Fashion

First Lady Inauguration Day Fashion Is On Trend for Mothers of the Bride

In light of Inaguration Day, we are reflecting not only our nation’s history of this momentous occasion but also of the looks that have been served over the course of history with it.

Sure, the presidents have always looked dapper in D.C. as they accept their role as the new Commander in Chief, but when it comes to their First Ladies, they historically tend to outshine their mates.

The limelight of our First Ladies’ style gained traction with the ever-iconic stylistic prowess of Former FLOTUS, Jackie Kennedy in the early 60s. Known for her love of Chanel and her always consistent vibe of ultra-femininity with her looks, Mrs. Kennedy’s pride in how she dressed resulted in an influx of importance for how our future First Ladies would take the medium of fashion and use it for their overall personal branding and image amidst their time in office.

We then were introduced to iconic style moments from these women after Mrs. Kennedy’s reign such as Hillary Clinton’s signature blonde bob and Forever FLOTUS Mrs. Obama’s knack for wearing up-and-coming designers often under the guidance of style legend, the late, great André Leon Talley. With this peaked interest in how our First Ladies show up, we’ve noticed one pattern in particular that has stood the test of time; Inauguration ‘Fits set the tone.

From their swearing-in ceremony look to their Inaugural Ball gowns, the First Ladies provide the ultimate inspo for mothers of the bride wanting to look ethereal and elegant for their daughter’s big day.

The shared poise their looks each display throughout the evening is something to be spectated and quite frankly, their often coated and midi-lengthed looks are SO on trend with the very demure fashion landscape at the moment.

Here are some of our favorite Inauguration Day looks from some our previous First Ladies.

Jackie Kennedy’s Inauguration Day Look, 1961

For her beloved husband’s inauguration, Mrs. Kennedy wore a blue mid-length dress and completed it with a matching coat and pillbox hat – which is an outfit combo that is seriously making a major comeback.

Image by Bettmann Archive.

Jackie Kennedy’s Inaugural Ball Gown, 1961

Continuing her love for an overcoat, Mrs. Kennedy pulled a day-to-night move when she transitioned into this gorgeous, white cape coat with a stunning, sleeveless, silk Chiffon gown for her husband’s ball in 1961. The look was designed by Ethel Frankau of Bergdorf Goodman and was based off of sketches the First Lady submitted herself for the outfit.

Image by AFP/Getty Images.

Pat Nixon Inaugural Ball Gown, 1969

Who knew Mrs. Pat’s look would echo into the future for inspo of Mrs. Obama’s Inauguration Day look nearly 40 years later? Mrs. Nixon’s silk satin gown designed by Karen Stark for Harvey Berin was a vision to behold while being embroidered in gold and silver and encrusted with a plethora of Austrian crystals.

Image by Everett Collection.

Nancy Reagan’s Inauguration Day Look, 1981

Mrs. Reagan opted to go the patriotic route with this fire engine red ensemble, complete with a hat that both reflected the women who came before her’s love for this outfit combination while still making it modern for her time with its cinched waist and cut.

Image by Getty Images.

Nancy Reagan’s Inauguration Ball Gown, 1985

Coming in at a whopping $46,000, this pricy gown Nancy Reagan wore was worth every bit of style it brought to the evening, crafted by designer James Galanos.

Image by Rex Features.

Laura Bush’s Inauguration Ball Gown, 2001

Former FLOTUS Laura Bush was a showstopper in this scarlet red, Chantilly lace beaded gown while in attendance at her husband’s first inaugural ball. The gown was a custom by Texas designer Michael Faircloth.

Hillary Clinton’s Inauguration Day Look, 1997

Mrs. Clinton was a vision in this Barbie-Core coded look to her husband’s second Inauguration Day in 1997.

Image by ABC Photo Archives via Getty Images.

Hillary Clinton’s Inaugural Ball Gown, 1997

Mrs. Clinton stunned when she cascaded into her husband’s inaugural ball in this sapphire number. Complete with her hair pulled back, a belted waist and overskirt with beading to die for and a laced overlay, this gown by Sarah Phillips was a fab choice.

Image by AFP/Getty Images.

Michelle Obama’s Inauguration Day Look, 2009

Forever FLOTUS Mrs. O was a vision in this olive green ensemble to her husband’s first inauguration day back in 2009. Complete with an emerald pump and her signature pressed tresses, she helped her husband shine his brightest.

Image by Getty Images.

Michelle Obama’s Inauguration Ball Gown

The imagery of Mrs. Obama seemingly gliding out on that stage in this now-iconic white gown to her husband’s first inaugural ball will forever live in our fashion archives.

Image by AFP/Getty Images.

Dr. Jill Biden’s Inauguration Day Look, 2021

Dr. Jill Biden was a refreshing vision in this cerulean number by Markarian designer Alexandra O’Neill. Crafted with wool tweed, this look will for sure sustain throughout time as a FLOTUS look for the ages.

Image by Getty Images.

Written by Fashion Writer, Kennedi LéShea.

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