Former First Lady Laura Bush Wears Rust Dress and Statement Pearls for Donald Trump’s 2025 Inauguration

Ty Gaskins
·2-min read

Former first lady Laura Bush joined her husband, former President George W. Bush, at Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration ceremony on Monday in Washington, D.C. She wore a rust-colored dress, accessorized with a signature pearl necklace.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former U.S. President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Laura Bush’s dress featured a belted silhouette and quarter-length long sleeves. Her accessories included a single-strand pearl necklace and matching pearl earrings. She completed the outfit with a structured brown leather handbag and understated nude-toned shoes.

More from WWD

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Former President Bill Clinton, former first lady Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th President of the United States. (Photo by Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty Images)
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former U.S. President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush and former U.S. President Barack Obama arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Dating back to Martha Washington, the country’s first first lady, pearls have been a symbol of grace and poise in the White House. Washington herself had a great fondness for the gem, a sentiment echoed by later first ladies like Jacqueline Kennedy, Barbara Bush and Michelle Obama, who all wore pearls during their tenure in the public eye.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former U.S. President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush and former U.S. President Barack Obama arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former U.S. President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush and former U.S. President Barack Obama arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Earlier this month, Laura Bush attended the state funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, where she paired a similar pearl necklace with a classic black dress.

Donald Trump’s second inauguration as the President of the United States took place on Monday in Washington, D.C. Following tradition, the day began with a worship service at St. John’s Episcopal Church and a White House meeting between incoming and outgoing presidents. The mandated swearing-in ceremony happened on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Carrie Underwood performed “America the Beautiful” at the event. Following the inauguration, guests and supporters of the President are expected to attend three evening celebrations, including the Commander in Chief Ball, Liberty Inaugural Ball and Starlight Ball.

Trump Inauguration 2025 Photos, Live Updates: Melania Trump and More

View Gallery

Launch Gallery: Trump Inauguration 2025 Photos, Live Updates: Melania Trump and More

Best of WWD

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Latest stories