A Look Back at Michelle Obama's 47 Most Important Fashion Moments
When: June 3, 2008
Where: An election night rally in St. Paul, Minnesota after Obama had clinched the Democratic nomination
Wearing: Maria Pinto sheath, Alaïa belt, pearls
Why it mattered: It was the fist bump seen round the world and the first glimpse of what we could expect from the formidable first couple—not least because of Michelle's eye-catching ensemble. "I think [Michelle] will be remembered for the way she used fashion as a form of a communication," says fashion critic Robin Givhan. Much like the fist bump, Michelle's singular style—the bold, jewel tone sheath dress, the unexpected and modern belt—helped set the tone for Obama's campaign message of hope, change—and an more diverse future.
When: August 25, 2008
Where: Day one of the DNC in Denver, Colorado
Wearing: Maria Pinto dress, her own brooch
Why it mattered: It was at the Democratic National Convention in 2008 that Michelle's style really began to make waves, further establishing her mastery of bold colors and unconventional accessories. "I think the thing we remember most is that pin," says Beth Dincuff, a fashion historian and professor at Parsons The New School for Design. "It showed she was willing to take risks and be original. Not a lot of people are wearing pins like this."
When: January 26, 2008
Where: Victory rally at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina
Wearing: Unknown
Why it mattered: The First Lady's style is still emerging here. "I think this look is a little subdued," says Dincuff. "She's playing it safe. At the same time, she's still embracing color with her signature confidence."
When: November 4, 2008
Where: An election night gathering in Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois
Wearing: Narciso Rodriguez dress and black cardigan
Why it mattered: As First Lady, Michelle's public image is inextricably tied to being a wife and mother; On election night, she communicated that role beautifully with a Narciso Rodriguez dress that managed to stand out and blend in with her daughters and husband. "It's not matchy-matchy but it's definitely coordinating," says Dincuff. "It sends a message that the family is unified and strong together."
When: October 27, 2008
Where: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Wearing: J.Crew
Why it mattered: When she appeared on The Tonight Show for the first time as First Lady-Elect, Michelle made headlines for eschewing a designer name in favor of mall brand J.Crew. "It sent the message that style doesn't have to be exclusive, it doesn't have to be expensive," says Betts. That democratic approach hit a chord with American women, who were soon flocking to the retailer in order to recreate her look. The items quickly sold out, J.Crew's stock price climbed 25 percent in three days—and the Michelle Obama effect was born.
When: January 20, 2009
Where: The Inaugural Parade in Washington, DC
Wearing: Isabel Toledo dress and coat, Nina Ricci cardigan, Jimmy Choo heels, and J.Crew leather gloves
Why it mattered: For Inauguration Day, Michelle chose a lemongrass ensemble designed by Isabel Toledo. The color is unusual but uplifting—again keeping in line with the message of her husband's campaign. Also significant was the designer, Cuban-born Toledo whose name, though beloved by fashion insiders, is far from a household one. "First ladies traditionally stick to one designer, but Mrs. Obama made a point of wearing clothes from a wide range of young, multi-cultural designers which sent a message of inclusiveness and great support for the fashion industry," notes Betts.
When: January 20, 2009
Where: The Neighborhood Ball in Washington, DC (the first of 10 inaugural balls)
Wearing: Jason Wu one-shouldered chiffon gown
Why it mattered: Michelle's fashion sense had already earned her kudos on the campaign trail, but it wasn't until she stepped out in this Jason Wu number at her husband's first inauguration that her status as a style icon (and duh, First Lady) was cemented. "It sent a really powerful message in both the look and the origins," says Betts. "Firstly a white gown signified new beginnings, a fresh start and hope—which was the message of her husband's campaign. Then to pick a relatively unknown designer, a first-generation American, set a powerful tone of inclusiveness and promise." In other words, this look announced to the world what kind of First Lady—and fashion plate—Michelle Obama would be.
When: February 2009
Where: The Blue Room of the White House for the official portrait
Wearing: Michael Kors dress and double stranded pearls
Why it mattered: Controversy erupted in 2009 when Michelle chose to wear a sleeveless dress for her official White House portrait. While some critics deemed her exposed arms 'inappropriate,' Givhan thinks the furor has more to do a shift in the way we perceive women—and particularly women of color. "I think it was not so much that she was sleeveless but that she reflected in her body this kind of strength that was also a reflection of how women's lives had changed," says Givhan. "Nancy Reagan went sleeveless but a lot has changed since Nancy Reagan's heyday. I mean, women box for fun today. They work out. All of those things are reflected in her person. It's also one of the reasons why she was particularly captivating to women because they know what it takes to get those arms."
