The evolution of First Lady inaugural fashion: From the 19th century to now
While inauguration day marks the beginning of a new presidential term, it's also a day to set up how the new First Lady of the United States will dress for the next four years.
Over the decades, the fashion worn by presidents' wives at the ceremony and inaugural balls has evolved with the times.
From tailored suits to sparkly ballgowns, let's look at the First Lady's inaugural fashion from the 19th century to now as we get ready for Melania Trump's second term.
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1961: Jackie Kennedy
When you think fashionable First Ladies, Jacqueline Kennedy is probably near the top of the list.
During her brief time as First Lady, Jackie partnered with designer Oleg Cassini, who was the visionary behind her inauguration day looks.
Here she is pictured in 1961 ahead of the inauguration ceremonies in a pillbox hat – an item that would become one of her style trademarks – by milliner Halston.
It was designed specifically to make Jackie stand out in the crowd; other women at the event wore mink caps.
The original design also didn't have an indent in the top, but Jackie accidentally added one when she reached up to hold onto the hat in the wind. This would become a feature of future pillbox hats from other designers.
"The Seventh Avenue copycat hat makers reproduced the design by the thousands so accurately that each pillbox had a dent in it," Halson later remarked.
The former First Lady was involved in the creation of this gorgeous gown she wore to the inauguration ball.
While Cassini was behind her other inauguration looks, her inaugural ballgown was actually by another designer.
Jackie sent sketches over to designer Ethel Frankau to collaborate on her dress for the special evening.
The embellished gown featured a sheer overlay paired with classic opera gloves.
1977: Rosalynn Carter
President Jimmy Carter's wife Rosalynn changed things up in her one term with a new approach to First Lady fashion.
With the eyes of the world watching her, Rosalynn opted for a recycled fashion moment for the 1977 inaugural ball.
The First Lady stepped out in a gorgeous evening dress that she had already worn before in 1971 at her husband's inauguration as the Governor of Georgia.
Here she is pictured at the 1977 inauguration in the beautiful blue gown with sheer sleeves and golden embroidery, which she got from a department store.
1981: Nancy Reagan
James Galanos dressed Nancy Reagan for her husband President Ronald Reagan's 1981 inaugural ball.
Speaking about the embellished dress he styled the First Lady in, Galanos said he went for a look that was "... elegant and in keeping with the new formality", as per the Smithsonian.
1993: Hillary Clinton
For her husband Bill Clinton's first term as President, Hillary Clinton chose a dress with a special connection to her hometown for the 1993 inaugural ball.
The gorgeous purple dress was by lesser-known designer Sarah Phillips, who was from her same town as Hillary.
Here the former First Lady is pictured on stage with her husband Bill as he removed her coat to reveal the embellished gown beneath.
Her First Lady style is worlds away from her signature pantsuit style of today.
1997: Hillary Clinton
Bill Clinton was re-elected for a second term in 1997.
For his inauguration ceremony, Hillary stood out among the crowd in a pink coat by Arkansas designer Connie Fails.
The First Lady captured the '90s decade with her hair styled out in a chic bob.
Her second inaugural ball dress was just as extravagant as the first – but this time there was a bigger designer name attached to the look.
Hillary's embellished gown was courtesy of famous designer, Oscar de la Renta.
2005: Laura Bush
President George W. Bush was inaugurated in front of the White House in 2005 while accompanied by his wife Laura.
For the occasion, Laura wore all white, the beginning of her many sartorial choices throughout Bush's presidential term.
It's said that the FLOTUS was inspired by Nancy Reagan when choosing her style.
For the Texas Wyoming Ball inside the Washington Convention Center as part of the US presidential inaugural festivities, the former First Lady glittered in a design by Oscar de la Renta.
Laura did not shy away from flaunting her affluence through her outfits.
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