Jacqueline Kennedy (1961)
Mrs. Kennedy had a hand in creating her dress for John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. The ever-stylish first lady’s gown was designed by Ethel Frankau of Bergdorf Custom Salon. The sleeveless dress featured silk chiffon over peau d’ange.
Photo: Kennedy Library Archives/Newsmakers
2/10
Pat Nixon (1969)
Mrs. Nixon wore this silk satin gown by Karen Stark for Harvey Berin to her husband Richard's inauguration in 1969. The top was embroidered in gold and silver and encrusted with Austrian crystals.
Patricia's shoes, which were inscribed with her name and the date on the right step, were by Herbert Levine. She carried a purse by Morris Moskowitz.
Photo: Getty Images
3/10
Nancy Reagan (1981)
Ronald Reagan’s leading lady wore a one-shoulder gown by James Galanos. The designer said he "wanted to make Mrs. Reagan look glamorous, elegant and in keeping with new formality.” The beaded gown featured lace over silk satin.
Nacy’s shoes were by David Evins and she carried a purse by Judith Leiber.
Photo: Michael Evans/White House
4/10
Barbara Bush (1989)
Barbara Bush quickly became "the most glamorous grandmother in the United States" when she put on her gown designed by Arnold Scaasi. The velvet bodice was lined with a silk satin skirt came together for the then 62-year-old first lady.
Photo: Getty Images
5/10
Hillary Clinton (1993)
The history-making democratic nominee attended her husband Bill’s ceremony in a violet beaded lace gown, with a blue velvet mousseline overskirt. The gown was designed by Sarah Phillips and made by Barbara Matera Ltd.
Hillary wore shoes by Bruno Magli and carried a matching purse by Judith Leiber.
Photo: TIM CLARY/AFP/Getty Images
6/10
Hilary Clinton (1997)
For her second time around at the inaugural ball, Hillary wore a gold beaded gown by Oscar de la Renta. The first lady paid homage to former first lady Jackie O. with the gold cape that she draped over the gown before hitting the dance floor.
Photo: LUKE FRAZZA/AFP/Getty Images
7/10
Laura Bush (2001)
Texas girl and George W. Bush’s wife Laura was the belle of the ball. Laura's gown was designed by Texas-designer Michael Faircloth. The ruby-red gown was embroidered with crystals and was created with Chantilly lace over silk georgette.
Laura carried a purse designed by Judith Leiber.
Photo: Joe Raedle/Newsmakers
8/10
Laura Bush (2005)
Again, she was the belle of the ball, this time in Oscar de la Renta. The late designer made an ice blue embroidered gown with a slit for Laura's second time taking the grand stage as first lady of the United States.
Photo: Getty Images
9/10
Michelle Obama (2009)
President Obama’s leading lady Michelle was a style icon before she reached the White House. For Barack Obama’s historic inauguration, Michelle wore a white chiffon gown by Jason Wu. The gown, which was detailed in organza flowers, with Swarovski crystal centers was paired with Jimmy Choo shoes and a custom ring designed by Loree Rodkin.
Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
10/10
Michelle Obama (2013)
Mrs. O. proved that Jason Wu was her go-to inauguration designer for the 2013 ball. Michelle wore a ruby chiffon custom gown with a long halter neck and velvet details.
Again, her shoe choice was Jimmy Choo but this time her diamonds came from Kimberly McDonald for Forevermark.
Photo: Michael Kovac/WireImage