Don’t get us wrong, former First Lady Michelle Obama‘s fashion has always been on point. Since 2009, she’s gone to events, given inspiring speeches, and encouraged so many people around the world – all in great style. With that said, when she left White House in 2017, her fashion undeniably took a turn.
She’s begun to experiment with her outfits and hair, rocking looks that she couldn’t as a First Lady. With flowing braids and edgy outfits, Michelle is now sporting looks that would have been harder to pull off when she was in the White House — though we totally would have loved to see her newfound confidence back then too!
In 2022, Michelle discuss her changing looks while talking to Ellen Degeneres at an event in Washington D.C. promoting her book “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times.” She explained some major changes she made after leaving her official title.
Noting that Americans were still “getting adjusted” to having a Black president and a Black family in the White House, she said she would “keep [her] hair straight.” She then joked, “Let’s get healthcare passed.”
Now that that time in her life is long past her, let’s take a moment to appreciate her best style moments post-White House. A few of our favorites are her book tour looks, from 2019’s “Becoming” to 2022’s “The Light We Carry” and more recent guest appearances at events.
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Cool Girl
Image Credit: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Netflix We’re loving how Michelle has played with leather and monochrome looks in recent years. Her outfit at the American Symphony in December 2023 shows off her ability to look powerful yet cool all at once.
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Tennis Time
Image Credit: Jackson Lee/GC Images Michelle Obama looked confident and casual at the opening ceremony of the 2023 US Open in this A-line denim dress from Oscar de la Renta. The former First Lady then paired the look with a cropped black cardigan, black espadrille Chloé wedges, silver hoop earrings, and a black beaded bracelet.
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A Sequin Moment
Image Credit: Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty Images Michelle’s look during a 2022 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live was a total show-stopper. How fun is this sequin blazer and chrome slingback heels?
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A Vision in White
Image Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for ABA Michelle pulled many great looks during her The Light We Carry book tour and this edgy all white look was one of our favorites.
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Leather Lover
Image Credit: Derek White/Getty Images for ABA Taking the stage in Atlanta for her recent book tour, Michelle looked effortlessly cool in this black leather ensemble from Palmer Harding. To break up the black, she paired the look with a casual white tee. Michelle finished up with a glowy glam and a high bun.
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The Canadian Tuxedo
Image Credit: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Live Nation Also on the tour, this time in Washington D.C., Michelle looked amazing in her version of a double-denim Canadian tuxedo from Ganni. The dark red pumps and loose curls were the perfect complements.
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Golden Girl
Image Credit: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images Michelle lit up the room attending The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in this glittery golden top and sand-colored pants.
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Sunshine Yellow
Image Credit: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images Michelle proved that yellow is her color in this bright yellow suit for the Today Show. We just loved the flared bottom!
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Pretty in Pink
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Albie Awards Michelle commanded the stage at the Clooney Foundation For Justice Inaugural Albie Awards in the pink-on-pink-on-pink look. The silver jewels and low ponytail made the look really come together.
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Fashionable Audience
Image Credit: Jean Catuffe/GC Images Michelle made for one very stylish audience member as she attended the men’s semifinal at the 2022 US Open. The look consisted of a matching two-piece set of a blue and white striped top and pants. Casual and stunning!
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Portrait Time
Image Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Making this one of the most unique looks she’s ever worn, Michelle wore this custom ombre dress by Christy Rilling Atelier with a cinched-in waist and pleated skirt to the unveiling ceremony of her and her husband’s White House portraits.
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All Business
Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Michelle looked ready to get down to business at the When We All Vote Inaugural Culture Of Democracy Summit with these beige pants and blazer, plus a pop of color in the bright green top.
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Purple Please!
Image Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images Michelle owned this bright purple suit as she attended the ‘Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama’ event in Atlanta. What a beautiful color!
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Citrus Central
Image Credit: Rick Kern/WireImage Attending another one of the ‘Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama’ events in Austin, Michelle once again rocked a monochromatic look in this orange pants and top. We love the shiny fabric against the muted pants!
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Boots Are Made for Walking
Image Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images When you’re meeting Carrie Bradshaw, you have to up your shoe game. Michelle brought out the big guns meeting the Sex and the City star at another event discussing “Becoming” in New York City. These showstopping glittery boots and the silk yellow dress are truly a match made in heaven!
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Queen of Neutrals
Image Credit: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images Fan of more neutral colors? Don’t worry, Michelle’s also got them down. She rocked this white jumpsuit with a belted waist while attending another “Becoming” event in London alongside novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
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Cool Cutouts
Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images In one of her first public events after leaving the White House, Michelle delivered total elegance while speaking at the 2017 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater in this black cutout dress. The matching shoes too? We love!
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