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In light of US President Trump’s recent inauguration, let’s review the history of First Ladies inaugurations outfits and what they really foreshadowed about their partners’ presidencies.
Between seventy-three and seventy-nine days after a presidential election a president-elect takes the presidential oath of office, otherwise known as their inauguration.
This is a massive political event in the US and globally with big politicians, activists, and the general public all tuning in.
Although all eyes are on the new president, people’s eyes cannot help but wander to the classy, extravagant, and gorgeous outfits of their wives – the First Ladies.
Let’s look at some of the most memorable first ladies’ outfits and what they potentially symbolise.
Melania Trump and that hat
With Trump’s inauguration starting off the new year ‘strong’, being painted one of the most ‘controversial’ inaugurations in US history, it’s only fair to start this section off with a bang !
Let’s review Melania Trump’s newest inauguration outfit.
Melania is First Lady for the second time, standing alongside her husband Donald John Trump.
This time around she was spotted in an almost all dark navy blue with just hint of white – perhaps she was mourning her peace!
The star of the show was her gorgeous boat style, wide brimmed, hat. A true statement piece.
Such a statement, in fact, that Forbes contributor, Peter Sicui, noted that the First Lady’s choice of wardrobe trumped Trump’s speech across the media.
Melania Trump out there looking like a Spy vs. Spy cartoon.#Inauguration2025 #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/MGNtzgCJki
— Pieter J. Ketelaar 3 💉💉💉 💉 💉 (@PieterJKetelaar) January 20, 2025
The hat was designed by NY-based milliner Eric Javits and hid Melania’s eyes from the public, making her expressions almost undetectable. Perhaps this was an attempt to hide herself in the background, although in reality it achieved the complete opposite.
Her entire outfit was very mysterious, with her buttoned-up coat and high-neck blouse. This may be in an effort to signify the unpredictable, inexplicable presidency to come, especially as Trump is known for his outburst within politics.
The idea of being all buttoned-up could be an attempt to balance Trump’s controversial stance, reflecting a more tranquil and calmer persona amidst a political storm.
Although that may have been the ideal effect, young people across social media could not help but craft thousands of memes.
Some stated that ‘she looks like the Hamburglar’ and others compared her to a spy.
Let’s see if her ‘spy’ look is an early foreshadow to some cloak-and-dagger political manoeuvres in the next four years, or just a really dramatic fashion statement. Either way, she’ll certainly keep us guessing.
Michele Obama and her exposed shoulder
Do not take the regal Michele Obama to an American high school, her shoulders might ‘distract the boys’ and get her dress coded!
The Obama’s were truly inspiring, mostly in the political world as the first African American couple to be President and First Lady, but also in the fashion sphere.
Through both her two terms, Michele Obama raised the profile of countless designers, known for her selection of ‘homegrown talent’.
Her gorgeous one-shoulder white gown truly turned heads, embellished with beautiful crystals and floral designs.
Bearing a wedding dress-like quality, Michele Obama may have been signifying her marriage-like devotion to the nation in the 2009 inaugural ball.
Jackie Kennedy influence on a new era
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was John F. Kennedy’s well-known wife, for more than giving the President an ultimatum to end his alleged affair with Marilyn Monroe.
The Kennedy’s were striving to create a vision of a new transformative presidency.
Similar to Melania, Jackie’s hat stole the show. She wore a pill box hat in a gorgeous powder blue, perhaps trying to engender a sense of vibrancy and hope from the new presidency.
However, with most photos being in black and white there are some speculations on how bright her outfit truly was, with many arguing it in fact had more muted tones.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy
For the swearing in of JFK, Jackie wore an A-line dress and coat by Russian-born Cassini. The look featured oversized buttons, a matching pillbox hat, and a muff for added warmth; although it appeared light blue in colored photos taken on the day, the… pic.twitter.com/B8JKWSotic
— FLOTUS Report (@MELANIAJTRUMP) January 18, 2025
Nevertheless, although her outfit could not possibly foreshadow the tragedy struck to JFK, it most definitely gained attention and was fitting for the rollercoaster known as Kennedys’ presidency.
In the end, the outfits of First Ladies are more than just fashion statements – they serve as a powerful reflection of the political climates and personalities they help shape. They offer a small glimpse into the couple’s ambitions, tensions, and political aims.
Our gaze once again directs to Trump and Melania.
