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Inauguration Day, a pivotal moment in American history, has witnessed some of the most memorable fashion statements. From classic elegance to bold statements, these outfits not only reflect personal style but also set the tone for the administration.
This post delves into the 24 most iconic ensembles worn during these historic ceremonies, celebrating the art of fashion as a form of political and cultural expression.
1. Jackie Kennedy, 1961
Jackie Kennedy’s 1961 Inauguration Day outfit remains an epitome of chic sophistication. Wearing a powder blue Oleg Cassini coat with a matching pillbox hat, she exuded grace and elegance.
Her look was complemented by white gloves and a subtle smile, capturing the hearts of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Jackie’s choice not only set a new standard for First Lady fashion but also inspired millions of women to embrace a more refined sense of style. Her outfit was more than just clothing; it was a symbol of a new era in American politics.
The ensemble continues to be celebrated for its timeless beauty.
2. Michelle Obama, 2009
Michelle Obama’s 2009 Inauguration Day outfit was a vision of hope and modern elegance. Her choice of a lemongrass yellow dress and coat by Isabel Toledo was both unexpected and refreshing. The ensemble was completed with green gloves and Jimmy Choo shoes, adding a contemporary touch.
This iconic outfit highlighted Michelle’s ability to blend high fashion with accessibility, sparking new trends across the nation. It reflected her vibrant personality and the optimism of her husband’s presidency.
Her fashion choices often carried deeper messages, making her a style icon in her own right.
Michelle’s outfit was simple, yet profoundly impactful.
3. Melania Trump, 2017
Melania Trump’s 2017 Inauguration Day outfit was a nod to classic American style. Designed by Ralph Lauren, her powder blue cashmere ensemble featured a cropped jacket and a high-neck dress. The look was completed with matching gloves and shoes, exuding timeless elegance.
Melania’s fashion choice was seen as a tribute to Jackie Kennedy, drawing parallels in style and grace. Her decision to work with an American designer highlighted her appreciation for American craftsmanship.
This outfit set the tone for her tenure as First Lady, marked by a focus on elegance and poise.
Her style left a lasting impression.
4. Mary Todd Lincoln’s Lavender Dress, 1861
Mary Todd Lincoln chose a rich lavender gown for the 1861 inauguration, a color symbolizing dignity and grace. The dress featured elaborate lace and ribbon detailing, reflecting her refined taste.
Her choice of lavender was a bold statement at the time, showcasing her willingness to stand out and make a memorable impression.
The gown’s intricate design captured the essence of the era’s fashion, making it an unforgettable piece in the annals of inauguration style.
5. Eleanor Roosevelt, 1933
Eleanor Roosevelt’s 1933 Inauguration Day outfit was understated yet dignified. Her modest black coat and cloche hat reflected the somber mood of the Great Depression era. Despite the simplicity, the ensemble exuded a quiet strength and resilience that matched her role as First Lady.
Eleanor’s fashion choices often leaned towards practicality, and this outfit was no exception. It resonated with many Americans who were facing economic hardships, symbolizing solidarity and hope. Her style was less about glamour and more about authenticity.
Eleanor’s look remains a powerful reminder of her impactful legacy.
6. Nancy Reagan, 1981
Nancy Reagan wore a vibrant red James Galanos outfit during the 1981 inauguration, making a bold fashion statement. The ensemble included a matching hat and exuded confidence and authority, qualities that defined her tenure as First Lady.
Red, symbolizing courage and passion, was a color she often favored, and this choice set the tone for her style throughout her husband’s presidency. Nancy’s preference for designer ensembles showcased her love of high fashion, setting her apart from her predecessors.
Her outfit from this day remains iconic, often recalled for its boldness and elegance.
7. Pat Nixon, 1969
Pat Nixon’s 1969 Inauguration Day outfit was a cheerful nod to optimism and warmth. Her yellow wool coat with a matching hat radiated positivity and hope, characteristics she embodied throughout her time as First Lady.
This ensemble was both classic and approachable, reflecting her personal style.
The choice of yellow was symbolic, representing sunshine and a bright future. Pat’s fashion sense was often understated, yet impactful, appealing to everyday American women. Her outfit on this historic day remains a cherished memory for its simplicity and elegance.
It perfectly encapsulated her sunny disposition.
8. Laura Bush, 2001
Laura Bush’s 2001 Inauguration Day attire was a blend of tradition and modernity. She chose a sapphire blue suit crafted by Texas designer Michael Faircloth, symbolizing her roots and personal taste. This outfit was both elegant and understated, aligning with her graceful demeanor.
