It’s nearly Inauguration Day: welcome, Dr. Jill Biden to the role of Style Setter in Chief. First ladies often set trends in hairstyles and fashion. Let’s look back at our last four first ladies and see how they chose to style their hair for their first day on the job.
Melania Trump
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch, Pool/Getty Images
In 2017, Melania Trump chose an elegant updo to highlight the sculptural collar on her powder blue Ralph Lauren Collection jacket. Later, at the inaugural ball, she let her hair down in loose, sleek waves, which added Hollywood glamour her Hervé Pierre couture gown.
Michelle Obama
Ron Sachs-Pool, Getty Images; Alex Brandom, AF
Michelle Obama often changed up her look style during her tenure as first lady, but she chose a sleek, classic look for her husband’s inauguration. Her simple-yet-chic blowout allowed both her sparkling yellow Isabel Toledo ensemble and her intricate Jason Wu gown to shine on their own.
Laura Bush
APPLEWHITE/AP/REX/Shutterstock; Joe Raedle/Newsmakers/Getty Images
Laura kept it classic with her signature short blowout. For the inauguration ceremony, her timeless, simple silhouette balanced the liveliness of her bright turquoise sheath dress and jacket. For the inaugural ball, Mrs. Bush chose a more daring embellished dress. She let her ruby-red crystal and Chantilly lace gown do the talking, while keeping her hair smooth and classic.
Hillary Clinton
William J. Clinton Presidential Library
Mrs. Clinton chose a hat for the chilly January inauguration ceremony, then wowed with an intricate updo for the festivities at the inaugural ball. The year was 1993, and the “big hair” trend of the 80’s was still going strong. Hillary’s voluminous side-swept part added flair to her sleek updo, for a look that was trendy, yet classic enough to fit with the White House elegance and refinement. She shared the spotlight with little-known designer Sarah Phillips, whose embellished indigo gown created a silhouette both playful and sophisticated.