Friday, January 20, 2017 was a historic day. We have a new president, there was a peaceful transfer of power, our country is taking a new direction. But this is a fashion blog, not a political one, so let’s get down to the real business at hand. What did everyone think of the new First Lady’s looks of the day?

For the Inaugural swearing-in ceremony, Mrs. Melania Trump wore a custom powder blue Ralph Lauren dress and coat with matching gloves and stilettos. Her hair was pulled back into a subtle up-do and she wore minimal jewelry. I thought she looked classy, elegant and every bit the First Lady she is now.

For the Inaugural Ball that evening, Mrs. Trump wore a cream, off the shoulder gown with a red ribbon belt that she helped design with Herve Pierre (former creative director of Carolina Herrera). As a former fashion model, Mrs. Trump knows her stuff when it comes to fashion. The gown was flattering and sophisticated but not boring.

Between her two looks that day, Mrs. Trump displayed her patriotism in red, white and blue. I did a little research and discovered that patriotic colors are nothing new at inaugural balls.

Mrs. Michelle Obama wore a red Jason Wu gown to the 2013 inaugural ball and a white Jason Wu gown in 2009. Mrs. Laura Bush wore a white Oscar de la Renta gown in 2005 and a red Michael Faircloth gown in 2001. And Mrs. Hillary Clinton wore a white Oscar de la Renta in 1997 and a navy blue Sarah Phillips in 1993. The tradition continues!

And just for fun, since many fashion commentators (myself included) noticed that Mrs. Trump seemed to be channeling Jacqueline Kennedy at the swearing-in ceremony, here’s a photo of Mrs. Kennedy

at President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball in 1961. The off-white gown with matching cape was designed by Ethel Frankau based on sketches and suggestions by Mrs. Kennedy. Sound familiar?

Did you like First Lady Melania Trump’s looks on her husband’s first day as President? Comment below!

Slideshow below shows more inaugural fashion from former First Ladies.
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If you have questions or topics you’d like to see addressed in this blog, please email me at [email protected]. You can read more from me at www.onmyshoebox.com.

To read more Style Sessions, check out Style Sessions No. 7 – Reflection Expression

~ Silva