See First Lady Fashion for Free at the National Museum of American History

Looking for something cheap and chic to do in the District on a Sunday afternoon? Then visiting the National Museum of American History to see the First Ladies of the Smithsonian exhibit seems like the perfect activity for you.

Women who love fashion appreciate not just wearing gorgeous garments, but seeing past threads that may have contributed to classic staying styles and the most current of trends. When visiting you won’t want to miss the exquisite collection of inaugural gowns this exhibit has to offer, as well as additional items donate by First Ladies including other ball gowns and accessories like jewelry, handbags and shoes. Some of the most interesting pieces are the First Ladies glasses and how they wore them (super chic) and even beautiful handheld fans for staying cool in a world without central air.

Walking through the exhibit, you will see how fashion evolved over the years as the clothing transforms from one era to the next. You start with dresses worn by our first First Lady, Martha Washington, which are very full and covered up. As the years pass you start to see the designs change with the times. You will truly notice the change when you view Grace Coolidge’s flapper style dress and Jackie Kennedy’s one shoulder silk gown.

Of course you have to see the most recent addition to the inaugural gowns collection with Michelle Obama’s white, one shoulder Jason Wu design. We will hopefully see more of Michelle’s forward fashion on display in years to come. Also, while all the First Lady fashions are a sight, you have to see all you can of fashion icon Jackie Kennedy. She has played such a role in the fashion industry both then and now that being in the same room as something she has worn is indescribable.

These women have been role models to so many and while they contributed way more in their lifetimes then simply a dress or a pair of shoes, we appreciate all they have done for this country and for the world of fashion.