Vanity Fair once wrote that comparisons between Michelle Obama and Jacqueline Kennedy were inevitable, citing them as two elegant women , catapulted into the national spotlight by their charismatic, ambitious husbands.

Americans were captivated by Kennedy and continue to be with Obama for a number of reasons, but you cannot draw similarities between these two women without acknowledging their shared keen sense of style. Whether on a trip to Hawaii or at an inaugural event, both Obama and Kennedy exhibited excellence in dressing the part as first lady.

In honor of Obamas 53rd birthday today and ahead of Fridays inauguration, we look back at the two first ladies different but equally iconic styles.