Florence Kling Harding was dubbed “the business’s brains.” She was very outspoken on political issues, frequently more so than the President himself. She had many gorgeous parties and was also very stylish at the time, wearing new silk neckbands to hide her wrinkles. She also engaged in “modern” activities including taking plane rides, showing movies after dinner, and allegedly giving alcohol to visitors during Prohibition. She was the first First Lady to be granted the right to vote, as well as the first to own a movie camera, a radio, and to host famous cinema stars at the White House.
Florence Kling Harding
Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge
Grace Goodhue met Calvin Coolidge, a smooth-talking attorney, and became engaged to him soon after. Her mother objected, and despite the fact that Calvin and his mother-in-law never reconciled, Grace and Calvin remained married for the rest of their lives. Calvin wanted everything to be respectable and unaffected, therefore all White House engagements at the time were performed in this manner. Calvin’s second inauguration lacked a major public spectacle, instead choosing for private soirees. So Grace didn’t have a lovely ballgown to speak of, but she has dressed appropriately for the occasion on inauguration day.
Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge
Lou Henry Hoover
She was the sole female Geology major when Herbert Hoover met her at Stanford University. Lou Hoover is regarded as one of the “best dressed women.” She was the first First Lady to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. She also made a point of wearing American-produced apparel rather than foreign-made goods, as many fashionistas did at the time. She also uses her fashion to promote the cotton textile industry, therefore she dresses in cotton gowns. Her first appearance was in a grand yet modest silk crepe evening gown adorned with silver thread brocade.
Lou Henry Hoover
Jill Biden and Karen Pence, Two-Second Ladies Together
Prior to the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, then-Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden met with then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence and his wife, Karen Pence, at the White House, where both ladies shined. To mark the occasion, Pence chose a more modest flowery gown with a black coat, while Biden dared to wear a flash of bright pink. Her shift dress and neutral shoes are both lovely and approachable.
Jill Biden and Karen Pence, Two Second Ladies Together
Elizabeth Wallace Truman
This First Lady had no interest in politics or the political arena. Despite her doubts, she played the role of the obedient wife and hostess. It was after FDR’s death and the country was in the midst of World War II when her husband first took office, so it was not exactly a carefree, cheerful time. Madame Pola is rumored to have designed her dress for the first event. She chose a black gown with white embellishments and a fur coat to match.
Elizabeth Wallace Truman
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama made a statement with her stunning gown at the 2021 presidential inauguration. The former First Lady’s costume, which included a merlot-colored suit from head to toe, quickly went viral on Instagram. Sergio Hudson designed her burgundy sweater, coat, and jumpsuit, which she accessorized with a stunning gold belt. This was not Mrs. Obama’s first time wearing Hudson’s designs, who has also collaborated with Rihanna and Beyoncé.
Michelle Obama
Barbara Bush
Her husband had previously served as Reagan’s Vice President, thus she was already acquainted with White House protocol. Her inaugural gown was designed to make her appear younger. She wore a royal blue velvet and satin Arnold Scassi gown. Scassi had been designing for first ladies since Mamie Eisenhower’s presidency. Thus, Barbara may have made this choice on purpose to show that she and her husband were plainly conventional. She also preferred pearls over diamonds for her jewelry. In turn, Barbara was crowned America’s “most gorgeous grandma”
Barbara Bush
Ida Saxton McKinley
Historians who study prior presidents and their first wives share similar views on Ida Saxton McKinley. Many people say she possessed a particular fashion sense and sense of style. It was simply unmistakable. She’d even signed her name. Her signature style was a standing collar with a chiffon inlay. It was also frequently trimmed with pintucks to soften and highlight the ensemble. She remained stylish by pairing her underskirts with pleated frills. She was a distinguished lady.
Ida Saxton McKinley
Melania Trump
Melania Trump is Donald Trump’s wife and the former First Lady. Before she met her husband, Melania worked as a model. Melania, as a former model, clearly appreciates fashion and is well-versed in style. Her inauguration gown, on the other hand, was lovely yet understated. In late 2017, the First Lady donated her inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian Institute, where it will be on permanent display.
Melania Trump
Frances Folsom Cleveland Preston
Folsom, Frances Cleveland Preston was regarded as a leader in her day. She had appeared on the covers of Leslie’s and Harper’s, two significant magazines at the time, catapulting her into the trendsetting conversation. The Washington Post praised her even at her wedding. “the bride wore a beautiful white gown of ivory satin, tastefully adorned on the high corsage with India muslin crossed in Grecian folds and draped in gorgeous falls of simplicity over the petticoat.” according to the Washington Post.
Frances Folsom Cleveland Preston
Caroline Harrison
Caroline Harrison was a fashionista. She was praised by the press for adding flair to the first lady’s elegance. Furthermore, because the Inaugural Ball was the first occasion for the first women to make comments in their new role, they did so frequently. Some of the comments were phrased subtly, while others were not. For Harrison, she had an acorn stitched into the pattern on the back of her dress. It was a representation of her native state of Indiana. She rose to prominence, yet she never forgot her beginnings. The Philadelphia Times termed the incoming first lady “a reasonable model for American women”
Caroline Harrison
Ellen Arthur
Ellen Arthur’s attire was not highlighted in this case. Because the times were different during President Arthur’s rule, there was less emphasis on the first lady; as a result, President Arthur became the focal point of the relationship’s fashion. Not to boast, but there was a good reason for this: he was stylish. In actuality, the president’s trendy dress has always caught the interest of the public and the media. Ellen’s sense of style appeared to be non-existent. Who knows, maybe she always liked it that way.
