In the United States, First Ladies are known for their styles. From Melania Trump to Michelle Obama, every single one of them left a mark with their unique sense of fashion during their respective terms.
However, sometimes it could be difficult to dress up every morning and make a statement when the eyes of the world are on you. On top of that, there’s a huge responsibility to dress appropriately for each high-profile event they attend. The peer pressure could sometimes lead them or their stylists to mess up and miss the trend mark.
For example, Donald Trump‘s First Lady, Melania, is known for her classy yet trendy wardrobe choices. However, she once wore a jacket with a slogan on the back, which stirred quite a controversy.
Then there is Michelle Obama, who otherwise likes to dress in a timeless manner. However, when she wore a single-string pearl to a high-profile event, her whole look just became instantly outdated.
Here are all the First Lady outfits that failed to stay on trend.
Melania Trump’s Slogan Jacket
Mrs. Trump’s 2018 jacket was deemed distasteful as it had a slogan on the back that was instantly outdated. “I really don’t care. Do U?” Her khaki jacket had the text written in white paint. It was not just a very lousy look, but the timing made it way more tone deaf. Melania was visiting the displaced families at the Mexico border when she wore this jacket. Many thought that her outfit was just sending the wrong message.
Stephanie Grisham, her former press secretary, wrote in her book that Donald Trump wasn’t okay with her outfit choice for the moment and even asked them both, “What the hell were you thinking?”
MELANIA’S JACKET CONTROVERSY: The first lady wore a green, hooded military jacket that read “I really don’t care, do u?” as she traveled to visit migrant children in Texas. The co-hosts discuss if she was trying to make a statement. https://t.co/f8u2wc159S pic.twitter.com/vSlMEyfJ6R
— The View (@TheView) June 25, 2018
Melania’s Military Look
It turns out that even the most fashionable First Lady could mess up quite a few times. During the Republican National Convention in 2020, Melania appeared in a khaki green structured jacket that also had large buttons and a matching skirt. Her formal military style peaked in 2017, but since then, it has fizzled, making her look outdated at the event.
In addition, she also added a patent waist belt to the outfit, something that was flying off the shelves back in 2012.
First Lady Melania Trump addressing the #RNC2020: “Donald Trump has not and will not lose focus on you…He’s a not a traditional politician. He doesn’t just speak words, he demands action and he get results.” pic.twitter.com/E7pfYROyt4
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 26, 2020
Michelle Obama Missed the Mark Due to One Single Thing
Mrs. Obama is known for her demure and classy style. While giving her first State of the Union address in 2010, she once again channeled her timeless avatar in a maroon and dark purple dress with three-quarter sleeves. Everything was fine until she added a single string of pearls to the outfit, which instantly dated her look.
#OTD Jan 27, 2010: First Lady Michelle Obama watching her husband, President Barack Obama, deliver the State of the Union Address.#History pic.twitter.com/ZnzCYkC1NE
— Jazz the Professor (@Jazzieeiswhoiam) January 27, 2025
Jill Biden Chose the Wrong Time for Some Color
First Ladies have always followed a clean palette, and so did Jill Biden. However, she wanted to wear some colors in a monochrome style, but chose the very wrong time for it. She attended a Pride event at the White House last year, wearing a pastel green pantsuit. She paired it with a matching satin top. Her look would have been a moment a few years earlier, but by 2024, monochrome has been added to one of the outdated trends to avoid.
Laura Bush’s 80s Fit
Let’s be honest, Laura Bush was never known for her fashion statement. The 43rd First Lady always liked to wear old-fashioned jackets and long skirts. But she took it to the next level of being outdated when she donned a red two-piece, which looked straight out of an 80s wardrobe.
Here are some more snaps of these outdated First Lady ensembles:
Jill Biden, attending a Pride event at the White House, with her daughter, Ashley Biden.
Laura Bush Meeting Dolly Parton, alongside her husband and then-President George W. Bush, wearing her red dress.
