The reality about dress and fashion in politics is that it greatly influences the reputation and brand of politicians and their associates. Examples of this include Jackie Kennedy’s famous pink suit, Hillary Clinton’s pantsuit, and Donald Trump’s long red tie. Beyond that, clothes have evolved into a means of communication, leading to numerous significant first lady fashion events throughout the years. For instance, Michelle Obama’s affordable outfit choices helped her connect with women all throughout the country.
By wearing their clothing to important events like the inauguration, Jill Biden raised awareness of lesser-known American designers. Even while Melania Trump’s stylist, Hervé Pierre, maintained that none of her clothes included any unspoken political messages, several of her ensembles also had deeper meanings than we initially understood. (Did Melania wearing a p-ssy-bow blouse during her husband’s “Access Hollywood” tape scandal happen by chance?).
Our wonderful First Lady Dr. Jill Biden made an appearance at the Grammys tonight. Stunning. pic.twitter.com/Oo2jcJPVdQ
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) February 6, 2023
The Grammys saw Jill Biden shine in a gown worth $16,000
During her time as first lady, Dr. Jill Biden had several memorable fashion moments, even though her look wasn’t as well-known as that of her predecessors Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. It should come as no surprise that two of Jill’s most costly ensembles were Oscar de la Renta pieces given her passion for the high-end fashion label. When she presented the Song of the Year and Best Song for Social Change prizes at the 2023 Grammy prizes, she looked stunning in an off-the-shoulder, sequined gown that cost an incredible $16,000 on Net-a-Porter.
Because you asked: Mrs Obama is wearing a floor length, rose gold chainmail gown designed by Atelier Versace. pic.twitter.com/DqPfAW6Rgi
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) October 18, 2016
Michelle Obama turned heads with her expensive designer dresses
Michelle Obama wore a stunning blue Carolina Herrera gown, reported to have cost $12,000, with a train and a beaded lace bodice for a 2014 state banquet at the White House. Susan Swimmer, author of “Michelle Obama: First Lady of Fashion and Style” and a fashion writer, commended the ensemble as appropriate for a state dinner for Francois Hollande, the French president at the time.
For her last state supper as first lady, two years later, Michelle stunned everyone by wearing a $12,000 high couture gown, this time from Atelier Versace. When Hillary and Barack welcomed then-Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese Landini to the White House, she appropriately wore the custom-made, copper-colored chainmail robe.
Worn #onthisday in 1986 by First Lady Nancy Reagan to host a State Dinner for Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mila Mulroney at the @WhiteHouse. The silk James Galanos gown has a pleated skirt and matching scarf. #OTD @metmuseum @Reagan_Library pic.twitter.com/PGeIA2DFxk
— Worn On This Day (@WornOnThisDay) March 18, 2024
The creation of Nancy Reagan’s glitzy inauguration ball gown took almost two weeks
Nancy wore James Galanos, a designer who frequently donated her outfits for formal occasions, to both of her husband’s 1981 and 1985 inaugurations as president. The late former first lady, who died in March 2016, donned an estimated $25,000 worth of clothing and shoes for his first inaugural celebrations, including a white, one-shouldered Galanos dress with beaded details that may have cost roughly $10,000 at retail. However, she went all out for the 1985 inauguration, where it was claimed that her attire alone cost $46,000.
In 2017, Melania Trump wore this $51,500 Dolce & Gabbana jacket to a visit with G7 leaders. But please, tell us about Kamala Harris spending a few hundred dollars on cookware. pic.twitter.com/Dq1X9GEThZ
— Kate 🪬🤍🇺🇸 (@ImSpeaking13) November 25, 2021
The price of Melania Trump’s Dolce & Gabbana jacket was extravagant
Just weeks after her husband Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration, Melania Trump showed off her first lady-worthy wardrobe by wearing a $9,590 Michael Kors skirt suit to his speech at a joint session of Congress. A few months later, she attended a dinner hosted by the White House Historical Association wearing a silver gown designed by Monique Lhuillier, which sold for $7,995.
Even though she frequently wears extravagant clothing, Melania made headlines that year with one of her most costly ensembles ever as well as one of her most daring fashion choices: a $51,500 silk Dolce & Gabbana coat with 3D floral decorations.
