Let's be honest with ourselves, guys. When someone brings up fashion havens around the country, D.C. isn't usually thought of as being on par with places like Los Angeles or New York. The "business conservative" look that runs rampant all over the capital usually overshadows the fun and eclectic tastes that make D.C. fashion so unique. And while the leaders of our nation made significant contributions to foreign policy, our economy, and social issues, it's the First Ladies that made strides in expressing themselves through their choice in clothing. The National Museum of American History even has an entire exhibit dedicated to their bold sense of style. As the years pass, they continue to serve as inspiration. Who knows, maybe the boys on Capitol Hill will even take a few hints.
Dolley Madison
Thought of as very risqué for her day, Dolley Madison favored low-cut gowns made out of delicate fabrics that allowed her to show off her figure. She kept up-to-date with all the new European trends, and earned a few whispers behind her back when she started wearing rouge on her cheeks, as was practiced in France. She wore a gold satin turban to her husbands inauguration ball, proving that she valued her self-expression and sense of style much more than others' perceptions of her.
Frances Cleveland
Frances Cleveland became the youngest First Lady in history when she married Grover Cleveland at 21. She was unafraid to flaunt her youth through her daring fashion choices. Her fondness for low-cut and shoulder-bearing dresses even resulted in a petition issued by the Women's Christian Temperance Movement to urge her to wear more modest clothing. She was such an influential force behind fashion in the United States that bustle sales plummeted right after her decision to stop wearing them.
Grace Coolidge
While most of the country was still voicing its distaste over flapper fashion of the 1920s, Grace openly embraced it and displayed her courageous fashion sense at every opportunity, as seen above in the dress she wore to her President Coolidge's inauguration. Her sunny disposition and charm, paired with her love of bold and vibrant garments, made her infamously popular among everyone she met, even her gruff and controlling husband.
Jacqueline Kennedy
Women of the 50s and 60s tried so hard to achieve the grace and elegance that Jackie Kennedy pulled of effortlessly. Her high-waisted dresses and long silk gloves were a product of the times, but she added poise to outfits that on anyone else seemed common. She took inspiration from ancient Egyptian and Greek friezes. Her love of accessories is well-known, even today. Her pearls were sophisticated yet fashionable, and who could forget those glamorous sunglasses. Celebrities are still trying to embody Jackie's look, but they'll never come close to her classic style.
Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan's career in Hollywood before entering the political sphere definitely influenced her choices in fashion. She has a deep-rooted love for designers like Oscar de la Renta and Chanel, but her attachment got her into a bit of trouble. Unaware that the First Family could not accept gifts without first paying taxes on them, Nancy accepted free gifts from designers worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, which eventually got her into trouble with the IRS. She faced a lot of criticism for continuing to purchase pricey clothing while the country was in a recession, but she refused to sacrifice her personal style.
Michelle Obama
Michelle has already been credited with bringing fashion back into the White House. Often seen baring her enviably toned arms in bright colored garments, she exudes confidence and vivacity in her wardrobe choices. In case her bold sense of style wasn't enough to impress you, there are Michelle Obama action figures with replicas of her best outfits. Take that, Batman.
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