On Inauguration Day, Here’s All Of The First Lady Inauguration Dresses Since 1861

It's official: moving trucks will soon be spotted outside The White House. As the world prepares for the return of Donald Trump, we thought we'd switch our attention away from the president and instead focus on the First Lady. Specifically, the inauguration style of all the first ladies of the past.

The dress that the new first lady wears on Inauguration Day, both to the ceremony and later to the inaugural balls, is so much more than just a fashion choice. From making a political statement to putting new designers on the map, inauguration dresses have the ability to the set the tone for how the American public — and the rest of the world — will see the first lady for the next four years.

Today at St John's Church, Melania struck a more sombre note than 2017 in a navy-and-cream coat dress by Adam Lippes, pairing the look with stiletto-heeled pumps and a matching boater-style hat from Eric Javits. The first time she moved into the most famous address in America, Melania wore a powder blue, double-faced cashmere set by Ralph Lauren. A spokeswoman at the time explained the decision ‘With the historic swearing-in of her husband, Donald J. Trump, as the 45th President of the United States, the first lady-elect will become America’s new First Lady wearing an American designer who transformed American fashion, Ralph Lauren.’

In 2021, Dr Jill Biden opted for an inauguration wardrobe featuring quiet power dresses and understated tailoring, choosing to showcase designers such as Gabriela Hearst, Markarian and Jonathan Cohen.

In 2017, the shape and design of Melania's jacket brought to mind looks from the '60s, drawing comparisons to Jackie Kennedy. For the inauguration of her husband President John F. Kennedy in 1961, Jackiealso wore a pale blue ensemble designed by personal courtier Oleg Cassini. What drew the attention of the world, though, wasn’t her dress, but rather her matching egg-shaped pillbox hat. JFK’s presidency was to symbolise a new era of the United States, and Kennedy, surrounded by other women in dark coats and mink hats, was the human manifestation of that shift.

For her husband’s first inauguration in January 2009, Michelle Obama wore a one-shouldered white chiffon gown designed by Jason Wu, then a relatively-unknown designer. Wu embellished the dress with organza flowers and Swarovski crystals in an effort to signify hope. Four years later, for President Barack Obama’s second inauguration, Michelle once again turned to Jason Wu, this time wearing a stunning red halter-neck dress.

So, as you can see, the inauguration dress is more than just a dress — it’s a statement, whether that be one of hope, change or patriotism. Let's look back at them in all their glory.