
Nancy Reagan walked onto the Washington scene wearing a one-shouldered James Galanos gown. Like Jackie O before her and Michelle Obama after, she opted to wear white. The dress was satin, overlaid with beaded ferns, complemented with white gloves and beaded shoes. “The Reagans were bringing glamour back to Washington,” Graddy says, starting with the decision to host a white-tie inaugural ball. Though it’s hard to argue that she and her “Ronnie” cut anything but a fine figure, Mrs. Reagan was criticized for her preoccupation with fine duds and jewels during her husband’s administration.