OPINION: First Ladies Of Style

 

*Anna Hessel loves fashion. Anna wanted to write about our incredible array of fashionable and not so fashionable First Ladies. Her first article for the new year focuses on this cavalcade of stylish women. The incoming Biden-Harris administration is going to make history. The first woman Vice President Kamala Harris is an empowering image of the most diverse presidential administration in history.  2021 is going to be in part about breaking the glass ceiling. Go Team Biden-Harris. Enjoy. DSM

 

First Ladies of Style

By Anna Hessel

First in Style

For centuries, American women have looked to our presidents’ wives for style inspiration.  Of course, now we also have a female VP, Kamala Harris, with a unique look all of her own.  Dolley Payne Todd Madison is considered to be the first of the First Ladies, even though Martha Washington and Abigail Adams preceded her – they were then just called, “the President’s wife”.  She served as a hostess for Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, along with his daughter Martha.  Jefferson’s wife Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson passed away before he took office.  She is said to have been physically weakened by the bodily strain of numerous pregnancies.  Mr. Jefferson, at his wife’s request, never remarried.  Dolley Madison was an enormous help to him during his presidency.

Dolley In

She easily stepped into the First Lady role when her husband James Madison was elected president, serving from 1809 to 1817.  Dolley, a former Quaker, was thrilled to finally be able to wear high fashion attire.  Her inaugural gown of buff velvet worn with pearl bracelets was loved by the press of the time, securing her place in fashion history.  Mrs. Madison had a penchant for turbans and French style.  She was known for always carrying a book and having a colorful tropical bird as a beloved pet.  Dolley defined so many of the roles of the First Lady and White House conventions, including the State Dinner and the Easter Egg hunt.  A blue-eyed beauty, she has also been credited with introducing ice cream to the ‘President’s Mansion.’

Lincoln Togs

Although most historical records refer to her as Mary Todd Lincoln, she did not use her maiden name “Todd” after she married Abraham.  Rumor has it the Lincoln’s wedding cake was still warm when they cut it.  At 5’ 2”, Mrs. Lincoln was a petite powerhouse of style, preferring to wear flowers on her clothing and in her hair.  She was said to have once forced a former beau to wear a circle of flowers that she was fashioning upon his head for a walk around the square.  Mary was a stunningly beautiful and genteel First Lady from 1861-1865. She however was frequently criticized for buying and wearing extravagantly expensive ball gowns during the Civil War.

Taft And Teddy

From March 4th, 1909, to March 4th, 1913, Hellen Herron Taft served as First Lady.  Educated at the University of Cincinnati, Mrs. Taft stylishly wore tall floral brimmed hats, elegant gowns with frothy and billowing wraps, and even carried a fan.  She was followed by the first Mrs. Roosevelt, Edith, the second wife of President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, for whom “Teddy bears” were named.  The adorable bears  were dubbed by a Brooklyn candy shop owner, with Roosevelt’s permission, in honor of an incident during a famous hunting trip the President took in 1902.  “Teddy” had refused to shoot a bear that hunting guides had corralled and tied to a tree.  While Teddy was running about the backwoods in hunting duds Edith delighted the fashion conscious women of the country with large hats and lots of lace.

Roosevelt, Part 2

The later Mrs. Roosevelt served as First Lady during her husband Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s four terms in the Oval Office, which makes her the longest serving First Lady in American history.   Born Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (she and her husband had the same last name as they were distant cousins) in New York City. Eleanor, standing at a towering 5’11”, was a statuesque, progressive breath of fresh air.   She was often considered the First Lady of the world.  Eleanor is quoted often, including her famous assertion, “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” Or, such other great ones, as,

• “A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.”
• “Do one thing every day that scares you.”
• “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.”

We Love You, Mamie

As a card carrying “Elle Woods” – loving Delta Nu, I am empowered by the color pink.  It’s feminine and fun hues lift one’s spirits.  Pink has been and continues to be a First Lady staple.  Featuring a pale powder pink coat on Election Night, Dr. Jill Biden, our soon-to-be First Lady, stood by her husband, as beautiful as ever.  Marie Geneva Eisenhower, known as “Mamie”  married Dwight Eisenhower at the age of 19. She served as First Lady from 1953 to 1961.  As a young couple, the Eisenhower’s frequently moved between military postings from the Philippines to Panama.

