The Uncanny: Clinton Christmas Portraits
Pop on your rose colored glasses as we explore the odd and sometimes fascinating photo ops from the Clinton White House Christmases.
Starting strong, we have Hillary in a red ballgown with a stacked pearl choker. This look feels a bit like "First Lady" drag on Secretary Clinton, something you would see on her successor, Laura Bush.
By 1996, we were getting closer to the Hillary we know - a purple skirt suit paired with black opaque tights. It feels so 90s it basically screams: "I'm a career woman trying to have it all!"
In 1997, the First Lady returned to a more festive red, but this time, in a sleeker a-line shape. The pointed collar speaks to Clinton's affinity for preppy touches during her time as First Lady.
The first of two portraits from 1998 is perhaps the spookiest. Something about the Clintons' positioning to the lens, Bill's oddly fitted tux, and Hillary's empty stare really digs into your soul.
Portrait #2 from '98 pulls us back to preppy with a tartan blazer with velvet details and gold rope trim, which she paired with a long evening skirt. This look may be my favorite of the bunch. Sidenote: Totally crazy about this Fifty States tree skirt, too.
Okay, Okay - hear me out - I don't hate this one from 1999. The ruffly purple neckline and cuffs seem so out of Hillary's comfort zone (by 1999, she'd gone full pantsuit 🙏🏻), but something about it makes me smile.
This one is also from 1999, and I can't even discuss the clothes because what is this set-up? The empty chair, the rogue branch in front, and what happened to all the ornaments on the tree? They're plentiful in the other photo! Even the beloved tree skirt seems in disarray. 0 stars.
And finally, for their last Christmas portrait, Hillary combines a few details from past holiday gowns for what may be the best of the bunch. A navy taffeta ballgown with a collared neckline and buttons down the front. It's preppy and professional but still a little bit glam.
Photos // National Archives via the William J. Clinton Presidential Library
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