When: April 2, 2009
Where: A visit to the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Secondary School in Borough of Islington, London, England
Wearing: Argyle cardigan over full-skirted dress
Why it mattered: Michelle Obama has done more for the cardigan than even Mr. Rogers. According to NPR, the First Lady helped "save the cardigan" from its dowdy reputation. "The cardigan used to be something to keep you warm in the workplace," Teri Agins, who covered the fashion industry for the Wall Street Journal for years, told the radio program. "It was not really an accessory you left on—unless you wore it as part of a twin set." It was outfits like these—consisting of an argyle cardigan over a brightly colored full-skirted dress—that helped change that.
When: April 1, 2009
Where: At Downing Street in London during Obama's first to the UK visit as President
Wearing: J.Crew cardigan
Why it mattered: This look, worn on her first official visit to London as First Lady in 2009, proved the Michelle Obama effect was alive and well overseas. Just hours after she stepped out in this bejeweled J.Crew cardigan it sold out online. Meanwhile, the British and European press were so enamored with her style, that the Telegraph hailed her as a "the black Jackie Kennedy, the first presidential spouse in four decades to be a fashion icon as well as First Lady."
When: April 1, 2009
Where: With Queen Elizabeth II at a Buckingham Palace reception in London
Wearing: Isabel Toledo dress, Alaïa cashmere cardigan, double stranded pearls
Why it mattered: On that same trip to London, Michelle met the Queen—in her signature cardigan. Not everyone was a fan: At the time Oscar de la Renta told Women's Wear Daily, "You don't...go to Buckingham Palace in a sweater." (Coincidence? The First Lady didn't wear Oscar de la Renta until 2014, shortly before the designer passed away.) Dincuff hails this as yet another example of Michelle's ability to represent the average American woman—in a chic and elegant way. "I think the whole idea of wearing a sweater instead of a jacket is very American," she says. "She's the epitome of what a modern American working mother wants to look like and she stayed true to that look and to herself, even at very high-profile appearances."
When: April 3, 2009
Where: The opening of the NATO summit at the Kurhaus in Baden Baden, Germany
Wearing: Azzedine Alaïa
Why it mattered: Michelle rarely wears black—especially for evening. Yet during her first year in the White House she did opt for the color a handful of times. (And hey, if you're going to wear black, why not do it in Alaïa, one of the most beloved and revered designers.) "I think in her first year in the White House, we really saw her come into her own, fashion-wise," says Dincuff. Here, in an Alaia, she still manages to look confident and exuberant thanks to simple sparkly accessories—and of course, a smile.
When: June 16, 2009
Where: In the White House Kitchen Garden meeting a group of fifth graders
Wearing: Unknown
Why it mattered: According to Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic for the Washington Post, Robin Givhan, "One of the really vital things that Michelle Obama has done, is she's wearing real fashion." This look—worn to a 2009 event on the front lawn of the White House—is as real as it gets without looking uncool. "She normalized a sporty look for a First Lady," says Dincuff. "While other First Ladies might have been photographed in sneakers, she made them feel really sporty and youthful."
When: April 29, 2009
Where: The Capitol Area Food Bank for Feeding America in Washington, DC
Wearing: An argyle cardigan and Lanvin sneakers
Why it mattered: Not even Michelle can evade the occasional misstep. In 2009 she drew the ire of certain media outlets when she wore $540 Lanvin sneakers to volunteer at a food bank.
When: July 5, 2009
Where: Walking to Air Force One before leaving Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland for a trip to Moscow, Russia
Wearing: Cardigan, printed dress, belt, and double stranded pearls
Why it mattered: In 20 years, when people start dressing up as legendary First Lady Michelle Obama for Halloween—as they inevitably will do—the costume formula will be simple, says Dincuff: "Cardigan, printed dress, belt, and costume jewelry, especially a necklace." Here, in July 2009, is an early example of what would become her signature daytime look.
When: September 16, 2009
Where: On the White House South Lawn at an event supporting Chicago's bid for the Summer Olympics
Wearing: Cardigan, skirt, and signature thick belt
Why it mattered: Besides the cardigan, Michelle will also be remembered for her signature belts. "I think the way she wears belts is very unique, it's very much her own thing," says Dincuff. "It shows a lot of confidence."
When: November 24, 2009
Where: At the Obamas' first official State Dinner
Wearing: Naeem Khan strapless nude chiffon gown
Why it mattered: To welcome India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the White House in 2009, Michelle deftly chose to wear a gown from Indian-American designer Naeem Khan "This comes to mind as one of her most significant state dinner dresses," says Givhan. "In part it benefited from being the first, before we knew what to expect from her. I thought it spoke in many ways about her public relationship with fashion—particularly her choice of designer. It reflected the fact that the state dinner was in honor of India." This was the first instance of Michelle using her outfit to promote some subtle cross-border diplomacy—now a hallmark of her fashion legacy.
