Making the Capital their Runway: Fashions of the First Lady

Since the dawn of America’s presidentship, both fashion and symbolic styles have played a significant role in politics. Even prior to Independence Day, other countries and communities used, and continue to use, dress as a way to communicate status, stance, and style. Behind every outfit has a meaning; fashion can be used as a tool to elicit moods and identity-and fashion in politics is no different.

By now, we have observed the force that is “power dressing” and “office chic”. Women in the 1980s were seen wearing blazers and pants suits in the business workplace, taking on a masculine appearance at the time, yes, but also making a statement to the public that they meant business and had the potential to be their own boss. Similarly, politicians wield this concept to not only emphasize how great their style is, but to show they came dressed for the job. They put on a uniform to illustrate the power they possess to impact the world. An article by the Fashion and Law Journal claims that, “Everyone loves making a fashion statement. Especially people from the world of politics and glamor” (Desai, 2022). Politicians aim to exhibit a balance of their values and personal image through hand-picked garments.

Now let’s rewind to some of the most influential women that held perhaps one of the few distinguished titles in American politics—the First Lady of the United States of America. Pulling from the 1930’s, we have the longest serving First Lady, Eleonor Roosevelt. Eleonor was known for her kindness towards many families during the Great Depression and was a White House resident for about 12 years. Her style, although conservative, was greatly influenced by the Golden Age of Hollywood. In her early years, she donned tailor made suit dresses and sophisticated dresses for special occasions. She may not be the number one 1930s style icon today, but her poise and adoration for elegance is what makes her fashions memorable.

Eleonor often exuded class and modesty in an era that called for high spirits and the holding a tight grip to one’s sense of fashion. This was especially true during the 1940s, when simpler style came to the forefront as a cause of the war. The First Lady could be seen sporting these casual silhouettes without losing her elegant style. Like all First Ladies, Eleonor’s schedule was enough to keep her busy, but certainly did not stop her from appearing well put together in both style and attitude. She embodied what it meant to continue to possess one’s sophisticated style despite the troubled times of the era.

Now who could forget the epitome of posh in the 1960s political realm; Jackie-O. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the wife of President John F. Kennedy, was known for spending tens of thousands of dollars on her wardrobe. She often sported tweed matching suits with a pillbox hat to complement. On the day that JFK was assassinated, Jackie-O wore an iconic pink suit with a matching pillbox hat. She refused to change, stating that she wanted the people of America to see what had happened. Not only did Jackie dress in her usual chic appearance that day, but she declined the action of covering up the horrible event that had taken place. Through her choice of dress—although bloodstained—she made the conscious decision not to hide from her country the division that had occurred. Beyond this powerful stance, Jackie-O was renowned for her sophisticated and exceptionally chic style. Her garments and accessories consisted of chapeaus, oversized sunglasses, headscarves, long elegant gloves, and bows (which is currently trending again). She knew how to make even the most casual outfit charming and stylish.

Her perfectly coiffed bouffant hairstyle along with her appealing ball gowns further accentuated her polished appearance (Tramz, 2014). Jackie emphasized the importance of style not only as a First Lady, but as a woman, as well. You can tell a lot about a person’s values by how they dress, and Jackie-O understood completely how dress exuded her principles to the American public.

Now, fast forwarding back to the present is the current First Lady of the United States: Melania Trump. Melania is a self-made woman and a proud American citizen. Her style has been recognized many times and is often compared to that of past First Ladies. Melania’s personal fashion illustrates poise and class much like the previous women discussed.

Melania’s 2025 Inauguration outfit is a specific outfit that comes to mind when viewing her wardrobe choices. She opted for a navy silk wool double-breasted coat with stiletto heels and a matching boater hat to top it off. She also wore leather gloves, which, along with the matching hat, symbolize the past styles of First Ladies and the importance of fashion in politics. Melania’s hat covered almost her entire face. It was a statement expressing that she needn't speak in words or even facial expressions. Her outfit said everything it needed to; that she was going to be an exemplary role model for this country. As her outfit was akin to what one would wear to a funeral, her style signaled to others a death of sorts-the death of the fear of what others had to say. As most people receive criticism in the political world, Melania Trump is no exception. She knows that high style must be obtained and radiate to the American people that surrendering good character and value is not an option.

Essentially, fashion in politics is more than the designer—it is a statement to America’s citizens and, really, the whole world, about the values that lie within the individual. Each outfit is a gestural utterance, whether it communicates unity, an importance for style, or all the above. These three women and more in the political world illustrate what it means to not only play the part, but look good while doing it. Whether it’s at the Capitol, White House, or Inaugural Ball, they're making it their runway.

References

Desai, S. (2022, December 30). Influence of fashion on politics: The Power of Political Dressing. Fashion Law Journal. https://fashionlawjournal.com/influence-of-fashion-on-politics-the-power-of-political-dressing/#_ftn6

Dolan, L. (2025, January 21). Melania Trump’s boater-style hat, inaugural ball gowns and other key inauguration looks. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/style/inauguration-fashion-looks-melania-trump/index.html

Lolo, Y. (2023, November 22). The fashion of “The first lady.” Golden Globes. https://goldenglobes.com/vertical-gallery/fashion-first-lady/

Tramz, M. (2014, May 19). Ways Jackie O influenced fashion. Time. https://time.com/104581/jackie-onassis-style-icon/

Graphic by Nyelle Royal