The 21 Best Inauguration Day Outfits of All Time
Although the president-elect is usually the star of Inauguration Day, their outfits typically aren’t. Instead, it’s often the first lady, the musical performers, or the other family members and esteemed guests who steal the show with their looks.
And despite the typically frigid weather, the inauguration acts as an opportunity for attendees to make a statement with their style, as the introduction of a new presidential term sets the scene for a new era for the country—for better or for worse.
Ahead, we break down 21 of the best Inauguration Day looks of all time, from Lady Gaga’s subtly patriotic Schiaparelli dress to Jackie O’s Halston hat and Oleg Cassini coat.
Jill Biden (2021)
No one can accuse Jill Biden of not knowing her colors. For her husband’s inauguration in January 2021, the first lady chose a teal (blue being the color of the Democratic Party) tweed Markarian coat with velvet lapels, which she layered over a matching dress.
Ella Emhoff (2021)
At President Biden’s inauguration in January 2021, the daughter of the second gentleman, Ella Emhoff, completely stole the show in a tartan Miu Miu coat with a smattering of shoulder gems, which she layered over a maroon Batsheva dress.
Lady Gaga (2021)
Lady Gaga looked so good at President Biden’s inauguration that it was hard to focus on her phenomenal rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” For her performance, the pop superstar arrived in a subtly patriotic dress from Schiaparelli, which featured a ballooning red skirt, navy top, and a large golden brooch in the shape of a dove carrying an olive branch. But where was the white in this red, white, and blue look? It was represented by Gaga’s silvery locks, of course.
Amanda Gorman (2021)
While reading her original poem “The Hill We Climb" at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration, Amanda Gorman was like a ray of sunshine in a bright yellow coat from Prada paired with a thick red statement headband and matching mask.
Jennifer Lopez (2021)
Jennifer Lopez got in on the swashbuckling with her 2021 inauguration ensemble, which consisted of top-to-bottom Chanel: a single-breasted overcoat, high-waisted pants, and a frilly top with scalloped details around the middle that resembled a jabot.
Hillary Clinton (2017)
Despite having just lost her bid for president, Hillary Clinton showed the world her inimitable class when she arrived to Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017 wearing a cream pantsuit and matching cashmere coat from Ralph Lauren.
Beyoncé (2013)
To kick off his second term, Barack Obama invited Beyoncé to perform the national anthem at his inauguration, and she brought the house down with a rousing performance, all while wearing a black, velvet-embroidered Pucci dress, which she layered under a voluminous coat from Christian Dior.
Michelle Obama (2013)
At Barack Obama’s second inauguration, Michelle Obama solidified her status as one of the most stylish first ladies by sporting a checkered navy coat dress from Thom Browne, which she paired with matching knee-high boots and plum-colored gloves.
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin absolutely killed it when she performed at Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, but it was her hat from milliner Luke Song that went viral, thanks in large part to the diamond-covered bow from Swarovski that adorned it. The hat became a meme, it got its own Twitter account, and it even skyrocketed sales for Song’s business. Talk about a powerful accessory.
Michelle Obama (2009)
For her first major appearance as first lady, Michelle Obama made a splash in a sparkly sequined set from Isabel Toledo, which included a coat that tied around the chest with a satin bow. To pair with the look, she added olive-green gloves and jade heels, bringing a few different shades together for a dynamic look.
Laura Bush (2005)
Laura Bush understood the power of a strong accessory. When her husband, George W. Bush, was sworn in as president for the second time, the former first lady decided to wear a dazzlingly white cashmere coatdress from Oscar de la Renta, which she paired with a matching cashmere scarf and gloves, as well as beige heels.
Jessica Simpson (2001)
At George W. Bush’s inaugural celebration in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Jessica Simpson went bold and unpredictable with her look, which included a series of neutrals layered underneath a long, blue leather coat with leopard-print fringe decorating the trims.
Hillary Clinton (1997)
Before Barbie made pink cool again, Hillary Clinton was doing it at Bill Clinton’s second inauguration in 1997, where she wore a pleated bubblegum top coat layered over a matching turtleneck dress. She completed the look with nude pumps and matching gloves.
Aretha Franklin (1993)
While performing at two-day musical event leading up to Bill Clinton’s swearing in, Aretha Franklin totally stole the show in one of her signature furs, which she layered over an eye-popping red set and paired with a bright red lip to match.
Diana Ross (1993)
Diana Ross belted out a ballad at Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration while wearing a bright blue ballgown layered under a crimson cropped puffer. She rounded things out with matching red leather gloves and a white choker.
Marilyn Quayle (1989)
The then-second lady of the United States, Marilyn Quayle—married the 44th vice president of the United States, Dan Quayle—looked totally sharp in a royal-blue coatdress layered over a white turtleneck.
Donna Summer (1985)
At an inaugural event for Ronald Reagan, Donna Summer proved she was still the queen of cool in an inky single-breasted coat that was belted across the center and paired with croc-embossed pants and black booties.
Nancy Reagan (1981)
For husband Ronald Reagan’s first inauguration in 1981, Nancy Reagan wore a tailored Adolfo coatdress with pointed shoulders and a subtly cinched waist, which she paired with a matching knot-like hat up top. With this look, Mrs. Reagan would find the color that would become her staple for many years to come.
Lady Bird Johnson (1965)
While it can be hard to follow in the footsteps of Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson certainly carved her own fashion path as first lady, pulling out a number of showstopping looks like this Inauguration Day fit, which included a red coat with a black bow detail around the neck.
Jackie Kennedy (1961)
There’s a reason Jackie Kennedy is considered a style icon to this day. For her husband’s inauguration in 1961, Jackie O sported a beige topcoat from Oleg Cassini that featured giant buttons and front pockets. Meanwhile, she paired the piece with a matching pillbox hat from Halston, as well as white gloves and a fuzzy black muff—a look that would influence fashion for decades.
Eleanor Roosevelt (1941)
During her husband’s four consecutive terms as president, Eleanor Roosevelt not only became the longest-serving first lady, but she also completely transformed the role, taking more action than any presidential partner before. And as one of the most powerful women in the world, that meant all eyes were on Mrs. Roosevelt’s style. Perhaps one of her most notable looks was this vermillion dress, which she wore on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s third swearing into office (the two-term limit had not yet been put in place). The wool piece featured diagonal pinstripe pleats across the middle, and she paired the dress with a matching hat, which featured two birds made from feathers sticking off of the top.
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