The first lady has historically played a number of roles in the White House, from hosting state dinners, interacting with children, presiding over holiday decorations and launching personal initiatives.

  • WHAT: President-elect Donald Trump and VP-elect Mike Pence swearing-in 
  • WHERE: West front of the US Capitol building
  • WHEN: Friday, Jan. 20. Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m., swearing-in at noon
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But when it comes to Inauguration Day, the focus on the first lady tends to revolve around one thing: Fashion.

For example, for her husband's first inauguration in 1981, Nancy Reagan wore a bright red sheath and top coat with matching hat. She went on to wear the color so much, it became known as "Nancy Reagan Red."

In 2009, Michelle Obama wore a white silk chiffon inaugural gown that put designer Jason Wu on the national stage. She later donated the gown to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, as part of a tradition.

In 2005, for her husband's second inauguration, Laura Bush wore a white dress and coat combination, along with white gloves. It was the first time a first lady had worn that color for the inauguration.

Outside of the fashion focus, the first lady has played other parts in the big day:

In 1965, Lady Bird Johnson began a new tradition of holding the Bible while her husband took the oath of office.

In 1909, Edith Roosevelt began a tradition that continues to this day when she gave incoming first lady Helen Taft a personal tour of the White House.