First Ladies’ Fashion Over The Years

Published on 04/01/2022
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Lady Washington’s Fashion

Lady Washington’s purple silk wedding shoes prompted high-profile fashion figures to link them to modern-day fashion icons. “They were the Manolo Blahniks of her day,” Patricia Brady told the Washington Post. She had the money, so it was only natural for her to be parading about in the highest echelon of fashion. Martha Washington wore fancy clothing all the time. A bolt of her fabric is now worth about $25,000. Historians believe she was making comments on the nature of the country at the time. Her outfit is on display at the National Museum of American History.

Lady Washington's Style

Lady Washington’s Fashion

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Dolley Payne Todd Madison

She established a standard for all subsequent first ladies to follow. She was the epitome of friendliness, with a warm and welcoming demeanor. The fourth president was fortunate to have her at his side. She wasn’t officially educated, but she had her wits about her. She captured many people’s hearts with her charisma, but her style left them speechless. She set the tone for James Madison’s inauguration in 1809 by wearing a buff-colored velvet gown. It was embellished with pearls and a feather-accented turban.

Dolley Payne Todd Madison

Dolley Payne Todd Madison

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