20 most expensive US first lady outfits, from Melania Trump’s Gucci coat and Michelle Obama’s custom Atelier Versace gown, to Jill Biden’s favourite Oscar de la Renta florals

Jan 25 , 2022

These outfits that US first ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama and Jill Biden wore are not only eye-catching, but also have a hefty price tag. Photos: Reuters, AFP, @parsnippo/Twitter, AP

Michelle dazzled in a US$12,000 gown alongside Barack Obama at her last state dinner, as did Melania in her Monique Lhuillier dress with Donald Trump at a 2017 White House reception

Jill matched Joe Biden in a powder blue suit when they met with Queen Elizabeth in 2021 – but why did Melania’s Dolce & Gabbana jacket cause controversy?

There are plenty of perks to being a first lady of the United States, but an expensive designer wardrobe is certainly top of our list.

Here are some of the most expensive items worn by Melania, Michelle and co ...

Michelle Obama kept it down to earth and wore trainers. Photo: @ptryph26/Twitter

In 2009, Michelle Obama garnered criticism for wearing US$540 Lanvin trainers to a food bank. When reporters asked her representatives about the expensive trainers, they said, “They’re shoes”.

Michelle Obama takes the stage to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, in July 2016. Photo: Reuters

Obama gave her famous “When they go low, we go high” speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in a US$995 blue Christian Siriano dress. The dress was custom-made for Obama by the Project Runway alum, but a similar version was available on Siriano’s website, according to the Los Angeles Times.

US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden stand with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth during a visit to Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England, in June 2021. Photo: AP

Dr. Jill Biden wore a US$1,000 powder blue suit designed by Adam Lippes to meet with Queen Elizabeth in 2021. Her blue outfit coordinated with President Joe Biden’s tie.