When: January 27, 2010
Where: At President Obama's State of the Union Address on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC
Wearing: Isaac Mizrahi dress and pearls
Why it mattered: "This is probably her most conservative State of the Union look," says Dincuff. "When it's about her husband speaking, even though she knows she's going to be looked at, she tones it down, especially at the beginning of her term at the White House."
When: May 19, 2010
Where: At the White House State Dinner, waiting to welcome Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Mrs. Margarita Zavala
Wearing: Peter Soronen one-shouldered gown
Why it mattered: To host Mexican president Felipe Calderon, Michelle chose a one-shouldered blue shimmering gown by Peter Soronen. "Michelle's evening style was particularly glamorous, but it was glamorous as defined by Hollywood and red carpets and not as defined by the traditions of the White House," notes Givhan.
When: May 1, 2010
Where: The White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, DC
Wearing: Prabal Gurung dress
Why it mattered: "Michelle knows how to dress in an exciting way without relying on sex appeal," says Dincuff, of this Prabal Gurung dress Michelle wore to the 2010 White House Correspondents dinner. "When you wear red for a more formal event, you want attention but for most people, it often falls into a sexy look. Michelle knew how to wear a red dress in a way that felt exciting and powerful but not overtly sexy."
When: April 21, 2010
Where: At an event promoting the 'Let's Move' initiative in Washington, DC
Wearing: Red suit
Why it mattered: "Michelle's daytime outfits spoke to a broader range of women than if she were just wearing a simple suit every time we saw her in public," says Givhan. "It also reflects the shift in what's considered professional today in the workplace and the way most women dress."
When: January 19, 2011
Where: At a White House State Dinner, waiting to greet Chinese President Hu Jintao
Wearing: Silk and organza Alexander McQueen gown
Why it mattered: To greet the Chinese President in January 2011, Michelle chose a stunning off-the-shoulder Alexander McQueen dress. While the gown won her style points, the Asian-American fashion community felt snubbed she did not wear a designer of Asian descent.
When: May 24, 2011
Where: In the Buckingham Palace Music Room before a State Banquet in London
Wearing: Tom Ford gown with matching long opera gloves
Why it mattered: "One of the things that's so remarkable about Michelle and that will certainly be part of her legacy is that she looked completely comfortable in everything she wore," says Dincuff. "Even when the occasion was very formal, she still seemed modern and completely herself." Here, despite the fact that she is in floor-length Tom Ford gown and elbow-length gloves, Michelle still somehow manages to seem approachable and at ease.
When: May 21, 2011
Where: Meeting Kate Middleton at Buckingham Place in central London
Wearing: Barbara Tfank print dress with pink shantung swing jacket
Why it mattered: By May 2011, when Michelle met with Kate Middleton shortly after the Royal Wedding, the First Lady already had a reputation for mixing mass labels with designer ones. "It wasn't a new concept, but it was repackaged by the fashion media simply because she did it so well," says Dincuff. Kate Middleton wisely followed in Michelle's footsteps, opting for a $340 Reiss dress, which promptly sold out.
When: March 14, 2012
Where: At the White House Grand Staircase posing for an official photo with Samantha Cameron, wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron
Wearing: Marchesa off-the-shoulder gown and Tom Binns necklaces
Why it mattered: "First ladies are known for their pearls," says Dincuff. "Michelle always put her own spin on them, as she did with everything." Here, at a 2012 visit with U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, she wore a multi strand necklace that matched the green of her dress—and was a far cry from your standard pearl necklace.
When: July 10, 2012
Where: At Barbara Goleman Senior High School for a speaking engagement during a campaign event
Wearing: Chris Benz dress
Why it mattered: "Mrs. Obama has always been about championing young people starting out their careers and she consistently demonstrated this effort with her wardrobe choices," notes Betts. Here, she wore a patterned Chris Benz dress, which catapulted the designer to new heights of renown.
When: August 15, 2012
Where: At a campaign event at the Alliant Energy Amphitheater in Dubuque, Iowa
Wearing: ASOS dress
Why it mattered: This image of Michelle and Barack hugging in Iowa during his second campaign will no doubt be remembered as one of the most iconic during their time in the White House. For the occasion, Michelle chose an affordable dress from ASOS with a sweetly retro silhouette—which was trending at the time. "That dress spoke to the occasion," says Givhan. "It was not the place for a $3,000 day dress. And I think that it was certainly an indication that not only does she know herself but she also is sensitive to her audience and is trying to speak to her audience and meet her audience where they are."
