First Lady fashion ranked: From Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama

Unlike several of her husband’s policies, Melania Trumps‘ style is solid. Her style is defined by a polished, often minimalistic elegance that combines luxury and high fashion with a distinctly European sensibility. 

Sleek, tailored silhouettes and neutral colour palettes are her go-to, frequently peppered by bold structured pieces. She’s championed designs by a variety of high-end designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Hervé Pierre, Dior, and Ralph Lauren, culminating in a safe but structured wardrobe spanning trench coats to tailored suits and dramatic evening gowns.

Her most notable outfit came back in the summer of 2018, when the then-First Lady visited a migrant child detention centre in Texas. Her outfit choice sparked media sensation – with the 54-year-old sporting a $39 Zara jacket emblazoned with the phrase: “”I really don’t care, do you?”

Dr. Jill Biden, the current First Lady of the United States, is known for her commitment to education, military families, and cancer research advocacy. A lifelong educator, she continues to teach English at a community college – a historic first for a sitting First Lady. Her support for military families and cancer awareness, often through initiatives like Joining Forces and the Biden Cancer Initiative, reflects her deep sense of service and empathy.

Her fashion style is polished yet accessible, frequently featuring vibrant colours, bold patterns, and a mix of American and international designers such as Brandon Maxwell, Gabriela Hearst, and Markarian. Known for embracing florals and classic silhouettes, she exudes warmth and professionalism. She often wears dresses with sleeves, tailored jackets, and midi skirts, crafting an image that’s both sophisticated and approachable. 

Hillary Clinton is marked by her extensive political career and dedication to public service. She served as First Lady, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and was the first woman to secure a major party’s presidential nomination. Known for her advocacy on healthcare, women’s rights, and children’s issues, she’s a key figure in American politics.

Her wardrobe reflects a focus on power and practicality, often centred on her iconic jumpsuits, which have become a defining feature of her style. She frequently wears suits from American designers like Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors, symbolising her dedication to country. Throughout her career, she’s also been seen in pieces by Oscar de la Renta, whose classic designs aligned with her formal appearances as First Lady and Secretary of State.

In recent years, she’s embraced brighter hues and prints, using designers like Giorgio Armani and Escada to convey a refined, professional look. Her love for sunset hues from orange to yellow brought a freshness to First Lady fashion, which didn’t go unnoticed

Scoring a modest sixth place is none other than Mamie Eisenhower. A highly popular First Lady and wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Mamie is remembered for her charm, vibrant personality, and her signature style marked by pink dresses and pearls. As First Lady, she brought warmth to the White House, popularised the colour ‘Mamie Pink,’ and was known for her dedication to hospitality and entertaining.

She embraced a traditional, ladylike style that reflected 1950s America, favouring polished ensembles with a touch of opulence. Her look emphasised charm, warmth, and the ideal of domestic elegance. She frequently wore matching gloves and hats, creating a refined, ladylike image. Mamie’s style was highly feminine, making her a popular First Lady who represented the era’s domestic ideals and American glamour. Plus, the polka dots? So 2024.

Effervescent in personality and widely beloved, Michelle Obama is one of the most celebrated First Ladies. She embraced the role from 2009 to 2017, where she focused on initiatives related to health, education, and military families. Barack Obama’s wife platformed the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign to combat childhood obesity, promoted healthy eating through the White House garden, and advocated for education through the ‘Reach Higher’ initiative. She’s also known for her persuasive writing (as evidenced by her memoir Becoming) public speaking and ability to connect with diverse audiences, becoming a role model for women and girls worldwide.

Her fashion style is distinctive and influential, blending high-end designers with accessible brands. She often wore pieces by Jason Wu, who designed her inaugural gown, alongside American labels like J. Crew and Narciso Rodriguez. Michelle embraced vibrant colours, eye-catching patterns, and modern silhouettes, reflecting her personality and confidence. Her wardrobe choices not only showcased her love for fashion but also made statements about body positivity and self-expression, solidifying her status as a modern style icon.

Sit back down Gen Z because Lady Bird Johnson pipped butter yellow as the It-hue long before TikTok. The wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson is known for her significant contributions to environmental conservation and beautification efforts during her time as First Lady from 1963 to 1969, making her sartorially and environmentally in the know.

Her fashion style was characterised by grace and simplicity, favouring classic silhouettes and soft, warm tones  that reflected her Southern roots. Lady Bird often wore tailored dresses, elegant coats, and stylish hats, embodying the polished, sophisticated aesthetic of the 1960s. She was known for her love of floral prints, which aligned with her commitment to environmental beautification. A lady who loved a theme. 

Greens, golds and girlish prints, Betty Ford’s wardrobe never knew a dull moment. The wife of President Gerald Ford is remembered for her advocacy on women’s health issues and her candid discussions about addiction and mental health. As First Lady from 1974 to 1977, she founded the Betty Ford Center in 1982, providing treatment for substance abuse, and became a prominent figure in the fight for women’s rights, including breast cancer awareness and the Equal Rights Amendment. Her openness about her own struggles with addiction and health challenges helped destigmatise these issues, making her a respected advocate for social change. Très chic.

As for her style, she had a penchant for suits, longline dresses, and stand-out accessories, reflecting a sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic. Her love of vibrant palettes and pretty prints was evident –  which she pairedf with hr signature short hairstyle, making her a style icon of her era.

You knew this was coming. Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, is globally celebrated for her timeless elegance, grace, and impactful contributions to American culture. Her style, characterised by chic tailored suits, pillbox hats, and signature sunglasses, redefined First Lady fashion, influencing trends for decades. She often wore iconic designs by renowned designers such as Chanel and Oleg Cassini, bringing high fashion into the White House and elevating the national perception of style.