Historian reveals how First Lady fashion has evolved, from Jackie Kennedy to Melania Trump

Over the years, America's first ladies have worn everything from pill box hats to sleek, sexy gowns. On TikTok, one content creator shared a look at how the First Lady inaugural ball gowns have evolved over the years, sharing images of Jackie Kennedy, Melania Trump, and more. Commenters adored seeing how the dresses have evolved over the years, and especially praised Hilary Clinton, Laura Bush, and Pat Nixon's sartorial choices.

FEMAIL has since spoken to historian Einav Rabinovitch-Fox, who teaches at Case Western Reserve University, about how first lady fashion has evolved over the years, and what that means for Melania. Einav, who's based in Ohio, explained that women have followed in the fashionable footsteps of presidential wives ever since Martha Washington. 'Martha helped popularize the patriotic style of homespun, and Dolley Madison, maybe our first fashionista FLOTUS, started a trend for wearing Turkish turbans, which became her trademark,' Einav said.

Another trendsetter was Nancy Reagan, who wore the shade of red that became associated with the Republican party. Einav explained that since Nancy was a former actress, she 'understood media and cameras, and she set a new standard of conservatism.'. Over the years, America's first ladies have worn everything from pill box hats to sleek, sexy gowns. First ladies occasionally pay tribute to each other - with Melania's 2017 powder blue Ralph Lauren inauguration outfit an homage to Jackie's style.

Historian Einav Rabinovitch-Fox explained that since Nancy was a former actress, she 'understood media and cameras, and she set a new standard of conservatism'. 'Every First Lady tries to instill her own personality into the position, so people don't try to imitate their predecessors' styles,' Einav explained. However, that's not always the case, with Einav giving Melania's 2017 powder blue Ralph Lauren inauguration outfit that was an homage to Jackie's style as an example.

The historian described Jackie as a fashion icon, although she was not 'a trendsetter for ordinary Americans, partly because she loved to wear French couture that many couldn't afford.'. Despite the pricey designer wares she wore, she became famous for her fashion choices. Many first ladies make sure to work with American designers, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama. The Dressed for Freedom author said Michelle's influence was monumental, especially since she appeared in more accessible brands like J. Crew.

'She also almost single-handedly boosted the American fashion industry during the 2008 financial crisis, by supporting relatively unknown young designers who became stars overnight,' Einav said, adding that she's still just as influential now. Einav said she doesn't know 'if Melania had much influence on first lady style.'. The Dressed for Freedom author said Michelle's fashion influence was monumental and still is today, especially since she shares her outfits on social media.

Einav thinks Melania's 'most memorable fashion moments are her "faux pas" - the "I really don't care. Do u?" jacket and the safari hat she wore in her visit to Africa'. 'Although she definitely understands fashion, being a model, during Trump's first administration she mainly wore French designers, which is a bit atypical,' Einav admitted. Jackie O famously paired up with Oleg Cassini after she was harshly criticized for not wearing American designers.

However, many American designers refused to dress Melania previously, which left her stylist Hervé Pierre Braillard choosing pieces off the rack. Instead, the Slovenian-born first lady famously chose European designers like Christian Dior, Valentino, and Dolce & Gabbana. Einav thinks Melania's 'most memorable fashion moments are her "faux pas" - the "I really don't care. Do u?" jacket and the safari hat she wore in her visit to Africa.'.