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
- WATCH: Watch the swearing-in live on our TV station Jan. 20, or watch us on our live stream (authentication required). Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day
- COMPLETE COVERAGE: Schedule of events, photos, quiz, how to attend
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.