In The Pink

Mrs. Eisenhower had beautiful sparkling blue eyes and knew she looked good in pink. She liked being surrounded by her favorite color.  Mamie also favored cream and green, but you’d never guess it from her decorating. There was so much of the signature pink palette that the White House press corp began referring to it as “the pink palace”.  This iconic decor of the 1950’s became known as “Mamie Pink”, reflected in post-war decorating, from bathroom fixtures and tiles to kitchen appliances and cabinets, accessories, and the like.  Today my bathroom is doing its part in the “save the pink bathrooms” movement.  Although the wall and floor tile are modern and new, our bathtub and sink remain “Mamie pink”.   One of Mamie’s most enduring quotes was, “once a lady reaches the tender age of 50, she is entitled to lounge in her bed until noon”.

Jackie “Oh”

Another beautiful style icon, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, initiated wearing sunglasses atop one’s head.  Her effortlessly chic wardrobe, included her stunning wedding dress, a ball gown featuring a lovely train; “Jackie” also enjoyed wearing pink.  Designer Oleg Cassini played a major role in the “Jackie Look”.  None of us alive will ever forget the image of Jackie in her blood soaked pink suit. That pink suit, an authorized Chanel copy, created in New York City, and the signature matching pillbox hat, is seared into our memory the day her husband was brutally assassinated in Dallas, Tx.

A Powerful Image

That same blood-stained pink suit pictured above as the traumatized Mrs. Kennedy stood bravely by Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson aboard Air Force One when he took the oath of office.  Still recovering from the death of her premature son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, Jackie’s courage will forever stand out in our memory and burned in our hearts.  She steadfastly refused opportunities to change out of her soiled outfit for the remainder of the day her husband was killed. Mrs. Kennedy demonstrated a reflection of her personal traumatic pain, while creating a devastatingly powerful image for the general public.  We will never forget this truly amazing woman as she cradled her husband’s head against her pink suit.

Reaganomics

The New York Times front page description, “The gold crown is studded with costly jewels. The dress is of finest brocade. The cape is snowy ermine. But the majestic woman was not Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, it was Nancy Reagan.” Mrs. Reagan claimed, “she was just being myself.” The criticism was harsh and probably deserved for wearing a ten thousand dollar outfit to the Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana.

Better Borrowed 

She also drew pans on her expensive china choice, which also cost thousands. Her weak defense was that the White House is “everyone’s home,” but most of us are never invited to dinner or tea there.  The “good” china at our house is a pretty vintage J.C. Penney hand-me-down set inherited from my husband’s grandparents. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not hosting any dignitaries or head’s of state. Nancy Reagan was also criticized when it was revealed she frequently borrowed clothing and jewelry from top designers without disclosing it.

A Woman of Quiet Dignity

Her predecessor, Rosalyn Carter, on the other hand, was much more conscious of the “people’s money.” Never wanting to appear excessive in clothes or furnishings she appeared more of a humanitarian, demonstrating Christian values, detesting waste when she was First Lady.  The frugal Mrs. Carter wore the same gown first at her husband’s Georgia Gubernatorial Inaugural Ball, and then again at his presidential celebration.  Describing her dress as “pretty”, the wonderful Rosalyn looked beautiful in her twice worn dress.

And They Can Bake, Too

Many First Ladies, such as Barbara Bush, chose classy and elegant pearls to accent their outfits. But the White House women are not just known for stylish attire; Laura Bush brought us a recipe for decadent Cowboy Cookies, a delicious confection of chocolate chips, coconut, and oats, stuffed with pecans that has ended many a diet.  Family Circle Magazine, since 1992, has featured a political bakeoff each election year.  Readers are given the recipes to bake and then vote on.  During its first year, Hillary Clinton’s chocolate chip cookies took the prize.  Pecan roll cookies were entered by Elizabeth Dole, while Tipper Gore gave us ginger snaps.