Ellen Arthur
Pat Nixon Introduced Some Trends
Even though her husband had a lot on his plate during Pat Nixon’s presidency, it would be disrespectful to ignore her modest fashion trends. Consider Nixon as the student who would blend in but, if she kept up with the Joneses, would want a complement without even asking. She’s wearing a short skirt (on the right) that was popular at the time, as seen in the top photo. She, as previously stated, did not usually mimic current fashion trends, but when she did, she did it brilliantly.
Pat Nixon Introduced Some Trends
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington
As the nation’s first lady, you can expect her and her husband, George Washington, to confront numerous challenges. She had a soothing demeanor that may not have calmed the people, but she had set the tone towards the end of her administration. One thing she mastered was her sense of dress. Because she was one of the wealthiest ladies of the day, she had her pick of the crop when it came to apparel. Mount Vernon debuted her royal purple silk wedding shoes in 2009, transforming her image from matronly to slightly daring.
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington
Lady Washington’s Fashion
Lady Washington’s purple silk wedding shoes inspired high-profile fashion figures to compare them to contemporary fashion icons. Patricia Brady told the Washington Post, “They were the Manolo Blahniks of her day,” She had the money, therefore it was only right for her to be shown in the most opulent fashion. Martha Washington dressed opulently all of the time. A bolt of her fabric is now worth almost $25,000 in today’s market. Historians believe she was commenting on the state of the country at the time. The National Museum of American History has a display of her attire.
Lady Washington’s Fashion
Dolley Payne Todd Madison
She set a precedent for all succeeding first ladies to follow. She radiated kindness, having a warm and welcoming personality. He was lucky to have her by his side as the fourth president. She wasn’t formally educated, but she was sharp as a tack. Her charisma won many people’s hearts, yet her demeanor left them stunned. In a buff-colored velvet gown, she set the tone for James Madison’s inauguration in 1809. It was adorned with pearls and a feathered turban.
Dolley Payne Todd Madison
Julia Gardiner Tyler
Many attempts were made by John Tyler to court her, but he was unsuccessful. After her father was killed in an explosion on the USS Princeton, she turned to John for comfort, and they married later that year. Tyler was widely regarded as the first woman in the White House to be seen as a celebrity. Department stores would pay to have her in advertisements, which resulted in higher sales. Because of her newspaper coverage, she was also renowned as a fashionista and a social maven. She wore a long-trained gown with a peacock-feathered headdress to one function.
Julia Gardiner Tyler
Harriet Lane
She has earned the moniker “Democratic Queen,” and she is thrilled to be the acting first lady. And her appearance has always influenced many individuals. Isn’t it true that anything shocking appeals to everyone? That’s exactly what her inauguration gown was. It was a low-cut European gown with a flower garland down her breast and diagonally over her hips. People were smitten by the attire the moment they saw it. It was even repeated four years later by Mary Todd Lincoln.
Harriet Lane
Mary Todd Lincoln
Have you ever met someone who grew up in wealth? That meant Mary Todd Lincoln was well equipped to be a proper first lady, which she was. While her husband dealt with the world’s issues, including as slavery, she kept the White House in order. In terms of clothing, we previously indicated that she modeled herself after Harriet Lane, who was herself trendy, so there was no criticism there. Her outfits were mostly eye-catching and may cost up to $2,000.
Mary Todd Lincoln
Skin Care
A skin-care routine is something that a few of the first women, most notably the gorgeous Jacqueline Kennedy, would practice. Women can now make a living by making YouTube videos about how to care for their skin. Millions of people tune in to hear random ladies share the best ways to make their skin glow. We’re all aware that Kennedy became an ideal of beauty and elegance, but what she did to retain that image is what we’re curious about. She was like an athlete who took her skin-care regimen seriously and worked hard outside of practice hours. Her go-to cleanser was mud soap.
Skin Care
A Hairstylist Is Required
Most people would agree that it is difficult to find someone who understands how to do hair, especially your hair! Once you’ve discovered that person, you won’t want anyone else to touch your head for the rest of your life. Your hair is frequently the focal point of your outfit. It energises the crowd! Above is a picture of Nancy Reagan. She has a plethora of hairstylists. We’re sure they were all in some of America’s most populous cities for a reason. One was in Los Angeles, another in New York, and still another in Washington, DC. She would have to spend a lot of money to maintain this, but her style would never go out of vogue.
A Hairstylist Is Required
You Don’t Have To Fear Change
We’re all aware that change is an unavoidable part of life. We can’t get away from it, and the longer we try, the more difficult things become. While some people are fixed in their ways, others are always changing, and it doesn’t take much for them to make changes. Mamie Eisenhower was the former. She was a trailblazer, but her hair had to give! She wore her bangs in a precise style for the past 50 years. As previously stated, your hairstyle frequently sets the tone for the rest of your look. As a result, having the same hairstyle for an extended period of time may be unappealing. If you just remember one thing from her, it should be to change your hairstyle.
