Laura with George W. at Kennebunkport, ME.

In her role as First Lady, Laura Bush has developed programs in support of educational improvement, literacy, women’s health awareness, and youth outreach, to name just a few. Yet she has also developed something that, while perhaps not as far-reaching as her social initiatives, may have helped in her pursuit of them; that is, she has developed her sense of style.

With her debut appearance as First Lady at the 2001 Inauguration, Laura Bush wore a bright red gown by designer Michael Faircloth, who has also designed the outfits worn by the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. The new First Lady conveyed power and patriotism that evening, yet her natural grace and elegance were overshadowed.

Since then, however, Mrs. Bush has reinvented her style so that it not only reflects the significance of her position, but also emphasizes her inherent beauty and class. At the events surrounding the 2005 Inauguration, the First Lady set the stage for the style standards she would follow for the rest of her term.

Rather than the dark, matronly suits and heavy gowns that other First Ladies have chosen, Mrs. Bush opted for a fresher, more feminine look for the series of events commemorating the Inauguration. Sporting a combination of gowns and suits by Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Peggy Jennings, the new First Lady was stunning in light, complementary colors, beautifully embroidered fabrics, and elegant, fitted styles for each and every event she attended, from the Inaugural Candlelight Dinner to the Oath of Office Ceremony to the Inaugural Ball. By embracing her position as First Lady whole-heartedly, Laura Bush reminded us all that she was just that – a lady – and she returned to her title all of the grace it once held.

Since the Inauguration, Mrs. Bush has maintained her ladylike image and developed it into her very own signature style. As one of the most prominent women in the world, her role is extremely demanding and may often encourage the more masculine façade that other female leaders have taken on, yet Mrs. Bush remains intelligent and influential while preserving her elegance.

Attending such key events as classroom readings across the country, meetings with foreign dignitaries, conventions on education and America’s youth, and diplomatic trips abroad, the First Lady has an array of suits that she appropriately wears for many occasions. Her trademark has become the well-fitted skirt- or pantsuit, almost always in a fresh, lively shade. Combining the traditional suit with a splash of color helps Mrs. Bush to project the image of a strong and influential, yet still very feminine, woman.

When not in one of her trademark suits, the First Lady favors simple khakis or slacks, button down shirts and classic trenchcoats for a more casual look, or, for dressier occasions, an elegant gown accessorized with an eye-catching necklace or pair of earrings.

While the First Lady’s fashion sense is quite apparent, her innate class is seen in the subtlety of her style. She employs color, but does not draw upon shades that are too bright, loud, or overwhelming in any way. Her accessories are usually minimal, and any patterns or other accents are delicate and understated. Her attire is fitted, but not overly so.

These subtleties allow Mrs. Bush to look the part of the First Lady; more importantly, however, they allow her to get her job done. No matter what the occasion, she dresses so that her femininity and elegance are apparent, yet her wardrobe does not distract from the matter at hand. Whether at a charity event or dining with a head of state, the focus is always the cause she has chosen to support. She commits herself to her work and is respected for the strong, classy, intelligent woman that she is.

And on top of that, she has great taste.