Living: American Pie at Its Best

The Reagan look: assured, affluent and, yes, conservative

Clothes do not the man or woman make, but they can tell a great deal about both. This is particularly true of a U.S. President and his First Lady, whose every costume change is remorselessly recorded by the color camera. In this respect, Ronald and Nancy Reagan seem all but certain to win approbation and exert considerable influence on American style. The Reagans dress in quiet, expensive—and yes, conservative—good taste.

In the eyes of fashion followers they will be the most interestingly turned out White House...