Who Wears The Pants

Who can forget Hilary Clinton’s stunning black pantsuit in her First Lady portrait?  In 40 plus years of public service, Ms. Clinton has turned elegant slack suits into symbols of power and sophistication.  In a rainbow of beautiful colors, Hillary always shines.  During her presidential campaign in 2016, Ms. Clinton spent approximately 600 hours having her makeup and hair styled.  She said she likes how pantsuits make her feel and look, showing her as ready to go and professional.  Helping her to fit in with male politicians, she commented she felt her outfits conveyed her as, “different from the men but also familiar”.

Skirting The Issue

Clothing plays a major role in people’s perception of the message you bring.  Ms. Clinton considers her uniform to be an anti-distraction technique, guarding herself from creepy types that may try to photograph up ones’ skirt while climbing the stairs or seated onstage, both of which had happened to her as First Lady.  Taking a cue from a childhood hero, Nancy Drew, Hillary admired the fact that the teen sleuth, “would often do her detective work in sensible trousers”.  Slacks helped this former First Lady to not overthink her wardrobe and she felt a pants ensemble was more likely to get people to concentrate on what she was saying and not what she was wearing.  Her suits are quite famous in pink, burnt orange, red, white, and blue.  Hillary Rodham Clinton is always empowered and empowering.

Michelle, Ma Belle

Of course, the beautiful clothing we remember the most.  One of the biggest First Lady style icons is the stunning and gracious Michelle Obama.  She was certainly one of the most fashion-forward FLOTUS’s.  Her widely varied wardrobe highlighted American designers and off the rack selections including Cinq A Sept blouses, wide leg slacks, keyhole tops, multi-textured sweaters, buckled ankle boots, leggings, over-the-knee boots in black suede, dangling earrings, a Narciso Rodriguez navy coat and shift dresses, metallic pumps, bell sleeves, gemstone earrings, Dries van Noten printed silks, pea coats, heeled booties, hoop earrings, bows, sequined turtlenecks, Gucci silk crepe, crystal and pearl embroidered brooches at her waist, pearl earrings, asymmetrical grey turtlenecks, Tanya Taylor frocks, cardigans, high-waisted pants, Preen maxi-dresses, details of Devore, stripes, flat sandals, sheer cap sleeves, silver pumps, decorative zippers, and strappy wedges. Wow.

It’s Elementary, My Dear Watson

Also, Lafayette 158 sundresses, bell sleeves, caped gowns, cobalt earrings, uneven hems, corset belts, a one-shoulder pink blouse, crossbody bags, white distressed jeans, rounded black sunglasses, wrap dresses, nude pumps, cat-eye sunglasses, white stilettos, pretty pink prints, button accents, cowl necks, pendant necklaces, open toe Mary Janes in plum, cashmere, Rodarte tulle, asymmetrical wrap dresses, drop earrings in silver, J. Brand skinny jeans in black, denim over denim layered jackets, Rachel Comey fringe, grey suede pumps, an Akris ready to wear slack suit featuring white piping, Jennifer Fisher jewelry, red nail polish, a pinstripe pantsuit by Jonathan Simkhai, bold pink pumps, white sequins, blazers, crystal embellished crepe by Christopher Kane, pink silk suits, statement earrings, a sequined Balmain suit, V-neck tops, a silk orange tonal outfit, a Peter Dundas emerald green panther tuxedo, and midi-dresses.

The Inaugural Parade

Who can forget Mrs. Obama in January 2009, green-gloved and -shoed, in an exquisite yellow Isabel Toledo ensemble, holding her husband’s hand, as she walked in the Inaugural Parade?  That night, she was breathtaking in her Jason Wu white ball gown.   That same year she featured a shimmering Naeem Khan gown with sheer chiffon wrap at a state dinner prior to the Inauguration.  In May of 2010, Michelle celebrated Cinco De Mayo in a colorful Thakoon creation with ruching.  That same month, at another state dinner, she wore a glitzy blue gown by Peter Soronen, belted at the waist, with strappy sandals.  During June of the same year, while visiting Camp Pendleton Marine Base in California, Mrs. Obama featured a white with black checked dress by Elizabeth Claiborne New York, paired with black flats.

