Former First Ladies' Inaugural Gowns

laura Bush epitome of class elegance and feminity

As is Michelle Obama. Elegant and statuesque.

Both of the dresses that Michelle wore are terrible. Wrong color, fabric and style for early afternoon in Jan. The ball grown looked cheap and like something my 18 year old daughter would ware to the prom.

First lady Michelle Obama looked beautiful in both her selections. She is not afraid of color and not afraid of fashion. She is modern, elegant and sophisticated. You may not like her choices, but respect the fact that she is a style icon.  Jason Wu's selection was brilliant.

not afraid of color and yet she chose white with cotton balls stuck to it, and a putrid yellow green that a woman of color should not have chosen. Neither ensemble was fit for the day. She is no style icon, not yet even close to displaying her own style let alone the style of an inexperienced 26 yo no name in designer for the white mess. Respect this is America and we still have freedom of speech and we can still hate a dress if we want too.

that is not Jackie Kennedy's inaugural ball gown - the real one is pictured here: http://www.bloomacious.com/bloomacious/2009/01/jackie-kennedy-in-oleg-cassini-january-1961.html

Hey CLPR, thank you. There's a lot of misinformation out there on the internet, and I should make sure I don't perpetuate it :)

All fixed.

Honestly, Michelle Obama's dress and coat were not as well suited for her as they could be...first of all, she is a young woman and the outfit was too matronly. Secondly, it was impractical for the cold and did not suit her figure as well as other outfits she has worn. The woman has looked remarkable for other events...for this event I'd give her a C+. Her white gown was slightly better, but not her best either...B-. The color and texture were lovely on her, but she looked uncomfortable inher posture, telling me the gown was a stretch for her comfort level and the train, though lovely, got in the way. The fabric was not right for the season and looked too much like a summer bedspread I use to own.  Still, the dress had its merits...it flattered her toned arms and lovely skin tone, but it needed modifications.... Look to Jackie O Ms. Obama...you don't need her budget, only her sense of what was right for her. Still, Mrs. Obama, this was a good day for you, but return to the style basics you have chosen pre inauguration and take a look at the elegance and simple lines of Jackie O's wardrobe to gain the optimum look for you in the years ahead.

Itotally agree that neither dress was at all flattering but both a total DonT! The ball gown looked like the strap on the shoulder was pulling everything up in a bunch alll landing in the chest area. And yes my thoughts exactly looked like an old bedspread. Change Well lets just hope that Michelle learns how to change her style but then again class is something you are born with.

Apparently Jackie O had two balls so she had two ball dresses. Michelle Obama looked absolutely gorgeous in the colors she chose. She is one beautiful woman. Her skin, her beauty, her height, her stature. She is a beauty and I can understand how all the green-eyed haters will want to find any and everything wrong with such beauty. You go Michelle, keep making us proud.

Both outfits we absolutely horrible. Did not look classy enough to be a First Lady. Both did not fit with th season or occasion. She really dressing verycasual and the look does not live up to her status.