Style—in fashion, entertaining, decorating, and influence—was the subject of articles leading up to the 1981 inauguration. The press reported on Nancy Reagan’s wardrobe, film career, skills as a hostess, and plans to redecorate the White House family quarters. As lavish white-tie inaugural celebrations were planned, articles speculated on a subsequent transformation to a more glamorous “Hollywood” White House. “Everybody has his own way of doing things,” Nancy Reagan summed it up in interviews. She downplayed stories about her influence over her husband, indicating that she would not play a policy role in the new administration. Instead, she planned to become involved in antidrug causes and continue her work with the foster grandparents program.

She has flair and style, and she won’t be like any other First Lady.” 
—Reagan friend Bonita Wrather, New York Times, November 9, 1980