You Don’t Have To Fear Change
The Wedding Gown Of Eleanor Roosevelt
President Theodore Roosevelt’s brother’s daughter, Eleanor Roosevelt, married Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the president’s fifth cousin, in 1905. They initially met when she was 14 years old and he was 18 years old. After losing contact, they reconnected four years later at a horse show at Madison Square Garden. The event was attended by Roosevelts from both sides of the family. F.D.R. proposed to Eleanor at the age of 22, and she was 19 at the time. Roosevelt and Roosevelt marrying was quite unusual. She wore an elegant headgear and a gown with a high neck and generous fabric shoulders.
The Wedding Gown of Eleanor Roosevelt
Barbara Bush Wore Her Mother-In-Law’s Veil
George H.W. Bush met his future wife, Barbara Pierce, while they were both teenagers in 1941. The former president recalled their first meeting in documentary 41. He stated, “She was dressed in this red and green gown for a Christmas holiday dance. ‘Who is that lovely young lady over there?’ I inquired. ‘My name is Barbara Pierce, and I’m from Rye, New York.’ So a fellow named Wozencraft introduced us. And, as they say, the rest is history.” The couple married in Rye’s First Presbyterian Church in 1945. Barbara wore the same bridal veil as George’s mother at her wedding.
Barbara Bush Wore Her Mother-In-Law’s Veil
Jackie’s Oversized Sunglasses
Sunglasses were Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ favorite adornment. She kept many pairs of objects in a large bowl outside her front door, and all she had to do before leaving for the day was pick one. The fashion queen was known for her massive sunglasses, which were so popular that they were dubbed the “Jackie O” style. Jackie’s favorite sunglasses were the Nina Ricci 3203, which had a huge square shape and a brown and tan plastic frame. The Spa 2 chair has a large oval shape and a black plastic frame.
Jackie’s Oversized Sunglasses
Wedding Gown Brought Rosalynn Carter 70 Years Of Luck
Rosalynn Carter married Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, when she was only a teenager. When she was 18 and he was 21, they married on July 7, 1946, in Plains, Georgia, where they both grew up. Rosalynn initially turned down Jimmy’s proposal. She changed her mind, however, after he graduated from a wartime course at the United States Naval Academy. Rosalynn was dressed to the nines in a knee-length gown with gloves, a hat, and a corsage, while the groom was dressed in his Navy uniform. The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2016.
Wedding Gown Brought Rosalynn Carter 70 Years Of Luck
Young Bride Mamie Eisenhower
Mamie Geneva Doud married future President Dwight Eisenhower on July 1, 1916, at the age of 19. Miss Wolcott has recently graduated from her finishing school. Dwight was a 25-year-old lieutenant in the Army. They married in Mamie’s parents’ home in Denver, Colorado, then honeymooned at a nearby resort. As newlyweds, the couple had an eventful start, travelling around the world to accommodate Dwight’s several postings. They traveled around the world, from the Philippines to Panama. When “Ike” was elected president, Mamie spent a lot of time entertaining foreign leaders who admired her beauty and fashion.
Young Bride Mamie Eisenhower
Bess Truman’s Hats
Elizabeth Virginia “Bess” Wallace married future President Harry Truman on June 28, 1919, in Independence, Missouri. She was labeled as a tomboy when she was younger. She did, however, develop an interest in fashion, particularly hats, as she grew into a young lady. “Bess always had more fashionable hats than the rest of us, or she wore them with greater elegance,” one friend said of Bess. Harry proposed to Bess in 1911, before enlisting in the army for World War I. She said no. He vowed to put forth extra effort before proposing again. She wore a lovely brimmed hat to their wedding.
Bess Truman’s Hats
The Dark Wedding Gown Of Lou Henry Hoover
Lou Henry was a captivating lady. She enjoyed going camping with her father and was a skilled taxidermist. She was enthralled with rocks and minerals. She earned a B.A. in Geology from Stanford University, where she met future President Herbert Hoover. She was the only First Lady who spoke Chinese proficiently. She married Herbert in February 1899 at her parents’ home in Monterey, California. She chose to become a Quaker, as did the groom, but they were married by a Roman Catholic priest. Rather than a traditional white gown, the bride opted for a black gown.
The Dark Wedding Gown of Lou Henry Hoover
Lucy Hayes’ Wedding Gown
Lucy Ware Webb was 21 years old when she married Rutherford Richard Hayes on December 30, 1852, at her family’s home in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lucy had a lot of admirers before she married Rutherford. Rutherford’s mother wished for her son to marry Lucy because she admired the young lady’s moral characteristics and religious background. Rutherford wrote in his journal in 1851, “I suppose I am a great deal in love with L(ucy)….Her low sweet voice…her soft rich eyes.” He also called her a “real lady.” On their wedding day, the couple, who had eight children, wore all black.
Lucy Hayes’ Wedding Gown