Meeting Merkel

January of 2011, another state dinner showed the elegant First Lady in an Alexander McQueen orange-print gown.  Two months later, she looked splendid in a rust colored print Tracy Reese dress, colorful bracelets, and blue flats.  While at Buckingham Place in London the following May, Michelle was stunning in heels, pink jacket, and a grey floral Barbara Tfank frock.  That same month, she arrived in Brazil in a striped Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, with a wide yellow bottom, yellow shoulder bag, clear bracelets, and a white shrug.

Habitually Amazing

June of that same year, while welcoming German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House, the First Lady looked amazing in a remarkable Diane Von Furstenberg print ensemble.  At the state dinner for Chancellor Merkel, she featured a shimmering white fitted full-length Naeem Khan gown.  Hanukkah 2011, the FLOTUS glowed in Rodarte bright blue.  That same month, more stunning blue, this time by Vera Wang, at the Kennedy Center Honors.

Michelle Unforgettable

May of 2012 brought us red Michael Kors with matching pumps; a pastel-blocked dress by Preen and powder blue pumps were worn when she was in Colorado Springs.  While at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a wreath-laying ceremony, Mrs. Obama featured an aquatic-inspired knee-length Tracy Feith dress with black pumps.  In Miami, while speaking at a high school, she rocked a Chris Benz green and blue print dress.  Hitting the campaign trail August of that year in Iowa, the First Lady looked fabulous in a below-the-knee red buffalo-check belted sleeveless frock by ASOS.

Mom And Daughters

On the opening night of the 2012 Democratic Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in a pink and lavender Tracy Rees fitted dress, Mrs. Obama was unforgettable.  The next day, she was fabulous in black floral belted Thom Browne ensemble.  The last night of the convention, FLOTUS featured a Laura Smalls print below-the-knee full-skirted dress, while her daughters were beautiful in blue and black buffalo plaid.

The Campaign Goes On

While campaigning in Miami during that November, she wore colorful-collared, purple and green floral Moschino.  Celebrating President Obama’s election win in their hometown of Chicago, the First Lady looked remarkable in burgundy Michael Kors and a black shrug.  Featuring the designer again in December of that year, while attending the 35th Kennedy Center Honors, she featured gold lame with white lace.  During that holiday season, at a Christmas concert in Washington, she brought one of her best looks, a full-skirted knee-length pink asymmetrical shoulder satin ensemble with gold beaded belt.

Premiers and Parades

For her second Inaugural Parade January of 2013, the FLOTUS once again chose designer Thom Browne.  At the Inaugural Ball that night, the President’s wife displayed a red gathered gown by Jason Wu.  In March, the First Lady spoke at the Department of Agriculture in the capital, wearing a Preen green skirt with royal blue belted top.  April 2013 she introduced a screening of “The Power Broker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights”, while wearing a floral print Duro Olowu outfit, complete with orange open-toe ankle-strap heels.  Michelle hosted Prince Harry at the White House May of 2013 in a full-skirt, subtle floral print dress, accessorized by glitzy bracelets.  That same month, attending another wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, she featured a frothy floral Peter Soronen frock with green pumps.

Berlin 

The next month, again with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, this time in Berlin, FLOTUS glowed in a full-skirted Carolina Herrera dress.  In Bethesda, Maryland, Mom Michelle looked remarkable in a flowing, blue floral hemline by Tracy Rees, at daughter Sasha’s dance recital, completing the look with mustard flats and a cream clutch.  Other looks have included white floral print with a skinny black belt and pointy kitten-heel pumps.

A Breath of Fresh Air

We will never forget Mrs. Obama in June 2013, while in South Africa, attending a dinner in Pretoria, which was hosted by South African President Jacob Zuma.  Michelle was a vision in orange pleats, ruched bodice, belted, with yellow accents and a bold gold necklace designed by Naeem Khan.  The following month, while in Tanzania, coupled with Tanzanian First Lady Salma Kikwete, our First Lady left the airport in black-and-white Jason Wu print and red pumps.  During the same visit, the FLOTUS also featured a Rachel Roy print dress.  In August of that year, Mrs. Obama was a breath of fresh air in a white and yellow Talbots belted summer outfit with tan pumps.  During this same month, Michelle wowed crowds celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s March on Washington.  She was a vision in a black fitted frock with bold orange flowers.

