From Trench Coat To Pillbox Hat: Evolution Of US First Ladies' Fashion

As Donald Trump took oath as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, his wife Melania Trump took charge as the First Lady. The 54-year-old former model made heads turn with her unusual fashion choice, opting for a navy trench coat over a white dress, a hat that nearly concealed her identity, black gloves to complete her 'incognito' look, and classic black pumps. Put together by her trusted stylist, Hervé Pierre, the inaugural ceremony ensemble looked different yet smart.

Melania sported a custom double-breasted coat designed by Adam Lippes, who is reportedly her favourite designer according to Vogue, and a matching boater hat crafted by Eric Javits. Lippes told Vogue, “Mrs. Trump's outfit was created by some of America's finest craftsmen and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.

OMG Melania Trump’s inauguration outfit 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/xALRoSedph

— Jessica 🇺🇸 (@RealJessica05) January 20, 2025

First Ladies in the United States have continually inspired and captivated with their fashion sense. Their style can best be described as elegant and purposeful, embodying the spirit of their duties as symbols of diplomacy, and cultural representation. Over the years, First Lady fashion has evolved tremendously, yet continues to reflect these values.

Here is a look at some of the most iconic fashion choices of First Ladies. Note: This list includes only selected looks, not in exact chronological order.

What Did US First Ladies Wear At Inaugural Ceremonies Over The Years

Jackie Kennedy (1961)

Jackie Kennedy took charge as the First Lady in the John F. Kennedy era. She was known for her pillbox hats and crisp trenchcoats that embodied poise and grace. At the swearing-in ceremony, she opted for a powder blue trend coat with a black fuzzy collar peeking through, a matching pillbox hat, and elegant gloves. She set a fashion statement that many following First Ladies got inspired by.

Lady Bird Johnson (1965)

Lady Bird Johnson was the wife of Lyndon B. Johnson, who served as the President from 1963 to 1969. At the swearing-in ceremony, she wore a billowing canary-yellow satin gown with fur trims on the sleeves. She complemented the John Moore dress with butter-yellow gloves.

Pat Nixon (1969)

Pat Nixon was the First Lady from 1969 to 1974, during Richard Nixon's administration. She made a statement with her gold-yellow satin gown with an attached embellished jacket and cinching matching embellished belt. She completed the Karen Stark-made look with stud earrings and white gloves.

Rosalynn Carter (1977)

Rosalynn Carter was the First Lady from 1977 to 1981 during Jimmy Carter's rule. Two of her inaugural looks were iconic. One-- a blue trench coat very similar to Jackie Kennedy's, paired with brown knee-high boots for the swearing-in ceremony and parade. Two-- a blue and gold shimmery gown for the inaugural ball.

Nancy Reagan (1981)

Nancy Reagan, wife of Ronald Reagan, was the First Lady from 1981 to 1989. She served a bold and captivating look at the inaugural ceremony, opting for a bright red knee-length dress, matching pillbox hat, and black gloves. At the inaugural ball, she wore a white embellished one-shoulder sleek gown and matching gloves.

Hillary Clinton (1993)

At Bill Clinton's inaugural parade in 1993, Hillary Clinton wore an unassuming maroon tweed co-ord set paired with a black hat, stockings, and black pumps. However, she switched it up at the ball, opting for a striking embellished violet gown by Sarah Phillips that made American history with its beauty and elegance. 

Hillary Clinton (1997)

During the following term, Hillary Clinton wore a gorgeous rosey-pink dress and trench coat decorated with an attractive golden brooch.

Laura Bush (2005)

Laura Bush served as the First Lady for two terms, from 2001 to 2009 during the George Bush era. For her 2005 inaugural, she wore an all-white outfit-- a pristine dress and matching trench coat, a warmer-toned white scarf and matching gloves, and a pair of nude pumps. 

Michelle Obama (2009)

Michelle Obama served for two terms, from 2009 to 2017, during Barack Obama's Presidency. In 2009, she made history as the first Black First Lady and opted for a stunning yellow-green look for the historic event. She wore a lemon yellow embroidered dress and a matching coat with olive-coloured gloves and emerald pumps.

Melania Trump (2017)

Melania Trump first served as First Lady in 2017. During the inaugural ceremony, she brought back Jackie Kennedy's powder blue statement, as she sported a crisp Ralph Lauren dress with matching pumps and gloves. Her diamond stud earrings gave the perfect touch of elegance to the look.

Jill Biden (2021)

Joe Biden's wife Jill Biden wore a two-toned peacock-blue tweed trench coat and dress matched with a blue face mask for the inauguration ceremony held during the COVID-19 pandemic. She handed over her responsibility as First Lady back to Melania on January 20, 2025.

Trump's Swearing-In Ceremony

Donald Trump re-took oath as the President on January 20. The Republican leader, who left the White House in 2021, returned with a renewed sense of strength and determination, promising a reset of American policies. In his speech, he spoke about key issues such as immigration, tariffs, and energy, and rose anticipation for a 'golden era' in the USA.