Laura’s fashion choices often reflected her role as a supportive partner and her focus on family values. The deep blue color was calming and dignified, resonating with many Americans. Her style was consistent, emphasizing refinement and simplicity.
This ensemble remains a favorite, celebrated for its timeless appeal.
9. Mamie Eisenhower, 1953
Mamie Eisenhower’s 1953 Inauguration Day outfit was a delightful vision in pink. Her pink peau de soie dress with a bolero jacket showcased her love for feminine elegance. The outfit was paired with matching gloves and a charming smile, perfectly capturing the public’s affection.
Mamie’s choice of pink was a departure from traditional inaugural colors, bringing a touch of warmth and approachability to the occasion. It set the tone for her role as a popular and beloved First Lady.
Her outfit remains a cherished memory, celebrated for its charm and grace.
10. Lady Bird Johnson, 1965
Lady Bird Johnson’s 1965 Inauguration Day outfit exuded warmth and charm. Her choice of a yellow coat with a matching pillbox hat was a nod to springtime optimism, reflecting her environmental advocacy and sunny disposition.
The ensemble was both elegant and approachable, embodying Lady Bird’s commitment to beautification and public service. Her fashion sense was deeply rooted in her Southern heritage, combining tradition with contemporary flair.
This iconic outfit set the tone for her tenure as First Lady, remembered for its vibrancy and grace.
11. Bess Truman, 1949
Bess Truman’s 1949 Inauguration Day outfit was a study in understated elegance. Her gray suit with a fur collar epitomized the post-war era’s practicality and style. Bess was known for her reserved demeanor, and her fashion choices often reflected this modesty.
The ensemble was both simple and sophisticated, appealing to the everyday American woman. It resonated with those who appreciated timeless fashion without unnecessary extravagance. Bess’s style emphasized functionality and grace, aligning with her role as a supportive First Lady.
Her outfit remains iconic for its simplicity and subtle elegance.
12. Rosalynn Carter, 1977
Rosalynn Carter’s 1977 Inauguration Day outfit was both practical and elegant. She chose a blue wool coat with matching accessories, reflecting her down-to-earth personality and Southern charm. Her look was completed with a warm smile that endeared her to many.
Rosalynn’s fashion choices were often understated, emphasizing comfort and approachability. Her outfit on this day was no exception, resonating with everyday Americans. It symbolized her commitment to family values and public service.
This ensemble remains a favorite for its classic appeal and heartfelt simplicity.
13. Jill Biden, 2021
Jill Biden’s choice for the 2021 inauguration was nothing short of elegant and meaningful. She wore a custom-made blue tweed coat by Alexandra O’Neill of Markarian, symbolizing trust and stability—a thoughtful nod to the new administration’s goals.
The coat featured velvet cuffs and was paired with a matching dress and face mask, showcasing a seamless blend of style and safety.
Her ensemble was completed with a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes and gloves, ensuring that she stood out as a paragon of grace and modernity.
14. Edith Wilson, 1917
Edith Wilson’s 1917 Inauguration Day outfit was both practical and elegant. Her dark wool coat, paired with a luxurious fur stole, reflected the somber mood of World War I. Despite the solemnity, her ensemble exuded elegance and resilience.
Edith’s fashion choices often mirrored her strong personality and influence in politics. Her style was sophisticated yet understated, aligning with the era’s trends. This outfit symbolized her role as a supportive partner during challenging times.
Her look remains an enduring symbol of strength and elegance.
15. Betty Ford, 1974
Betty Ford’s 1974 Inauguration Day outfit was both stylish and approachable. Her choice of a green wool coat with a matching scarf reflected her vibrant personality and independent spirit. The ensemble was completed with a confident smile, endearing her to the public.
Betty’s fashion sense was modern, often breaking away from traditional First Lady attire. Her choice of green symbolized renewal and hope, aligning with her advocacy for social causes.
Her outfit is remembered for its boldness and unique charm, reflecting her dynamic role as First Lady.
16. Michelle Obama, 2013
Michelle Obama made a stunning appearance at the 2013 inauguration with a navy coat by Thom Browne, renowned for his menswear-inspired designs. The coat, crafted from silk jacquard, featured a subtle check pattern inspired by men’s ties, adding a unique twist to her ensemble. Accented with J.Crew accessories, the outfit was both modern and sophisticated.
The careful selection of textures and colors showcased Obama’s ability to merge high fashion with accessible brands, a hallmark of her time as first lady. Her look emphasized confidence and approachability, resonating with a wide audience and earning widespread acclaim.
