By the 1980s, American fashion recovered from polyester leisure suits and hot pants—the strange fashion trends of the 1970s—and became far more tasteful. Leading the way were the nation's president and first lady, Ronald Reagan (1911–) and Nancy Reagan (1921–). Like Jacqueline Kennedy (1929–1994), who set fashion trends in the 1960s as the first lady, the Reagans wore tasteful, expensive clothes. They held lavish parties at the White House, and they made it fashionable to be glamorous again.

The biggest factor pushing America's new love for high fashion in the 1980s was rising prosperity and the tendency of wealthier Americans to want to show off their wealth. Many did so by dressing in the latest styles offered by American and European designers. In America, designers like Donna Karan (1948–) and Ralph Lauren (1939–) offered sophisticated styles for women—including stylish clothes that could be worn to work...