Dressing for Inauguration Day is quite different than dressing for the Inaugural Ball, which comes later in the evening. First, the US president-elect and their partner mark the commencement of a new term with a parade and swearing-in ceremony at the US Capitol. For that, there’s outerwear, being that the inauguration historically takes place in January – and our nation’s past first ladies have chosen some very bright outerwear at that.
We can confidently say we’ll never forget when Michelle Obama expertly executed her own brand of high-low fashion by cinching a Thom Browne coat at the waist with a studded J.Crew belt. Jackie Kennedy toted along a muff to match the furry trim that lined her collar, and her felt coat was equipped with big, round buttons in typical ’60s fashion. Both Hillary Clinton and Patricia Nixon chose bright-pink outerwear for their husbands’ inaugurations, while Laura Bush seemingly paid tribute to Nancy Reagan and Rosalynn Carter – all three women wore shades of cerulean blue. The impressively bold outfit details did not end there, and they are surely, all in their own subtle ways, messages to the public that a first lady is of utmost importance throughout a presidency. Scroll through to reminisce with us.
Related:
All Hail! These Are the Best First Lady Fashion Moments of All Time