Coordinating Ensembles

Fall of 2013 brought a J. Crew belted gown while in attendance of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Legislative Conference Dinner.  While attending service in October of 2013 with her daughter at St. John’s Church in Washington, the Obama ladies wore coordinating purple ensembles.  During the December 2013 Kennedy Center Honors, Michelle was a stunner in an off-the-shoulder green chiffon by Marchesa.

Belts and Cummerbunds

While watching the State of the Union Address in January 2014, Mrs. Obama dazzled in a black, belted and pleated, Alaia outfit.  The next month, she outdid herself at another state dinner in a blue, double-skirted, black lace bodice with velvet cummerbund gown by Carolina Herrera.  May that year, while speaking at the opening of the Costume Center in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, our First Lady was costumed in green floral print on a buff background by Naeem Khan.  The following July, while in Los Angeles, visiting the Grammy Museum, Michelle featured a belted and flowy outfit created by 3.1 Phillip Lim.

New Delhi

January of 2015, FLOTUS is unforgettable in a fitted and zippered Michael Kors suit at the State of the Union Address.  That same month, Mrs. Obama lands in New Delhi, India, wearing an ensemble by Bibhu Mohapatra.  Again in January, still in New Delhi at a banquet in her husband’s honor, the First Lady is lovely in a Carolina Herrera outfit.  The following March, Michelle arrives in Tokyo, enrobed in yellow Kenzo print.  The same month, she left Cambodia in an artistic blue, black, orange, and mint dress by Roksanda.

Makin’ Us Proud

Also in that March at Newark, New Jersey, while attending the “Black Girls Rock BET Special”, brought one of her most memorable looks of a white fitted, boat-necked Zac Posen outfit with metallic pumps.  Mrs. Obama made us proud during the Welcome Ceremony for Japan’s Prime Minister, ensembled in Monique Lhuillier.  Another state dinner in April 2015 showed lovely Michelle in a froth of purple gown by Tadashi Shoji.  Featured that same month, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, was a bold print by Thakoon.

Bold and Contemporary

The month of May, the FLOTUS treated us to full-skirts, fun prints, and narrow belts.  In the next month, Mrs. Obama spoke in London at the Mulberry School for Girls, attired in a spectacular, pleated frock by Mary Katrantzou.  While in London, she also visited 10 Downing Street, wearing black pumps and an understated elegant black dress with embroidered flowers.  Also that month, while at the Expo in Milan, Michelle featured an intricate Missoni stripe, along with thick-heeled, ankle-strap sandals.  At the Special Olympics World Games in July that year, the First Lady chose a bold, contemporary print by Alice and Olivia with flats.

The Pope Is In Town

September 2015, Mrs. Obama featured a pretty, blue, belted, paneled gown for the 45th Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.  One of the First Lady’s prettiest belted, pastel looks by Carolina Herrera, was that same month, when she greeted Pope Francis in Maryland at Joint Base Andrews.  During the Pope’s visit to the White House, Michelle featured an ethereal black outfit by Monique Lhuillier.

Girls In All Black

On September 25th, our First Lady was spectacular in custom-made trumpet black ruffle Vera Wang for a state dinner.  The next day, Mrs. Obama appears onstage in a rare occurrence, wearing fitted slacks and tunic, in New York City at the Global Citizen Festival.  Her all-black ensemble was refreshing and fun.  She embraced Beyonce, who was also attired exclusively in black, featuring a bodysuit and boots.  While still in New York, on the 29th she attended “Let Girls Learn”, simply beautiful in tan pumps and a navy blue Stella McCartney frock.

