Inauguration dresses have often been memorable for their elegance, symbolism, and reflection of the times. Here’s a list of the top 20 most iconic First Lady inauguration dresses in U.S. history, in no particular order:
1. Jackie Kennedy (1961)
- Designer: Oleg Cassini
- Details: Jackie wore an elegant ivory sleeveless gown with a matching cape. Her sophisticated style set a new standard for future first ladies.
2. Michelle Obama (2009)
- Designer: Jason Wu
- Details: She wore a one-shoulder, ivory chiffon gown that was both modern and classic, sparking a wave of admiration and launching Jason Wu’s career.
3. Michelle Obama (2013)
- Designer: Jason Wu
- Details: For her second inauguration, Michelle wore a ruby red velvet and chiffon halter gown, which again showcased her modern yet timeless fashion sense.
4. Nancy Reagan (1981)
- Designer: James Galanos
- Details: Nancy chose a shimmering white, beaded gown with long sleeves and subtle elegance, exuding classic Hollywood glamour.
5. Hillary Clinton (1993)
- Designer: Sarah Phillips
- Details: Hillary wore a violet lace gown with a high neckline and a soft, flowing silhouette, highlighting her practical yet stylish approach to fashion.
6. Melania Trump (2017)
- Designer: Hervé Pierre
- Details: Melania wore a sleek, off-the-shoulder white gown with a thigh-high slit, paired with a red ribbon belt. The look was polished and contemporary.
7. Laura Bush (2001)
- Designer: Michael Faircloth
- Details: Laura opted for a silver, crystal-embellished gown with a modest silhouette, reflecting her classic and understated style.
8. Laura Bush (2005)
- Designer: Oscar de la Renta
- Details: For George W. Bush’s second inauguration, Laura wore a silver-blue gown embellished with Austrian crystals, adding a touch of glamour.
9. Eleanor Roosevelt (1933)
- Designer: Sally Milgrim
- Details: Eleanor wore a simple yet elegant blue crepe gown with a fur-trimmed coat. Her style was less about fashion and more about function, mirroring her practical personality.
10. Mamie Eisenhower (1953)
- Designer: Nettie Rosenstein
- Details: Mamie’s pink peau de soie gown featured over 2,000 rhinestones, making her look both glamorous and approachable.
11. Pat Nixon (1969)
- Designer: Karen Stark for Harvey Berin
- Details: Pat wore a stunning yellow embroidered gown with a matching coat, emphasizing her love for bright, cheerful colors.
12. Bess Truman (1949)
- Designer: Hattie Carnegie
- Details: Bess opted for a conservative, light blue gown with a draped neckline, staying true to her practical, no-nonsense style.
13. Barbara Bush (1989)
- Designer: Arnold Scaasi
- Details: Barbara chose a royal blue velvet gown with a silver-embroidered collar, highlighting her preference for traditional and dignified attire.
14. Rosalynn Carter (1977)
- Designer: Mary Matise for Jimmae
- Details: Rosalynn chose a simple gold-trimmed blue chiffon gown that she had previously worn, reflecting her modest and frugal nature.
15. Lady Bird Johnson (1965)
- Designer: John Moore
- Details: Lady Bird wore a vibrant yellow satin gown with a matching cape, embodying her cheerful and warm personality.
16. Betty Ford (1974)
- Designer: Frankie Welch
- Details: Betty wore a royal blue velvet gown with matching long gloves and a long coat, reflecting her classic and all-American style.
17. Grace Coolidge (1925)
- Designer: Unknown
- Details: Grace wore a cream satin gown with beading and fringe, showcasing the elegance of the Roaring Twenties.
18. Lou Hoover (1929)
- Designer: Sally Milgrim
- Details: Lou wore a white satin gown adorned with rhinestones, reflecting the glamour of the late 1920s and early 1930s.
19. Florence Harding (1921)
- Designer: Unknown
- Details: Florence wore a black satin gown with an embroidered gold coat, blending elegance with a more conservative style.
20. Edith Wilson (1915)
- Designer: Unknown
- Details: Edith wore a simple satin gown with lace detailing, reflecting the early 20th-century focus on modesty and grace.
These gowns not only highlighted the personal style of the first ladies but also served as reflections of their times, shaping the legacy of American fashion history.