The First Lady’s are well known for being influential to many people across the world – especially when it comes to their fashion choices. Many of the Leading Ladies such as Jackie Kennedy, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump have established themselves as style icons with their own distinct looks. What the lady’s wear have a huge ability to catch the publics eye unlike any other official. From stylish suits to elegant ball gowns that have been carefully thought out to send a message to the American people.
With Donald Trump now becoming president of America for the second time and being supported by First Lady Melania Trump, we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to look at some of our favourite Leading Lady’s iconic fashion choices.
Jacqueline Kennedy (1961-1963) –
Jackie Kennedy wore a lot of pastel fashion throughout her husbands presidency. One of the First Lady’s most notable looks was a powder pink, strapless, Dior ball gown, this dress was styled with a pair of white gloves and looked both chic and elegant.
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The First Lady’s most recognisable look would be her pink skirt suit, this was the outfit Jackie wore when her husband was assassinated, a day remembered by the world. Although this outfit is commonly known as a Chanel design, it was a recreation, and this is because the First Lady was encouraged to wear outfits from American designers.
Following her husbands assassination, Jackie Kennedy insisted upon wearing the blood-stained suit as Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn into presidency.
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Nancy Reagan (1981-1989) –
First Lady Nancy Reagan was well known for her simple and elegant style, favouring bright reds over plain neutral colours. Standing at five foot four and a perfect size 2, Nancy Reagan always looked perfect and is known in history as a style icon.
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Nancy Reagan wore this iconic red outfit accompanied by Princess Diana while visiting the Springfield Drug Rehabilitation centre in 1985. This outfit was bold and colourful, creating an iconic and memorable look, designed by James Galanos, an American fashion designer who was known for his elegant and timeless designs.
Horst P, Horst, Vogue
The First Lady wore this beautiful white gown designed by Giorgio Armani at a White House dinner in 1983. The gown featured a high-neck, column silhouette, with minimal embellishment. This outfit was elegant and graceful to help reinforce her image as a fashion-forward first lady.
Hillary Clinton (1993-2001 ) –
During Hillary Clinton’s time being a First Lady, she became a style icon, navigating a balance between professionalism, politics, and personal style. The First Lady’s wardrobe often blended elegance with a more modern, and sometimes bold approach to fashion.
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The First Lady wore this striking navy blue satin gown designed by Sarah Phillips at her husbands inauguration in 1993. The gown was long-sleeved and had a minimalist, elegant design, this was a change from the more extravagant ball gowns that had been worn by other First Lady’s. The gowns simple, dignified look set the tone for Hillary’s style throughout her time as First Lady.
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During the inauguration of Bill Clinton for his second term in 1997, the First Lady wore this canary yellow two-piece suit designed by Donna Karan. The bold colour was a striking choice, especially considering the typical presidential fashion trends of the time, which often favoured more muted tones. The bright suit was both youthful and vibrant, signalling a shift towards more approachable yet still sophisticated attire for First Lady’s.
Laura Bush (2001-2009) –
The First Lady’s style was characterised by refined, polished elegance. Known for her classic taste and conservative yet fashionable choices, the First Lady often wore outfits that were both appropriate for formal occasions and accessible for public appearances.
White House Photo Office
The First Lady wore a silk sari-inspired gown designed by Carolina Herrera, during the state dinner for the president of India in 2006. The gown featured intricate detailing and embroidery, drawing from Indian traditional dress while maintaining a Western silhouette. This design was a nod to the cultural significance of the dinner and demonstrated Laura’s ability to blend international influences with her classic style.
White House Photo Office
In 2004 for the White House Christmas Reception, the First Lady wore a festive yet elegant red velvet dress. The dress had a simple, flattering cut and conveyed both warmth and sophistication, making it the perfect dress for the holiday season. Laura’s choice of deep red was both traditional and festive aligning with her sophisticated approach to dressing for Christmas events.
Michelle Obama (2009-2017) –
Michelle Obama became a global style icon, well known for her bold, elegant, and often playful approach to fashion. The First Lady balanced her high-profile role with a preference for accessibility and diversity in her wardrobe, often choosing to wear both established designers and emerging talent.
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The beautiful gown worn by the First Lady at the 2011 state dinner in honour of the Chinese President was designed by Alexander McQueen. The dress featuring a structured, feminine design, was part of a broader trend during her tenure for bold colours and clean, tailored lines. The gown was elegant and appropriate for the significance of the occasion, with the colour red symbolising luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.
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Although this iconic purple suit was not worn during Michelle’s time as First Lady, this outfit has been listed as her most iconic outfit. Designed by Sergio Hudson, the deep purple sleek design represented dignity and power, this outfit was a modern look that embraced powerful femininity while maintaining Michelle’s polished, contemporary style.
Melania Trump (2017-2021) –
The First Lady quickly became known for her polished, high-fashion style, often opting for elegant, dramatic looks that ranged from modern to classic.
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During a trip to Paris the First Lady wore a striking double-breasted red coat by Louis Vuitton. The look was chic and sophisticated and drew comparisons to Jackie Kennedys iconic style. The ensemble was polished and made a strong statement with it’s bold red colour. The outfit was also a nod to Melania’s background in European high fashion.
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On a trip to the UK in 2019, the First Lady wore a navy blue Chanel jacket and matching skirt. This elegant outfit combined with her sleek hairstyle and flawless makeup, reinforced her status as an international style icon. The jacket was a classic piece from Chanel one of the worlds most prestigious luxury fashion houses, showcasing Melania’s high-end taste.