Walking The Dog 

The next month she once again featured navy, while speaking at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit.  The 28th of that month, during the Invictus Games at the White House, a glamorous FLOTUS featured a dress by Tadashi Shoji.  For the Halloween celebration that year, Michelle dressed down in trousers, zippered jacket, and black Converse sneakers.  She also wore a tailored pantsuit when the White House Christmas tree was delivered, and to walk their dogs.  Ensembled in navy slacks with a tailored cream coat, gold embellished cuffs, and red gloves, Mrs. Obama shines at the National Christmas Tree Lighting on December 3rd.  Two days later, she was resplendent at the 38th annual Kennedy Center Honors in a Oscar de la Renta gown.  Toward the end of the month, she arrived in Hawaii, attired in a black and grey, shorter frock.

Fitted And Flared

January 12th, 2016, during her husband’s final State of the Union Address, our First Lady sported a fitted marigold Narciso Rodriquez dress.  Before President Obama finished his speech, the dress had sold out.  In February, Mrs. Obama looked spectacular in a hip, green, flared-sleeve frock, while in attendance at the American Magazine Media Conference.  The following month, she and her husband flew to Havana, Cuba, where she featured Jimmy Choo flats and a Caroline Herrara floral-graphic outfit.  During their time in Cuba, she chose another dress by Naeem Khan while at a state dinner in the capital.  The Obamas then travelled to Argentina, where she arrived, decked out in an amber and purple dye print by Narciso Rodriquez.

The Correspondent’s Dinner

April 30th, for their final White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Mrs. Obama simply sparkled in her stylish Givenchy ensemble.  The following May, while in attendance at the White House Turnaround Arts Talent Show, she featured strappy sandals with an Alice and Oliva off-the-shoulder black top and floral skirt.  On the 1st of June, she wore a nautical look by Narciso Rodriquez, for the presentation of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

Let Girls Learn

The 28th of that month, the Obama ladies were greeted by Morocco’s Princess Lalla Salma – Michelle in a white-and-black floral dress by Proenza Schouler.  While in Morocco, she participated in a moderated forum about education with Moroccan young women, as part of “Let Girls Learn”.  For this event, Mrs. Obama featured a turtleneck print dress and black pumps.  The FLOTUS and her daughters were beautifully attired in handkerchief paisley frocks, designed by Altuzarra, while dining with Princess Salma.  At another “Let Girls Learn” stop in Madrid, Spain, she rocked sandals with silver heels and a Delpozo ensemble in white.  For her return home from Spain, she chose to wear a ruffled hem, print dress.

Vacation Sandals and Sneakers

Taking the stage at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Michelle was a vision of loveliness, wearing a blue Christian Siriano outfit, accessorized with pearl hoop earrings and silver pumps.  Later that summer, in a yellow applique Naeem Khan frock, paired with pendant earrings of green, she visits the National Gallery of Art with Singapore’s Prime Minister and his spouse.  During the same trip, Michelle features silver earrings and a white Brandon Maxwell gown.  That same month, during the annual Obama family vacation, FLOTUS is spotted wearing Fendi sandals and a Tory Burch dress.  She returns from this holiday in white Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers and a gingham-check J. Crew shirtdress.

Two First Ladies

In September with former First Lady Laura Bush, attending a conference at American University, Michelle wore nude pumps with a pointed toes and a floral blue frock.  October 2016, attending BET’s ”Love and Happiness: A Musical Experience at the White House”, the beautiful First Lady wore a Victorian neckline, bustier lace dress in black with drop pendant earrings.   The Phoenix Award Dinner brings the FLOTUS in a Naaem Khan gown of gold.  We have come to love Mrs. Obama’s paneled dresses, peep-toe heels, and mesh necklines, as featured at “Broadway Shines a Light on Girl’s Education” in New York City.  Her signature style of ruching, sheer lace, leather pumps and handbags, are timeless.  A navy chiffon hem is shown at the Kennedy Center.  At the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, she features a pleated skirt.

