Published 17:34 IST, January 21st 2025
The First Lady Fashion: As Time Rolls
Over the years, First Ladies of the United States have made bold style statements during inaugural ceremonies. What sets each First Lady apart is the unique…

For those who believe that presidential inaugurations are monotonous and filled with endless vows, it’s time to reconsider. These ceremonies often feature extraordinary moments, including poetry, songs, fashion statements, and music, alongside the oath-taking.
Over the years, First Ladies of the United States have made bold style statements during inaugural ceremonies. What sets each First Lady apart is the unique taste and evolving style of their generation.
We’ve rounded up a few iconic moments from past inaugurations, showcasing the fashion of First Ladies in the order of their respective presidencies.
Melania Trump 2025

Melania Trump dazzled at the inauguration on Monday in a sharply tailored navy blue ensemble by New York designer Adam Lippes, paired with a striking hat designed by Eric Javits. Reflecting on the hat that became the centerpiece of the event, Javits shared on Instagram, “It was my great honor and privilege to create the hat our First Lady, Melania Trump wore for the inaugural swearing-in of our 47th President! She has the inner grace, beauty, and presence to transform what was really a very simple, restrained hat style into what became a "wow" moment. The First Lady's hat was made with love.”
Jill Biden 2021

Jill Biden’s 2021 outfit which is now a part of the first ladies exhibition at the museum was designed by Alexandra O’Neill. Jill on the swearing-in ceremony for Joy, Biden dazzled in a blue wool, tapered tweed dress with an overcoat. Jill’s choice of fashion for the ceremony was remarked as a lark by style watchers.
Michelle Obama 2009

Fifteen years ago, in 2009, Michelle Obama became the First Lady of the United States. With a radiant smile, she made her debut as First Lady in a bold and stylish outfit that turned heads. Michelle chose a statement-making ensemble, a soft lime-green dress designed by Isabel Toledo, which instantly set the tone for her iconic sense of fashion.
Laura Bush 2001

It was not until the second time former U.S. President George W. Bush was re-elected in 2005, making Laura Bush the First Lady for a second consecutive term, that calf-length coat dresses and skirts were common.
Laura Bush wore a single-breasted coat and skirt in peacock blue for the swearing-in ceremony, designed by Dallas couturier Michael Faircloth. Later, during the second term, Laura Bush in 2005 dazzled in an elegant Oscar de la Renta coat and dress that fell just at knee length, giving her a fresh look.
Hillary Clinton 1993

Hillary Clinton served as First Lady for two terms during Bill Clinton’s presidency and is known for her fashion sense. In 1993, during the inaugural ceremony, Hillary chose to wear a checked pink suit by designer Connie Fails, who, as reported, was her go-to designer for several outfits as she prepared herself for her role as First Lady. She complemented her look with a blue velvet hat created by Darcy Creech.
Reflecting on First Ladies' fashion over the years, one consistent theme is the iconic and timeless elegance of formal outfits, enhanced by their unique touch. From carefully chosen accessories to meaningful details, many First Ladies have paid tribute to their roots, home states, and the people they represent through their sartorial choices.
Updated 06:46 IST, January 22nd 2025