Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama, among many others, are all names that, one way or another, will forever be a part of American history as they served their tenures as Presidents of the United States. And, during their time as the country’s most powerful man, their wives and First Ladies stood right beside them.
Among the equally historic American history icons are Eleonor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Hillary Clinton, just to name a few. So, in honor of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, we’ve decided to take a walk down memory lane and look at the looks many FLOTUS decided to wear during their husbands’ presidential inauguration.
In 2021, former President Joe Biden’s wife Dr. Jill Biden looked as elegant as ever in a Markarian ocean blue wool tapered tweed dress with matching gloves and a COVID-19-safe mask.
“They’re just pieces of small cloth,” the First Lady said of her look to the Smithsonian, “but they represent the enormity of what we all faced at the time. A pandemic that has changed our world forever. Months of closed schools and businesses. A virtual presidential campaign. So much time spent apart. But these masks also represent the moments of courage and kindness … the strength and the resilience [shown when] we vowed to rebuild and move forward.”
Check out some previous First Lady inauguration looks below!
Mary Todd Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln, brought the drama to the White House in this billowing gown with a cinched corset and ruffled layers on the trim and neckline.
Eleanor Roosevelt
For President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 inauguration, his wife Eleanor Roosevelt kept it feminine in a blue silk crepe dress with embellishments on the collar.
Jacqueline Kennedy
Known for her impeccable style, Jacqueline Kennedy, wife to President John F. Kennedy, wore a gorgeous A-line light blue dress with a matching coat and pillbox hat to the inauguration.
Lady Bird Johnson
Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, looked as happy as ever in this bright red wool coat with a black knot and black accessories to the inauguration.
Pat Nixon
Owning the Barbiecore trend decades before the trend even existed, Pat Nixon, wife to Richard Nixon, rocked this bright pink coat to the coronation.
Rosalynn Carter
President Jimmy Carter’s wife Rosalynn Carter kept it classic during his inauguration in this long-sleeve royal blue coat and knee-high black boots.
Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan was a vision in orange-red at her husband Ronald Reagan’s 1981 inauguration.
Barbara Bush
Much like Rosalynn Carter, Barbara Bush, wife to President George H. W. Bush, also wore a full blue coat to the occasion.
Hillary Clinton
Stepping a little outside the norm, Hillary Clinton opted for this checkered red and white two-piece suit for her husband Bill Clinton’s inauguration.
Hillary Clinton
Four years later, in 1997, Hillary Clinton stood tall in this monochromatic bright pink look as her husband was sworn into office for the second time.
Laura Bush
In 2001, President George W. Bush color coordinated with his wife Laura Bush as they both wore blue to the inauguration.
Michelle Obama
For President Barack Obama’s first inauguration, Michelle Obama opted for this light green sparkly dress and coat with dark green gloves and heels.
Michelle Obama
Four years later, Michelle Obama had already established herself as a fashion superstar when she wore this checkered coat with high boots and bright pink gloves. Talk about a glow-up!
Melania Trump
For President Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017, his wife Melania opted for this light blue monochromatic look with attached gloves.
Dr. Jill Biden
In 2021, Dr. Jill Biden looked ultra chic in this blue ensemble with matching gloves and mask.
Melania Trump
In President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in 2025, Melania Trump looked chic in this navy and ivory ensemble by Adam Lippes. To accessorize, she matched the coat with a low navy and ivory hat by Eric Javits.
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