What first ladies wore at presidential inaugurations: From Jill Biden to Michelle Obama
Inaugural outfits worn by first ladies over the years, from Melania Trump to Jill Biden
A First Lady's debut as her husband takes oath as president attracts a lot of attention. The presidential inauguration that takes place on January 20, the year after the election year, is not only famous for its political significance but also for the fashion statement from the spouses of the new national head. Over the years, first ladies have succeeded in opting for the best dress for the daytime as well as the night ball. Here is a look at the inauguration outfits worn by recent first ladies over the years.
1. Jill Biden, 2021
On January 20, 2021, the day of Joe Biden's presidential inauguration, his wife Jill Biden donned "an ocean blue wool tapered tweed dress, hand embellished with pearls and crystals in a delicate floral pattern, with its matching overcoat accented by a dark blue velvet collar and cuffs," designed by Alexandra O'Neill of Markarian. The First Lady's nighttime celebration dress by Gabriela Hearst was "an ivory silk wool cady dress and an ivory double-breasted cashmere coat, with embroidery reflecting the federal flowers from every state and territory of the U.S. as a symbol of unity," according to the Smithsonian. A matching mask was part of her attire as the inauguration took place amidst the Covid 19 pandemic.
2. Melania Trump, 2017
For real estate mogul Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2017, Melania Trump stated her fashion choice with a knee-length powder-blue Ralph Lauren dress with matching heels and gloves. For the inaugural ball the same night, she appeared in a white gown designed by Herve Pierre.
3. Michelle Obama, 2013
Barack Obama's inauguration for his second White House term was on January 20, 2013, and First Lady Michelle Obama chose a Thom Browne coat dress along with black boots and purple gloves. Her night ball dress was a custom-made full-length, vibrant red-colored Jason Wu gown.
4. Michelle Obama, 2009
To mark her entrance to the White House for the first time, Obama wore a lemongrass-colored knee-length dress with a coat on January 20, 2009. She chose a white Jason Wu dress with flower detailing for the nighttime ball.
5. Laura Bush, 2005
Oscar de la Renta designed both day and night looks of Laura Bush for her husband George W Bush's inauguration for a second term in January 2005. For the daytime, the then-first lady came in a winter white cashmere coat and dress, and her night ball dress was a shimmering silver and blue tulle gown.
6. Laura Bush, 2001
On her first day as a First Lady in 2001, Bush adorned herself in a blue suit designed by Texas designer Michael Faircloth. She wore a red Chantilly lace gown by Faircloth in the night.
7. Hillary Clinton, 1997
Hillary Clinton wore a feminine pink coat designed by Renta for the 1997 presidential inauguration. Her nighttime look by the same designer was a form-fitting caped gown.
8. Hillary Clinton, 1993
Clinton appeared in a blue suit and a Darcy Creech hat for the presidential inauguration of her husband, Bill Clinton, in 1993 by Sarah Phillips, a designer from Little Rock. She wore a beaded violet evening gown for the night celebrations, which Phillips and costume creator Barbara Matera Ltd made.
