Seeing first ladies’ clothing throughout history offers ... their fashion choices – dating back to the early days of Martha Washington, who was known as a woman of high fashion.

Martha Washington set an example in fashion by supporting domestic industries. Despite being able to afford luxury items, she often wore simple, American-made clothing. This small act was a ...

And it wasn’t just Martha, or Lady Washington as she was called: The couple’s ledgers are full of extravagant clothing purchases, for George as well. Martha Washington, painted in oil by ...

But there was still massive pressure on Martha Washington to look good. "She was surprised by the amount of attention that her clothing received. She wasn't used to it," says Lisa Kathleen.

Though the world generally knows the stories of George Washington crossing the Delaware and Martha Washington's social extravaganzas, many things about the country's First Couple remain relatively ...

First lady Jill Biden presents her Inauguration Day clothing at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in January 2023. Drew Angerer/Getty Images ...

But there was still massive pressure on Martha Washington to look good. "She was surprised by the amount of attention that her clothing received. She wasn't used to it," says Lisa Kathleen.