At some point, every First Lady who resided in the White House was a bride. Their senses of style were put on display for everyone to see, and while these looks might have seemed unattainable walking down the aisle, you can find many pieces similar to these iconic outfits in thrift shops today.
Melania Trump
Melania wore not one but two dresses. The first was a wedding gown, which you probably can’t find in a thrift shop. The other dress, however, might just be. Unlike her usual classical styles, she wore a slinky, low-cut Vera Wang dress featuring a front slit. This look was beachy and boho-chic, and might be a hidden gem in a consignment store.
Michelle Obama
At Michelle Obama’s wedding, she wore an off-shoulder dress that screamed “bride” and made us all swoon. It was certainly traditional and regal, featuring long sleeves, a fitted waist, and a Bardot neckline in all-white, donning a timeless look that you’d be lucky to find in a vintage shop today.
Laura Bush
Rather than opting for a gloriously frilly affair, Laura Bush went for chic and simple, opting for a more demure look than many White House brides. Instead of wearing white for her wedding, she rocked a two-toned beige top and skirt. This matching look was ready-to-wear rather than a bespoke look. This is one of the looks you could easily find today—in fact, Ivanka Trump wore an outfit that wasn’t too different at the 2020 Global Women’s Forum Dubai.
Hillary Clinton
When Hillary Clinton was a bride, she wore a dress from Dillards that made her look like a stunning 1970s goddess, even though the dress was an off-the-rack outfit from Dillards that she quickly bought in a rush. As a matter of fact, it was the only dress she tried on; Hillary was determined to get married as soon as possible. If you head to your local thrift store, you might find a 1970s style similar to this relatable look!
Barbara Bush
While we’ve taken a look at some no-really-wedding gowns, Barbara Bush’s outfit was more like Michelle Obama’s in the sense that it was a traditional pick for a blushing bride back in the day. She wore a traditional satin wedding gown with a veil. While it might be considered dated today, it’s permanently on display at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, which is located in Texas.
Nancy Reagan
Just like Laura Bush, Nancy decided to wear a chic, non-white matching set rather than a white wedding dress. She wore a two-tone skirt choice, and many suspected it was because she was Ronald Reagan’s second wife, making a demure look more appropriate than a white dress, which is often chosen by young brides embarking on their first marriage. However, she may have also simply been making a statement with a different look. This look is also in her husband’s presidential library, and you can often find a skirt suit like this at a library.
Betty Ford
Betty wore a pretty blue dress for her wedding, taking the “Something blue” saying to a new level. The dress was made of satin and featured blazer-style lapels. While it’s unique, you could find something of a similar style in a more mainstream thrift shop today. We love that she went with such a unique look and silhouette.
Although many a former FLOTUS has decided to color within the lines with a more timeless classic, we appreciate the daring and rebellious first ladies of the past who are still considered iconic today and have us planning out our next thrift shop outing.
First Lady Wedding Dresses You Might Find in a Thrift Shop
