While many eyes are on the incoming Commander-in-Chief throughout inauguration day, the first lady — and entire first family — play a significant part in the day’s events.
That is why much significance is placed on both her look for the ceremony itself and the evening’s ball, which are often added to the Smithsonian’s First Ladies Collection that includes more than two dozen looks from years past.
From Nancy Reagan’ disco-chic inaugural ball looks to Melania Trump’s most recent wide-brimmed hat, look back at more than 40 years worth of inauguration day looks.
Melania Trump, 2025
For the second inauguration of President Donald Trump, Melania Trump wore a dark coat paired with a wide-brimmed hat and leather gloves.
Dr. Jill Biden, 2021
Jill Biden wore a blue tweed dress designed by Alexandra O’Neill of Markarian which she paired with a matching mask. For the evening’s virtual nighttime celebration, she wore an ivory dress and cashmere coat that was embroidered with flowers from each state and territory of the U.S. designed by Gabriela Hearst.
Melania Trump, 2017
For Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony, Melania Trump chose a powder-blue Ralph Lauren ensemble with matching gloves and heels. At nighttime, she changed into a structured white gown by French designer Hervé Pierre.
Michelle Obama, 2013
At Barack Obama’s second inauguration, Michelle Obama wore a tailored Thom Browne coat dress with black boots and purple gloves. At night, she switched into a custom Jason Wu gown in a vibrant red hue.
Michelle Obama, 2009
For her first big Washington, D.C., moment, Obama chose a daytime set by Cuban American designer Isabel Toledo, followed by a memorable one-shoulder Jason Wu gown in white.
Laura Bush, 2005
Oscar de la Renta did double duty for Laura Bush in 2005, designing a winter white cashmere coat and dress for the daytime and a shimmering silver and blue tulle gown for the evening events.
Laura Bush, 2001
In her first outing as first lady, Bush wore a blue suit by Texas designer Michael Faircloth. In the evening, she went a bit bolder in a red Chantilly lace gown, also by Faircloth.
Hillary Clinton, 1997
As with Laura Bush after her, Hillary Clinton tapped Oscar de la Renta for her 1997 looks: a bubblegum pink swing coat for day and a sparkling, form-fitting turtleneck gown for night.
Hillary Clinton, 1993
Little Rock-based designer Sarah Phillips created both of Clinton’s inaugural looks, which began with a blue suit (and Darcy Creech hat) and ended with a beaded violet evening gown made with costume creator Barbara Matera Ltd.
Barbara Bush, 1989
For the day’s ceremony, Barbara Bush wore a turquoise coat by Bill Blass. For the evening’s ball, Bush changed into a blue silk and velvet gown designed by Arnold Scassi.
Nancy Reagan, 1985
In 1985 (which was the last time the inauguration ceremony was held indoors), Nancy Reagan wore a blue Adolfo outfit accessorized with gold jewelry and later wore a shimmering Galanos gown for the ball.
Nancy Reagan, 1981
For Ronald Reagan’s first inauguration, Nancy Reagan wore what would go on to be known as a “Reagan Red” coat and hat by Adolfo. She wore a one-shoulder Galanos gown for the ball.
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