College educated at the University of Vermont at the turn of the 20th century, one might assume that Grace Coolidge would be a powerful voice for women’s rights in the 1920s. After all, women had just been granted the right to vote years prior to her husband winning the presidency. However, Grace often took on the role of the traditional homemaker—the endlessly supporting wife. She contributed very little to the political sphere. She never once did a single interview, preferring to focus on her duties as a mother of two boys and the White House hostess. It is speculated that her conservative husband insisted upon her maintaining this traditional image for the sake of his reputation. There were no bobbed hairdos or revealing hemlines for Grace Coolidge. Nevertheless, she was charming, stylish, and refined—and the public adored her.
Even while Calvin was still the Vice President, Grace Coolidge received a great deal of media attention. After her husband became president following Warren Harding’s passing, she very quickly became the most photographed First Lady at the time. Developing and expanding media technology allowed the public to see her in more pictures and on newsreels like no First Lady before her–even what she wore often became a headline.
Grace Coolidge is remembered for her, “more sedate versions of the 1920s flapper style” (Smithsonian). It was a style that could be admired and imitated by the average American woman. At a time where women’s clothing was getting more and more revealing, she stuck to modest versions of the popular styles. She is also credited with popularizing wearing the color red. Her inaugural gown, as well as many other dresses down the line, were rich and luxurious shades of red.
Her wardrobe didn’t go unnoticed by her husband either. Known as a cheapskate, Calvin never spared any expense when it came to Grace’s closet. The New York Times once quoted her as commenting, “I think it’s half the secret of a happy married life—dressing to suit one’s husband” (Finneman and Thomas 230).
In 1927, Grace Coolidge was featured in Vanity Fair for her fashion and overall popularity. Later in 1931, Good Housekeeping placed her on their list of America’s 12 greatest living women among Helen Keller and Willa Cather. The feature was called, “America’s Best-Known and Best-Loved Wife and Mother.” The title reflects her traditional role, yet while she refrained from involving herself in politics, Grace Coolidge conformed to the highest standards of American womanhood and style.
The First Ladies of Fashion 