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Ladies with an Attitude
From Melania Trump to Jacqueline Kennedy, a History of First Ladies' Inauguration Day Style
On Friday at Donald J. Trump's presidential inauguration, First Lady Melania Trump wore a powder blue Ralph Lauren suit-dress that recalled the soft, classic style of Jacqueline Kennedy. Over the years, the dress chosen by the incoming presidential spouse to the swearing-in ceremony and official balls that follow has varied, from demure looks that are meant to blend in to dramatic and symbolic dresses that declare a new administration's beginning, like Michelle Obama's elegant Isabel Toledo suit from her husband's first inaugural. Here, a look back at all of the tailored jackets, sequined gowns and everything in between of inaugurations throughout history.
1/18
For her husband's second inauguration, Mamie Eisenhower wore a citron lace ballgown - with a matching slip and petticoat - designed by Nettie Rosenstein.
First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, 1957
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2/18
Jackie Kennedy took on her role as First Lady and burgeoning style icon wearing a sleeveless silk chiffon dress, which she helped to design alongside Ethel Frankau of Bergdorf Goodman.
Jacqueline Kennedy, 1961
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3/18
Patricia Nixon took in her husband's swearing-in wearing a bright pink peacoat, paired with a mink stole and matching hat.
Pat Nixon, 1969
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4/18
Rosalynn Carter arrived to the capital hand-in-hand with her husband, wearing a swingy teal peacoat and knee-high boots.
Rosalynn Carter, 1977
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5/18
Nancy Regan looked to her favorite color - red - for her 1981 ensemble.
Nancy Reagan, 1981
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6/18
Nancy Reagan made her penchant for all things glamorous known at the 1981 Inaugural Ball, donning a one-shouldered lace gown by John Galanos.
Nancy Reagan, 1981
AFP/Getty Images
7/18
At her husband's 1985 swearing in, Nancy Reagan donned a blue suit and matching hat - with heaps of gold jewelry for good measure.
Nancy Reagan, 1985
AFP/Getty Images
8/18
Hillary Clinton made a major statement in a royal purple gown by little-known designer Sarah Phillips in 1993.
Hillary Clinton, 1993
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9/18
For Bill Clinton's second swearing in, Hillary went pink, in a pastel-hued wool coat.
Hillary Clinton, 1997
AFP/Getty Images
10/18
Oscar de la Renta was Hillary Clinton's designer of choice for her second inaugural ball, where she a wore a glimmering, long-sleeved gold gown.
Hillary Clinton, 1997
AFP/Getty Images
11/18
Laura Bush opted for a designer from her home state of Texas, wearing a beaded Michael Faircloth gown.
Laura Bush, 2001
AFP/Getty Images
12/18
For her husband's 2005 swearing in, Laura Bush went winter white in a pristine Oscar de la Renta suit.
Laura Bush, 2005
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13/18
The designer also dressed Bush for that year's inaugural ball, crafting an ice blue and silver embroidered tulle V-neck dress.
Laura Bush, 2005
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14/18
Michelle Obama stepped outside the traditional red, white and blue color palette in 2009, wearing a sunny yellow suit by Isabel Toledo.
Michelle Obama, 2009
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15/18
Obama selected young designer Jason Wu's cream-colored, one shoulder gown for the couple's first inauguration, marking her first step as a major fashion influencer.
Michelle Obama, 2009
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16/18
Obama arrived to the 2013 inaugural parade wearing a blue checked coat by Thom Browne, cinched with a metallic belt.
Michelle Obama, 2013
WireImage
17/18
Once again, Jason Wu dressed Obama for the Inaugural Ball in 2013 with a show-stopping red velvet and chiffon gown.
Michelle Obama, 2013
AFP/Getty Images
18/18
Melania Trump arrived at the White House for her husband's swearing in wearing a powder blue Ralph Lauren suit that recalled Jackie Kennedy's signature style.
Melania Trump, 2017