Campaigning For Hillary

In Philadelphia campaigning for Hillary, she sported hoop earrings by Jennifer Fisher and a plaid, ruffled dress.  At another campaign stop for Ms. Clinton, the First Lady featured a tea-length floral dress with bright red pumps.  Once again in rarely worn trousers, she dedicates the White House Kitchen Garden.  More garden events bring out a more casual Michelle in dark wash skinny jeans, cargo vest, denim high top Converse sneakers, and a plaid button down.  Still on the campaign trail for Hillary, she delivers a poignant speech while wearing black slacks and an asymmetric sweater.

Memorable Style And Grace

Once again opting for her favored tea-length, in a frock by Giam Battista Valliwith, she greets the Italian Prime Minister and his First Lady.  Her final state dinner in the White House, our FLOTUS simply glowed in a golden rose, chain mail Atelier Versace gown.  Christmas Eve 2016, Mrs. Obama gave her final holiday address with her husband in a fabulous purple ruffled blouse with embellished floral detailing.  In December 2019, while in Vietnam promoting girls’ education, Michelle looked stunning in a pink jumpsuit with duster, metallic loafers, and Foundrae necklaces.  All of her looks are memorable, with style and grace that continues today.

Melania 2016-2020

Melania Trump has like others First Ladies aroused anger and controversy with many of her clothing choices. The idea of choosing to wear absurdly expensive “casual” clothes for a garden photo layout drew fire early on. Then we had  an RNC speech given in a belted olive green Alexander McQueen military jacket likened to something Hitler and other fascists would have worn. In April 2017 the White House released Melania Trump’s official White House portrait. She was dressed in a black blazer, pretty standard, however her square cut 25-carat diamond ring shown dramatically in the portrait, was not.

A $51,000 Jacket

In May 2017, Melania wore a Dolce & Gabbana coat while in Sicily that some said was in poor taste given the cost—a jaw dropping $51,000 plus a $1,630 matching clutch purse. Of important note is that  amount of money is more than many people in the U.S. earn per year. In fact, the median income, as reported by the Census Bureau in 2015, was $55,775. In September 2017, Mrs. Trump delivered a brief address to a gathering of United Nations spouses. The speech topic was child advocacy and combating cyberbullying.  Her $2,950 puff-sleeve fuchsia dress from high end label Delpozo seemed to be in questionable taste, especially when juxtaposed with lines like “No child should ever feel hungry.” However, Ms Trump’s biggest gaffe, however, was a shocker. During an unscheduled 2018 trip to Texas to tour a migrant child detention center she wore a $39 Zara jacket with “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” painted on the back.  Many believe Melania has been mistreated by the “fake news” but time will tell. Right now she is a fashion pariah.

Incoming FLOTUS

Our soon-to-be First Lady, the stunning Dr. Jill Biden, prefers feminine silhouettes, classic styles, and American fashion lines.  She has featured Oscar de la Renta, as well as Stuart Wietzman’s “VOTE” boots and a face mask carrying the same message.  Dr. Biden chooses designers from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia.  For the first presidential debate, she elected to feature eco-friendly, sustainable Gabriella Heurst.  And of course, I will never forget Jill’s stunning powder pink coat on Election night.

Wear Heavy-Soled Shoes, There’s Glass Everywhere…

We are now blessed with a stylish and lovely female Vice-President elect.  We love Ms. Harris’ signature black Converse sneakers, and will never forget her spectacular multi-colored sequin jacket, paired with white leggings, as she danced at a Gay Pride event.  Her stunning white Caroline Herrera suit, satin pussycat bow blouse, bangled bracelets, signature fashionable pearl earrings, and flag pin, which she wore to give her acceptance speech, were more than just style statements.  The color of her suit spoke volumes, as white is representative of the women’s suffrage movement.

She Wore White

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm wore white as the first black congresswoman; in 1984, Geraldine Ferraro also chose white as she accepted the Democratic nomination for Vice President, the first woman to do so.  Hilary Clinton also featured shades of white on numerous occasions during her 2016 run for the Presidency.  In 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore the hue for her Vanity Fair cover and for her Congressional swearing-in.  No matter what they wear or how they decorate, these First Ladies and amazing women in politics have style…

https://www.calamitypolitics.com/2020/09/13/humor-abolishing-age-appropriate-attire/