Fashion is a powerful tool, especially for someone in the public eye as much as the first lady. For decades, these women have used garments like lace dresses, low-cut tops, or the famous pantsuit (hi, Hillary!) to communicate with the American people. When successful, a first lady can use her clothing to her advantage to relay a message, other times not so much. Take a trip down memory lane with 40 leading ladies and the fashion that made a statement during their time in the White House.
With her Eurocentric fashions, Jackie Kennedy signaled her plans to infuse the White House with high culture. And when Michelle Obama wore J.Crew gloves, she communicated that she was a first lady for the people.
Enjoy this fun look back at some standout First Ladies throughout history…
Martha Dandrige Custis Washington,1789
Dolley Payne Todd Madison, 1810s
Angelica Singleton Van Buren, 1840
Harriet Rebecca Lane Johnston, 1860
Mary Todd Lincoln, 1861
Frances Folsom Cleveland, 1886
Ida Saxton McKinley, 1900
Grace Goodhue Coolidge, 1927
Mamie Doud Eisenhower, 1953
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, 1963
Patricia Nixon, 1969
Betty Ford, 1976
Nancy Davis Reagan, 1985
Barbara Bush, 1991
Hillary Clinton, 1997
Michelle Obama, 2013
Melania Trump, 2018
Adapted from MarieClaire.com