Well I think there is an unofficial one- set by whoever is in power at the time. I recall back in 1981 when Reagan took over for the informal Carter- that a memo was dispatched to WH staff and reporters that from now on men were expected to wear coats and ties and women were to wear dresses.
And ofcourse when you are in the political world you have to be extra careful not to do anything that would bring criticism. I'm sure if a first-lady appeared in public brafree it would be resoundingly condemned by conservative right-wingers.
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