TIME WARP: Jackie Kennedy Stays Dry On Inauguration Eve

by Verena von Pfetten | 4:45 pm, January 20th, 2011

Is there anything more delightful than a good Time Warp on a chilly Thursday? In this case, no — and especially not when it’s a never before seen photo of Jacqueline Kennedy walking through a snowstorm to get to her husband’s inauguration gala. Yes, even first ladies get wet when it rains.

From the LIFE archives:

Jackie Kennedy sets out through an evening snowstorm for the Inaugural Gala. “The hectic, jam-packed round of Washington parties” LIFE reported, “might well have daunted — or at least wilted — a less dedicated or attractive couple than the new President and his First Lady. [But] Jacqueline Kennedy, decked out in a white sheath gown, captivatingly contrived to resemble both a fairy princess at a fancy dress ball and a little girl enjoying her first party.”

It’s amazing to us that a photo like this would end up on the cutting room floor — but kudos to LIFE for digging through their archives. The best part of this whole image might be how well her ensemble would stand up today. While it’s certainly a little on the, well, dainty side for a first lady dress, it’s still a classic. Also: can we please bring back gloves?