Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday looked very different from any in American history due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (and the noted lack of the man he’s replacing in the audience), but Dr. Jill Biden continued on one American tradition by setting the tone for what to expect from her fashion statements as First Lady. 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.
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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.
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Jacqueline Kennedy, 1961
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Patricia Nixon took in her husband’s swearing-in wearing a bright pink peacoat, paired with a mink stole and matching hat.
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Pat Nixon, 1969
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Rosalynn Carter arrived to the capital hand-in-hand with her husband, wearing a swingy teal peacoat and knee-high boots.
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Rosalynn Carter, 1977
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Nancy Regan looked to her favorite color – red – for her 1981 ensemble.
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Nancy Reagan, 1981
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Nancy Reagan made her penchant for all things glamorous known at the 1981 Inaugural Ball, donning a one-shouldered lace gown by John Galanos.
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Nancy Reagan, 1981
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At her husband’s 1985 swearing in, Nancy Reagan donned a blue suit and matching hat – with heaps of gold jewelry for good measure.
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Nancy Reagan, 1985
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Hillary Clinton made a major statement in a royal purple gown by little-known designer Sarah Phillips in 1993.
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Hillary Clinton, 1993
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For Bill Clinton’s second swearing in, Hillary went pink, in a pastel-hued wool coat.
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Hillary Clinton, 1997
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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.
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Hillary Clinton, 1997
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Laura Bush opted for a designer from her home state of Texas, wearing a beaded Michael Faircloth gown.
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Laura Bush, 2001
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For her husband’s 2005 swearing in, Laura Bush went winter white in a pristine Oscar de la Renta suit.
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Laura Bush, 2005
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The designer also dressed Bush for that year’s inaugural ball, crafting an ice blue and silver embroidered tulle V-neck dress.
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Laura Bush, 2005
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Michelle Obama stepped outside the traditional red, white and blue color palette in 2009, wearing a sunny yellow suit by Isabel Toledo.
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Michelle Obama, 2009
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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.
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Michelle Obama, 2009
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Obama arrived to the 2013 inaugural parade wearing a blue checked coat by Thom Browne, cinched with a metallic belt.
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Michelle Obama, 2013
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Once again, Jason Wu dressed Obama for the Inaugural Ball in 2013 with a show-stopping red velvet and chiffon gown.
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Michelle Obama, 2013
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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.
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Melania Trump, 2017
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Dr. Jill Biden wore a custom woolen tweed coat and dress, along with a matching silk face mask, by Markarian’s Alexandra O’Neill.