When: September 4, 2012
Where: Day 1 of the DNC at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina
Wearing: Custom-made Tracy Reese
Why it mattered: Despite strides towards inclusivity, white male fashion designers are still overrepresented within the fashion industry. Michelle's continued support for designers of color—like female African-American designer Tracy Reese who designed the dress FLOTUS wore at the 2012 DNC—sent an important message to the industry. At the time XOJane writer Veronica Miller described her reaction at finding out Reese designed the dress thusly: "I jumped up off my bed with a fist pump, 'Fuck yeah black girls wearing black girl designers!'"
When: September 6, 2012
Where: Final day of the DNC at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina after Obama's acceptance of the nomination
Wearing: Lauren Smalls dress
Why it mattered: Even before the fashion community had fully embraced the off-the-shoulder look, Michelle had championed the silhouette, most notably at the DNC in 2012 in a pretty Lauren Smalls frock. It's not hard to see why she gravitated towards the style: "From the looks of things she has really great shoulders and really great arms, and it is natural tendency to show off your best asset," says Givhan. But that simple fact speaks to one of the most defining hallmarks of her fashion legacy: "First and foremost she chose things she felt great in and looked great in," says Givhan. "The pleasure of fashion was never lost in the complicated diplomatic conversation."
When: October 16, 2012
Where: The second presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York
Wearing: Michael Kors crepe sheath dress and matching jacket
Why it mattered: We know Michelle likes to use color to communicate; when she wore a pink suit to the 2012 debate—perfectly matching the shade of Ann Romney's dress—it sent a message of unity.
When: November 6, 2012
Where: On election night at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois after Obama's victory speech
Wearing: Michael Kors silk dress, black pointed pumps, and a House of Lavande 1950s Schreiner rhinestone brooch
Why it mattered: On election night 2012, Michelle wore a purple sleeveless sheath dress from Michael Kors with a cropped cardigan. More significant than the actual ensemble was the fact that she had worn the dress previously in 2009 and 2010. To pick an old dress for such a momentous occasion was both an act of confidence and a shrewd political decision, showing once again a sensitivity to her audience.
When: January 21, 2013
Where: Arriving on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol for the presidential inauguration in Washington, DC
Wearing: Thom Browne coat, Reed Krakoff boots, and J.Crew belt
Why it mattered: For her husband's second inauguration, Michelle chose a Thom Browne ensemble accessorized by a J.Crew belt. It was a distinctly fierce and fashion-forward look for such a momentous occasion and the high-low mix showed particular confidence. "In many ways she has shown us that power can be pretty, women can dress for themselves and write their own rules when it comes to their wardrobes," says Betts. "They don't have to dress to fit into some subscribed code or pre-existing notion of what power looks like."
When: January 21, 2013
Where: The Inaugural Ball in Washington, DC
Wearing: Jason Wu halter dress and Kimberly McDonald for Forevermark bangles
Why it mattered: If her first Inaugural look sent a message of optimism and hope, her second one—another Jason Wu gown—expounded on it with new confidence. "This is such a celebratory look," says Dincuff. "We can see that her confidence has grown, she's gotten more comfortable in the spotlight after four years in the White House."
When: June 19, 2013
Where: In Berlin, Germany for a dinner in honor of President Obama at the Orangerie of Schloss Charlottenburg palace
Wearing: Carolina Herrera dress
Why it mattered: When Michelle met with foreign dignitaries less blessed in the height department, she made a point to wear kitten heels or flats—which was viewed, says Dincuff, as a sign of sensitivity as well as an awareness of how her image would be captured in photographs. Here, during a June 2013 trip to Germany, in a pretty Carolina Herrera frock and kitten heels.
When: December 8, 2013
Where: Arriving at a White House reception for the 2013 Kennedy Center Honorees
Wearing: Marchesa silk chiffon off-the-shoulder gown
Why it mattered: Michelle's continued preference for off-the-shoulder necklines reflects more than the fact that she knew her best assets: "It also showed she was attuned to fashion and trends," says Givhan.
When: February 11, 2014
Where: At the White House South Lawn for a welcoming ceremony for French President Francois Hollande
Wearing: Thom Browne coat
Why it mattered: "Mrs. Obama dresses to stand out and she uses color beautifully to telegraph a message of optimism and confidence," says Betts. This red Thom Browne coat she wore to welcome the French president to the White House in 2014 is a prime example.
