Revisiting Nancy Reagan’s Style Evolution
As first lady for the length of the ’80s, Nancy Reagan injected style back into the White House for the first time since Jackie O. From ’60s prints to white gloves to match the Queen Elizabeth’s to red dress after red dress, usually by the designer Adolfo, Reagan’s ensembles staked her claim as a sartorial constant right up until her death on Sunday at 94. In remembrance, here’s a look back at her most iconic looks.
As first lady for the length of the ’80s, Nancy Reagan injected style back into the White House for the first time since Jackie O. From ’60s prints to white gloves to match the Queen Elizabeth’s to red dress after red dress, usually by the designer Adolfo, Reagan’s ensembles staked her claim as a sartorial constant right up until her death on Sunday at 94. In remembrance, here’s a look back at her most iconic looks.
In pastels on one of her husband’s early campaign trails in 1966.
In a patterned dress from one of her preferred designers, couturier James Galanos, in Sacramento, 1967.
In a rare pair of pants at home in 1967.
Slowly making the move into red with an orange dress by Galanos at the California State Capitol in 1967.
Ushering in the ’80s in polka dots, ruffles, and chunky earrings.
In a floral gown that’d no doubt get Alessandro Michele’s approval at a presidential event in California in 1981.
Donning white gloves for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at a San Francisco banquet in 1983.
Sprucing up an official White House portrait with some serious ruffles in 1984.
Changing it up in blue – and a hat – at London’s Westminster Abbey for the wedding of the Duke of Duchess of York in 1986.
Catching the eye of a distant crowd with a wave and a yellow ensemble in 1988.
Nothing establishes a red dress as your signature when you even wear one to throw the ceremonial first pitch of the World Series, which Reagan did in 1988 in L.A.
In a more regal shade of red awaiting the arrival of Spanish Kings Juan Carlos of Borbon and Sofia of Greece to the White House in 1987.
Proving she’s still got it – unlike Norma Desmond – at the opening night of a theater production of “Sunset Boulevard” in 1993.
Accompanying President Obama in another red ensemble decades later in 2009 to honor Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday at the White House.
