Photo: Ronald Reagan Library

Nancy Reagan, 1981

What She Wore: White, one-shoulder gown by James Galanos

What it Meant: The Reagans ushered in a new era of glamour to the White House–and Nancy’s white, one-shouldered dress by American designer James Galanos, widely considered to be one of the world’s foremost 20th century couturiers, made no doubt about that. “They were Hollywood,” Betts said, simply.

A one-shouldered gown has proven to be a popular choice for First Ladies because, as Dincuff says, “it’s a sophisticated look, halfway between strapless and covered up. It works well for women over the age of thirty.”