“Unveiling Fashion’s Legacy: How Melania Trump’s Viral Inauguration Dress Sparks a Retro Style Showdown Among First Ladies!”

"Unveiling Fashion's Legacy: How Melania Trump's Viral Inauguration Dress Sparks a Retro Style Showdown Among First Ladies!"

As the spotlight shines once more on Melania Trump, who practically moonwalked back into the White House swaddled in a navy blue coat and a hat so big it could probably double as a small parachute, one has to wonder—who’s really pulling the strings when it comes to first lady fashion? With Donald Trump installed as the 47th president, the Slovenia-born former model reminded us all that fashion isn’t just about personal style but serves as a powerful canvas for messaging and political symbolism. And boy, did her larger-than-life hat spark a flurry of giggles online, leading to comparisons with everything from 1920s mobsters to UFOs! It’s a curious reflection of how the sartorial choices of First Ladies—from Jacqueline Kennedy’s classic pillbox to Michelle Obama’s chic elegance—have consistently ignited discussions that go way beyond mere fabric. So, in the spirit of fashion and fun, let’s dive into a whimsical stroll down memory lane, comparing Melania’s recent look to some of the most unforgettable Inauguration Day outfits sported by her predecessors. Ready for a flair of nostalgia? LEARN MORE.

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Melania Trump has returned to the White House, bringing her impactful fashion choices with her.

As Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, all eyes were on the Slovenia-born model, who wore a navy blue coat by Adam Lippes and a hat with a white ribbon by Eric Javits, both US designers.

The dark ensemble—particularly the massive hat—did not go unnoticed, sparking hilarious comparisons to 1920s mobsters, UFOs, and different cartoon characters.

The first ladies’ fashion has always communicated a bigger message, notes Vanessa Friedman, the New York Times‘ chief fashion critic. For instance, Jacqueline Kennedy projected elegance with her pillbox hats and pastel suits, while Michelle Obama preferred more casual and affordable pieces and Jill Biden favored domestic designers and focused on attainability.

It was only natural then that, after Melania’s latest look went viral, netizens rushed to compare it with the most memorable Inauguration Day looks by First Ladies of the USA through the years.

First Ladies' inauguration outfits compared, highlighting distinctive styles in elegant coats and accessories.

Michelle donned a lemongrass-colored look by the Cuban-born American designer Isabel Toledo for her husband’s first swearing-in ceremony in January 2009.

The attorney and author, who was the first Black first lady, opted for a darker, more casual look for Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013, wearing a blue-checkered coat by Thom Browne, maroon gloves, and shoes from J. Crew.

Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images , Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Report

Historical first lady inauguration outfit in a black and white setting, showcasing vintage fashion style.

The 35th first lady famously wore an Oleg Cassini A-line dress and coat accessorized with a pillbox hat by Halston. That evening, the fashion icon went with an off-white dress that consisted of a sheer top and a strapless bodice embellished with silver thread.

Cassini created over 300 outfits for Jackie while she lived at the White House from 1961 to 1963. 

Her husband, John F. Kennedy, was the first US president whose inaugural speech was broadcast in color on television.

Getty Images Report

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First Lady in teal outfit at inauguration, a focus of fashion comparisons by netizens.

The educator wore a blue tweed dress and matching coat from the New York label Markarian at Joe Biden’s swearing-in ceremony in January 2021.

As Biden took office at the height of the pandemic, Jill completed her look with a face mask—perhaps not the most fashionable accessory for a presidential inauguration, but the most necessary at the time.

Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images Report

First Lady in an elaborate inauguration dress, showcasing historical fashion.

Mary wore a long strapless gown that featured ruffle detailing at the bottom and at the shoulder area. The 16th first lady of the United States and wife of Abraham Lincoln accessorized her look with fresh flowers in her hair and an elegant necklace.

Her clothes were frequently designed by Elizabeth Keckley, a former slave whom she met the day of her husband’s inauguration.

Library Of Congress/Getty Images Report

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Past First Ladies’ inauguration outfits, one in a yellow coat with fur sleeves, the other in a red coat with black accents.

Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson was First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969. For her husband Lyndon B. Johnson’s ceremony, she wore a red wool dress and matching hat. For the evening ball, she changed into a yellow gown by John Moore.

Getty Images , Hulton Archive/Getty Images Report

Past First Ladies in inaugural outfits: one in a pink coat and fur hat, the other in a blue dress.

Pat’s husband Richard Nixon was sworn in in 1969. Her choice of outfit was a pink double-breasted coat designed by an American label, Jay Sarnoff Custom Couture.

The 37th first lady’s inaugural ball gown was designed by Harvey Berin.

Four years later, Pat donned a dazzling blue dress with crystal details by Adele Simpson.

Getty Images , Getty Images Report

First Ladies in contrasting outfits at inaugurations, showcasing elegant styles discussed by netizens.

When Ronald Reagan took office in 1977, his wife Nancy donned a red dress and coat from one of her favorite designers, the New York-based creative Adolfo. The shade would become known as “Reagan red.”

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