When it comes to first ladies, fashion has always been a statement. Intentional or not, every outfit tells a story—about personal style, political messaging, and even the cultural landscape of the time. Since the days of Martha Washington, Americans have paid attention to what first ladies wear, and by the 20th century, inauguration fashion had become a headline-worthy event.
From Jackie Kennedy’s polished elegance to Michelle Obama’s modern sophistication, these women didn’t just stand beside their husbands; they set trends, made political statements, and left lasting fashion legacies.
Here are five of the most iconic first lady inauguration looks that still have us talking.
Jacqueline Kennedy (1961)
Jackie Kennedy wasn’t just a first lady; she was a fashion icon in every sense. When John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th president, Jackie made sure her outfit reflected the youth, elegance, and refinement that would define her time in the White House.
She chose a stunning A-line wool coat and matching dress by Oleg Cassini, featuring oversized buttons, a stand-up collar, and a matching pillbox hat by Halston. The look appeared powder blue in photographs, but was actually a soft beige. And because Jackie understood that style was all in the details, she accessorised with a matching muff—a chic, old-Hollywood touch that added to her regal presence.
For the evening’s inaugural gala, she had a hand in designing her gown. She worked with Bergdorf Goodman’s Ethel Frankau to create an off-white silk chiffon gown with silver embroidery and an overlay of sheer silk. This wasn’t just a dress—it was the moment Jackie Kennedy cemented her status as America’s ultimate style muse.
Hillary Clinton (1993 & 1997)
Before she was known for her iconic pantsuits, Hillary Clinton had a softer, more traditional style as first lady. At Bill Clinton’s first inauguration in 1993, she wore a bubblegum pink suit by Arkansas designer Connie Fails—a nod to her husband’s home state. She paired it with a cadet blue velour hat, adding a vintage, almost Victorian touch.
Meanwhile, she chose a very ’90s-style gown—a violet beaded lace sheath dress with an iridescent silk mousseline overskirt, designed by Sarah Phillips for the evening inaugural gala. It was elegant, bold, and undeniably different from previous first lady ball gowns.
By 1997, Hillary had embraced a more polished look. She turned to Oscar de la Renta for a coral wool coat and dress set—a bright, optimistic colour that stood out on the steps of the Capitol. That evening, she wore a high-neck embroidered tulle gown in ivory, again by de la Renta. It was clear by this point that Hillary was done with soft pastels—she was making a statement of strength and authority, even through fashion.
Michelle Obama (2009 & 2013)
Michelle Obama changed the game—not just as the first black first lady, but as a woman who fully embraced fashion as a form of expression. At Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, she chose a lemongrass-coloured wool and lace ensemble by Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo. The colour was fresh, hopeful, and perfectly suited for a new era. She paired it with olive green J. Crew gloves, subtly reinforcing her commitment to accessible fashion.
For the inaugural ball, Michelle stunned in a white one-shoulder gown by then-unknown designer Jason Wu. The flowing chiffon dress, adorned with organza flowers and Swarovski crystals, made Wu an instant fashion star.
By 2013, Michelle had already solidified her place as a style icon. She arrived at her husband’s second swearing-in ceremony in a navy checkered Thom Browne coat and dress, cinched with a jewelled belt. The look was sophisticated, modern, and uniquely her. That evening, she wore another Jason Wu gown—this time a bold red halter dress that moved beautifully as she and Barack danced.
Michelle didn’t just wear clothes; she used them to tell a story—about inclusion, accessibility, and the evolving role of the first lady in American culture.
Melania Trump (2017 & 2025)
Melania Trump may have been reserved in public, but her fashion choices spoke volumes. For Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration, she paid homage to another stylish first lady—Jackie Kennedy—by wearing a sky-blue cashmere Ralph Lauren ensemble. The double-breasted dress and cropped bolero jacket exuded old-school glamour, a nod to American heritage brands and timeless elegance.
Later that evening, she changed into a sleek, off-the-shoulder white gown by Hervé Pierre, a French-born designer who had worked for Carolina Herrera. The dress featured a dramatic thigh-high slit and was cinched at the waist with a claret ribbon. It was understated, modern, and very much in line with Melania’s personal style.
While she kept a lower profile than many first ladies before her, Melania’s fashion choices were always deliberate—exuding power, precision, and a distinctly European flair.
For her second inauguration ceremony look, which was hosted indoors due to the weather, Melania Trump wore a simple, tailored, double-breasted navy coat and skirt set by Adam Lippes. She paired it with a matching Eric Javits hat in a boater-esque shape with a white band.
At the inaugural ball, Melania wore a white Hervé Pierre gown—her second time choosing the designer for this occasion. The gown featured black linear detailing and was accessorised with a choker necklace adorned with a borrowed 1955 Harry Winston brooch.
Dr Jill Biden (2021)
Jill Biden’s inaugural fashion was all about unity, resilience, and a touch of sparkle. At Joe Biden’s swearing-in ceremony in 2021, she wore a robin’s egg blue tweed coat and dress by Markarian, a young, New York-based brand. The pieces were custom-made and delicately embroidered with Swarovski crystals, adding just the right amount of shimmer to the historic occasion.
But what really set Jill apart? She became the first “first lady” to wear a face mask at an inauguration—an accessory that instantly placed her in history as a woman navigating the role during a global pandemic.
Later that day, she swapped her blue coat for a white Gabriela Hearst ensemble, featuring hand-embroidered floral motifs representing every U.S. state and territory. With this outfit, Jill Biden sent a clear message: her time in the White House would be about inclusivity, unity, and a focus on American craftsmanship.
First lady fashion isn’t just about style—it’s about symbolism, influence, and history in the making. These women have used their wardrobes to reflect the mood of the nation, champion emerging designers, and cement their own legacies. Their inauguration looks have resonated far beyond the steps of the Capitol. In the world of politics, what a first lady wears is never just an outfit—it’s a message.