When: February 11, 2014
Where: At the White House welcoming French President Francois Hollande
Wearing: Carolina Herrera gown
Why it mattered: Michelle always knew how to make a statement—without sacrificing practicality. For a February 2014 State Dinner with French President Francoise Hollande, she wore a long-sleeve Carolina Herrera gown to stay comfortable in the low temperatures.
When: May 5, 2014
Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Anna Wintour Costume Center Grand Opening
Wearing: Naeem Khan dress
Why it mattered: As much as Michelle made a point to wear a variety of designers, she also stayed loyal to some of her favorites. When she spoke at the grand opening of the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to an audience that undoubtedly contained a number of industry big-wigs she showed support for career designer Naeem Khan, whom she had worn on a number of occasions previously.
When: January 20, 2015
Where: Awaiting President Obama's State of the Union speech in Washington, DC
Wearing: Michael Kors skirt suit
Why it mattered: At the 2015 State of the Union, Michelle proved that even a basic skirt suit could become a statement. "This Michael Kors ensemble with the exposed zipper was traditional but still totally her," says Dincuff.
When: March 28, 2015
Where: At the 2015 'Black Girls Rock!' BET Special at the NJ Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ
Wearing: Zac Posen off-the-shoulder dress with Jimmy Choo heels
Why it mattered: This knee-length, off-the-shoulder Zac Posen dress—was one of her most youthful ensembles yet. In other words, a perfect match for the show's millennial audience.
When: April 28, 2015
Where: At the White House waiting to greet Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe
Wearing: Tadashi Shoji gown
Why it mattered: Again, Michelle used her choice of designer to send a subtle message of support and diplomacy when she wore a purple gown from American-based Japanese designer Tadashi Shoji for a state dinner with Japan's Prime Minister.
When: June 16, 2015
Where: Leaving after her visit to 10 Downing Street in London
Wearing: Christopher Kane dress
Why it mattered: As Michelle entered her seventh year in the White House, her wardrobe became slightly more high fashion particularly during the day—such as here, in Christopher Kane. "One thing I did notice between the first term and the second term is that I would say that the regular occurrences of mass market brand seemed to decrease," says Givhan. "I don't have any empirical evidence, but anecdotally I would say the clothes could be a bit more upscale."
When: September 25, 2015
Where: The North Portico of the White House awaiting the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan
Wearing: Vera Wang off-the-shoulder, mermaid hem dress
Why it mattered: Proving that she is conscientious of even her critics' opinions, for the 2015 State Dinner with the Chinese President Michelle wore a gown by Vera Wang, whose parents were born in Shanghai. At the time Wang tweeted: "It is such a privilege, as an American of Chinese heritage, to have dressed first lady Michelle Obama for this state dinner honoring President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan, of the People's Republic of China."
When: January 12, 2016
Where: In the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol awaiting President Obama's State of the Union speech
Wearing: Narciso Rodriguez crepe dress
Why it mattered: For this year's state of the union, Michelle chose a Narciso Rodriguez sleeveless sheath—a silhouette she brought to prominence during her time in the White House. "People have tried to suggest that Michelle invented the sleeveless sheath dress," says Givhan. "But that's not true. It was something that was part of the fashion conversation and she embraced it and wore it in a very public way. Designers had been telling women to wear sleeveless sheaths for a very long time! So that goes to her interest and willingness to participate in modern fashion."
When: July 25, 2016
Where: Day 1 of the DNC at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Wearing: Christian Siriano cap-sleeve dress
Why it mattered: Michelle knows when to let her clothes do the talking—and when to let her words speak for themselves. For her moving speech at the 2016 DNC, she stuck to a simple dress in a solid color. It was an uncharacteristically low-key look for such a high-profile event—and made sure the focus was exactly where she wanted it to be. "She's not expressing herself through her clothing, she's expressing herself through her words," says Dincuff.
When: November 7, 2016
Where: Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the Hillary Clinton 'Get Out The Vote' rally with Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi
Wearing: Eggplant coat and matching dress
Why it mattered: Similarly, when she campaigned for Hillary she made sure all eyes were on the candidate: While Hillary wore bright red—Michelle's power color—the First Lady herself stuck to a sedate eggplant coat and matching dress.
When: October 18, 2016
Where: The White House awaiting the arrival of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Agnese Landini
Wearing: Atelier Versace gown
Why it mattered: This sizzling Versace number, worn at her last state dinner, might have been Michelle's sartorial mic drop as First Lady—but it's also a glimpse of what we can expect from her once she's a (relatively) private person. "I think this look is about her as Michelle Obama, not as First Lady," says Dincuff. "It's a strong look. A triumphant look."