15 Of Michelle Obama’s Most Memorable Outfits
There’s no doubt that Michelle Obama will go down in history as one of the most stylish First Ladies of all time. Not only has she made her mark on our country with her empowering initiatives, but she has also proved that she can do it all in style. She’s living proof that you can wear a pretty dress yet still handle business. And that means so much to women who are also making moves all around the world.
It’s rare to see Lady O in predictable classics like pantsuits and blazers. Instead, she loves switching things up with eye-catching silhouettes and daring prints. She marches to the beat of her own drum, and she certainly isn’t afraid to take risks. Her style choices have redefined the narrow ideas of how a First Lady should look. That’s why she’s become an obsession for thousands all around the world—including me. As a woman of color, when I look at FLOTUS I see a reflection of unlimited possibilities.
If you’ve been tuning in to her non-stop fashion show like I have, you’ll probably remember several of these breathtaking ensembles. And if you haven’t, you’re definitely in for a treat. These are the most talked about moments from the last eight years. Here’s to Mrs. Obama’s unforgettable style.
Jim Watson / Getty1Vera Wang
Back in September of 2015, our First Lady shut things down in a custom black Vera Wang design for a state dinner with the Chinese President Xi Jinping. The gown included a mermaid silhouette that hugged her body perfectly and off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves that showed off her toned arms. Even POTUS couldn’t resist giving her a thumbs up for this look.
Brad Barket / Getty2Zac Posen
At the 2015 Black Girls Rock Awards Mrs. O was a shining example of #BlackGirlMagic. This corseted Zac Posen dress is the perfect example of why we love her style. She’s not afraid to take risks and she does so with ease.
Pool / Getty3Peter Soronen
FLOTUS was dripping in diamonds and pearls during the National Governor’s Association dinner in 2009. And her embellished gown was a creation by Chicago-born Peter Soronen. While it’s no secret that she has access to the biggest brands in fashion, she often chooses blossoming designers.
Pool / Getty4Bibhu Mohapatra
A graphic black and white dress by Bibhu Mohapatra was the perfect choice for the 2014 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Phoenix Awards dinner. The criss-cross neckline added an interesting detail to the pleated number.
Nicholas Kamm / Getty5Michael Kors Collection
For a preview of the holiday decor at the White House last year, Lady O went with a sage fit-and-flare dress from the Michael Kors Collection. Those metallic pumps were also the perfect pairing for the festive occasion.
Tang Chhin Sothy/ Getty6Roksanda
Mrs. Obama waved goodbye to Cambodia after a five-day trip in one of our favorite jet-set looks. The abstract print is a look by Roksanda. The First Lady knows how to pull off a pattern.
Mark Wilson / Getty7Alexander McQueen
It was tough not to fall in love with this Alexander McQueen look on FLOTUS at a state dinner for Chinese President Hu Jintao in 2011. The dress is a customized version of the runway piece, and the floral print is draped to perfection.
Mandel Ngan / Getty8Monique Lhuillier
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe joined FLOTUS on the White House lawn for a welcoming service last year. While both ladies truly look regal, it was Mrs. Obama’s Monique Lhuillier suit that hypnotized us with its pastel shimmering tones and oceanic waves.
Brad Barket/ Getty9Naeem Khan
For a state dinner in Cuba during 2016 Lady O gave us springtime joy with a floral Naeem Khan frock. And those dangling earrings are also on our most-wanted shopping list.
Michael Tran / Getty10Alice and Olivia
This fun Alice and Olivia dress that Mrs. Obama rocked at the 2015 opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games was truly a work of art. There aren’t too many people who can rock a colorful abstract print like our First Lady.
Mandel Ngan / Getty11Carolina Herrera
We loved this custom Carolina Herrera dress on Lady O at the state dinner for French President Francois Hollande. The sultry, yet elegant ballgown featured sheer lace sleeves, a waist-cinching sash, and a full skirt.
Pier Marco Tacca / Getty12Missoni
While in Italy Mrs. Obama paid homage to the country by wearing a native Missoni design with a fun print. We love how she paired metallic sandals with the look—even her pedicure matches the Italian dress.
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Dan Kitwood / Getty13Preen
When the First Family arrived in London all eyes were on Mrs. O’s Preen dress. The bright yellow and blue number featured a lace layer and was paired with stunning drop earrings.
Alex Wong / Getty14Tracy Reese
During the 2012 Democratic National Convention, FLOTUS slayed in Tracy Reese. Tracy Reese is one of her favorite American designers, and every time she steps out in the designer’s duds she always looks amazing. Do you see how snatched her waist is in that dress? And those pink J. Crew pumps are perfection.
Michael Kovac / Getty15Jason Wu
At the Inaugural Ball in 2013, Mrs. O worked the dance floor in a beautiful Jason Wu number. The red floor-sweeping gown is an all-time favorite.
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