13 times first ladies wore affordable clothing

Erin McDowellOct 29, 2020, 00:23 IST

Michelle Obama wearing a floral dress from Talbots in 2013.Aude Guerrucci-Pool/Getty Images

While first ladies of yesteryear preferred high-fashion designers and custom creations, modern presidents' wives like Michelle Obama and Melania Trump have been spotted wearing affordable fashion brands.
Michelle Obama regularly wore items from J. Crew, Gap, and Target during Barack Obama's presidency.
Melania Trump has also worn affordable pieces, such as Timberland boots and Converse sneakers.
Barbara Bush famously wore a $29 pair of shoes to her husband's inaugural ball.

From Jackie Kennedy to Melania Trump, first ladies have long been lauded as fashion icons.

However, in recent years, first ladies have experimented with affordable looks from brands like J. Crew, Gap, White House Black Market, J Brand, and even Target.

Here are 13 times US first ladies have worn affordable clothing.

Though she often prefers designer brands, first lady Melania Trump has been spotted wearing affordable accessories like baseball hats and Timberland boots.

Governor of Puerto Rico Ricardo Rossello, President Trump, and Melania Trump before departing Puerto Rico in 2017. MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Melania Trump has worn Converse sneakers on multiple occasions.

Melania Trump gardening in 2017. Win McNamee/Getty Images

After returning to the White House from a weekend at presidential retreat Camp David in 2017, she was seen wearing an affordable top from J. Crew.

President Trump, Melania Trump, and their son, Barron. Cheriss May/NurPhoto via Getty Image

After another weekend away, she was spotted wearing a pair of J Brand jeans.

The Trumps cross the South Lawn after arriving at The White House on June 18, 2017. Zach Gibson/Getty Images

Michelle Obama has never been a stranger to affordable fashion. During an appearance on "The View," she wore a dress from White House Black Market.

Michelle Obama on "The View" in 2008. Steve Fenn/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images

While attending the G-20 Summit in 2009, Obama paired J. Crew items together.

Michelle Obama attending the G-20 Summit in 2009. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

While arriving in Arizona in 2009, Obama was photographed wearing an A-line dress from Target.

Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha step off Air Force One after arriving in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 15, 2009. MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

The former first lady also wore a dress from Gap in 2011.

Michelle and Barack Obama before their departure to Camp David in 2011. YURI GRIPAS/AFP/Getty Images

That same year, Obama wore an affordable dress from H&M while appearing on the Today show.

Michelle Obama on the Today show in 2011. Peter Kramer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Michelle Obama turned heads in an ASOS dress while campaigning in Iowa in 2012.

Michelle and Barack Obama campaigning in Iowa in 2012. Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Michelle Obama wore a colorful floral dress from Talbots in 2013.

Michelle Obama wearing a floral dress from Talbots in 2013. Aude Guerrucci-Pool/Getty Images

Barbara Bush wore a strand of fake pearls and a pair of $29 shoes to George H.W. Bush's inaugural ball in 1989.

George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush attend the inaugural ball in 1989. Cynthia Johnson/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Betty Ford was a fan of designer Albert Capraro, whose prices were affordable.

Betty Ford and designer Albert Capraro outfits her for her new spring wardrobe in 1981. AP Photo/Dave Pickoff

15 vintage photos of election night parties that show how Americans have celebrated democracy

Cookies on the Business Insider India website