Washington, D.C.’s most powerful women have served looks for decades. This is a historical review and hype piece for these iconic women.
Women in the White House have been scrutinized over the years, and mainly for fashion reasons. Starting with the Clinton presidency in 1993, let’s look into the history of fashion for these women.
Prior to diving into the styles of the dynamic women who have held the title of first lady of the U.S., it’s important to note why citizens should care about their fashion statements.
In a makeup tutorial with Vogue, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, “Our culture is so predicated on diminishing women and preying on our self-esteem, and so it’s quite a radical act — and it’s almost like a mini protest — to love yourself…”
Ocasio-Cortez continued, “When you stand up and say, ‘You know what? You don’t make that decision. I make that decision,’ it’s very powerful. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.”
Fashion is a form of self-expression and an opportunity to connect with others through the medium. While the presidents usually stuck to suits and ties, these women dared to flaunt bold colors and towering stilettos while simultaneously standing on the world stage.
1. Hilary Clinton
Not only was she the first lady of the 42nd U.S. president, Bill Clinton, she is also a political icon. Clinton served as U.S. Secretary of State from 2009-2013 under the Obama administration and stood as the U.S. Senator for New York from 2001-2009. In both 2008 and 2016, she held the title of Democratic presidential nominee. Clinton’s stylistic looks have evolved over the years alongside her changing public servant positions.
In the early 90s, she wore dark blue gowns and matching skirt-suits. When she became Secretary of State, the dresses turned to sophisticated suits in a range of rainbow colors. Pictured above is Clinton at the 2021 inauguration, wearing purple and masked up. Vice President Kamala Harris and former first lady Michelle Obama also wore purple tones as a symbol of bipartisanship.
2. Laura Bush
2001 was met with Laura Bush at the FLOTUS helm. Educator and former librarian, “Bush brought a no-fuss flair to her time in office, and the public responded to her reassuring presence,” according to Vogue.
Bush’s Instagram post above showcases her and Oscar de la Renta, whose designs she wore often, including at the second term inaugural ball in 2005 and at the 29th annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2006.
3. Michelle Obama
As the only Black first lady in U.S. history, Michelle Obama was under a watchful eye during her time in the White House. The author, attorney and advocate displayed her fashion sense with each audacious yet down to earth look.
The attorney’s 2021 Inauguration Day outfit was a trending topic on Twitter.
Obama’s stylist, Meredith Koop, told Good Morning America, “I knew from the jump I wanted pants for her. Pants, pants, pants…Dark colors. Jewel tones, blacks, grays. Nothing bright. Sleek, chic and modern.”
If the looks during her husband’s presidency were not enough to showcase her phenomenal style, this year’s Inauguration Day was a great reminder.
4. Melania Trump
Melania Trump, being the businesswoman and model that she is, looked effortlessly chic. Wearing a “vanilla silk crepe off-the-shoulder gown, designed by Herve Pierre” at her husband’s 2017 inauguration ball, she continued to pursue elegant looks during her four years as FLOTUS.
Trump matched her husband with ease in a black pantsuit during the winter holidays, as shown in the Instagram post above. The outfit serves to showcase her chic sense of fashion throughout her White House residency.
5. Jill Biden, Ph.D.
On Jan. 20, 2021, our newest and most highly educated women on the list stepped into office, Jill Biden, Ph.D. The educator’s style as FLOTUS so far has been all about solid colors and sophisticated looks.
Biden is the first FLOTUS to wear a mask during the swearing-in ceremony, but her style was not diminished in the process. She wore a “robin’s egg blue coat from the young New York-based label Markarian, created by designer Alexandra O’Neill.”
Biden’s custom coat played well with her fellow female powerhouses. Memes on Twitter showcased the “jewel tones” worn by the prominent women at the inauguration festivities, including Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama.
As fashion continues to evolve and new administrations enter the White House, each woman brings their unique sense of style into office. U.S. citizens get to watch fashions change and be a part of evolving policies as well.