Michelle’s 2013 inauguration outfit was not just about fashion; it was a statement of her influence in the fashion world. Her choice highlighted her role as a trendsetter and a champion for American designers, solidifying her legacy as a style icon.
17. Lou Hoover, 1929
Lou Hoover’s 1929 Inauguration Day outfit was an embodiment of elegance and grace. Her long silk gown, complemented by a luxurious fur wrap, reflected her refined taste and sophisticated style. The ensemble was both regal and understated, capturing the public’s admiration.
Lou’s fashion sense was often ahead of her time, blending classic elements with modern flair. Her choice of silk symbolized luxury and femininity, aligning with her role as a First Lady.
This outfit remains a cherished memory, celebrated for its timeless beauty and sophistication.
18. Grace Coolidge, 1925
Grace Coolidge’s 1925 Inauguration Day outfit was a vision of elegance and sophistication. Her white fur-trimmed coat and cloche hat exuded luxury and style, capturing the public’s imagination. The ensemble was both modern and timeless, aligning with the fashion trends of the 1920s.
Grace was known for her charming personality, and her fashion choices often reflected her vivacious spirit. Her outfit on this day was no exception, symbolizing her role as a beloved First Lady.
This ensemble remains an iconic representation of her legacy, celebrated for its elegance and charm.
19. Ida McKinley, 1897
Ida McKinley’s 1897 Inauguration Day outfit was a testament to Victorian elegance. Her high-neck lace gown, adorned with intricate embroidery, exuded sophistication and grace. The ensemble was both regal and modest, reflecting the fashion trends of the late 19th century.
Ida’s fashion sense was often conservative, aligning with her reserved demeanor. Her choice of lace symbolized femininity and refinement, capturing the public’s admiration.
This outfit remains a cherished memory, celebrated for its timeless beauty and historical significance.
20. Frances Cleveland, 1885
Frances Cleveland’s 1885 Inauguration Day outfit was a showcase of youthful elegance and charm. Her silk gown, adorned with floral embellishments, exuded sophistication and grace. The ensemble was both regal and vibrant, reflecting her role as a young and fashionable First Lady.
Frances was known for her enchanting personality, and her fashion choices often mirrored her vivacious spirit. Her outfit on this day was no exception, capturing the public’s imagination.
This ensemble remains an enduring symbol of her legacy, celebrated for its elegance and youthfulness.
21. Lillian Carter, 1977
Lillian Carter, mother of President Jimmy Carter, made a memorable appearance at his 1977 inauguration. At 78, her choice of a simple yet elegant dress reflected her down-to-earth personality and southern charm. Lillian wasn’t a First Lady, but her presence and style left a lasting impression on the day.
Her outfit was characterized by its vintage appeal, resonating with the warmth and authenticity she was known for. Lillian’s dress choice was a nod to her roots, embodying the values of humility and grace.
In an event filled with political significance, Lillian’s inauguration outfit provided a refreshing touch of personal authenticity, making it one of the standout fashion moments.
22. Lucy Hayes, 1877
Lucy Hayes’s 1877 Inauguration Day outfit was a testament to Victorian modesty and elegance. Her satin gown with a high collar exuded sophistication and grace, reflecting the fashion trends of the late 19th century.
Lucy was known for her conservative style, often choosing understated designs. Her choice of satin symbolized refinement and dignity, capturing the public’s admiration.
This outfit remains a cherished memory, celebrated for its timeless beauty and historical significance.
23. Caroline Harrison, 1889
Caroline Harrison’s 1889 Inauguration Day outfit was a study in elegance and sophistication. Her velvet gown with lace trim exuded luxury and grace, capturing the public’s admiration. The ensemble was both regal and refined, reflecting her role as First Lady.
Caroline was known for her keen interest in fashion, often choosing intricate designs and rich fabrics. Her choice of velvet and lace symbolized femininity and refinement, complementing her sophisticated demeanor.
This outfit remains an iconic representation of her legacy, celebrated for its timeless beauty and elegance.
24. Julia Grant, 1869
Julia Grant’s 1869 Inauguration Day outfit was a showcase of opulence and style. Her brocade gown with satin embellishments exuded luxury and confidence, capturing the public’s admiration. The ensemble was both regal and sophisticated, aligning with the fashion trends of the late 19th century.
Julia was known for her strong-willed personality, and her fashion choices often reflected her leadership role. Her style was bold and unapologetic, setting her apart from her predecessors.
This outfit remains an iconic representation of her legacy, celebrated for its elegance and grandeur.