Barbara Bush
Her husband had previously served as Reagan’s Vice President, so she was already familiar with the White House manner of doing things. Her inauguration gown was intended to make her seem younger. She was dressed in a royal blue velvet and satin Arnold Scassi. Scassi had been designing for the first ladies for many years, dating back to Mamie Eisenhower. Thus this may have been an intentional decision by Barbara to indicate that she and her husband were unmistakably conventional. She also selected pearls over diamonds as her jewelry. Barbara was named America’s “most gorgeous grandma” in turn.
Barbara Bush
Ida Saxton McKinley
Historians who examine previous presidents and their first wives have similar feelings about Ida Saxton McKinley. Many people believe that she had a distinct fashion sense and a distinct sense of style. It was just unmistakable. She had even signed her own name. Her trademark look was a standing collar with a chiffon inlay. Furthermore, it was often trimmed with pintucks to soften and accent the ensemble. She stayed fashionable by wearing pleated ruffles with her underskirts. She was a lady of distinction.
Ida Saxton McKinley
