"Some of these inaugural dresses are timepieces of their era," Anthony said. "Mrs. Rutherford Hayes' gown had steel-cut beads, which spoke to the Industrial Age." Hayes was president from 1877 to 1881. "It was the real height of the Victorian Age."

Nellie Taft, the wife of the 27th president, who was inaugurated in 1909, was the first first lady to break with tradition and accompany her husband in the inaugural parade, according to the National First Ladies' Library. She was also the first to donate her gown to the Smithsonian, starting a tradition that continues to this day.

During President Franklin D. Roosevelt's four inaugurations there were no inaugural balls but March of Dimes' balls for charity, some attended by first lady Eleanor Roosevelt but none by the president.

In the post-World War II era, Jacqueline Kennedy glamorized the inauguration festivities — as well as the presidency — with her style. Her inaugural ivory gown and cape, which she helped design, caused a sensation.

Rosalynn Carter provoked criticism for repeating a dress for the 1977 inauguration, appearing in one she'd worn for Jimmy Carter's gubernatorial inauguration.

Nancy Reagan wore a glittery one-shouldered off-white gown that was considered very Hollywood but also very insensitive during the 1981 recession. Hillary Clinton's 1993 purple gown by a young designer was criticized as less than chic.

Laura Bush's 2001 red-beaded Chantilly lace gown by a Dallas designer met with an underwhelming response in fashion circles. Her 2005 Oscar de la Renta silver and blue tulle gown, however, was a hit. Only the first inaugural gown typically goes to the Smithsonian.

"It's an interaction of the glamour of the first lady and the outfit," Bruce Buchanan, a presidential scholar at the University of Texas at Austin, said of the intense interest in inaugural gowns. "Jackie Kennedy set that standard. Jackie began the fascination that extends to Michelle."

Baldrige, for one, is impatient with comparisons to Kennnedy. "That comparison is unfortunate," she said. "She (Obama) is herself. It is a different time in history."

Some things are timeless, however.

"We can predict everyone will be fascinated about the dress," Baldrige said. "We all want the first lady to look fabulous."

ON THE WEB

Women's Wear Daily slide show of designer sketches for Michelle Obama's inaugural gowns

Smithsonian Institution

The National First Ladies' Library

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