Michelle Obama Style Lessons

37 Genius Style Lessons We Learned From Michelle Obama

Jan 10 2020 by Aemilia Madden

Being the first lady of America is by no means an easy job, but Michelle Obama always manages to do it in style. Whether she's stepping out on the red carpet at a formal function or she's just headed out for a walk with Barack, we've come to love how she always manages to give an elegant look her own surprising spin.

With some heavy-hitting designers in her corner (hello, Jason Wu, Ralph Lauren, and Tom Ford!), we've come to expect not just a great outfit but a bona fide style moment whenever she steps out of the White House. And while we may not have the occasion (or income) to copy every one of her iconic looks, there is still plenty to learn from her flawless FLOTUS style.

And for more on Michelle's fashion, check out:

Image Source: Getty / Paras Griffin

1. Sheer Doesn't Have to Be Overly Sexy

Wearing a Monique Lhuillier gown to the 37th annual Kennedy Center Honours.

Image Source: Getty / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

2. Matching Your SO Is Pretty Adorable

Image Source: Getty / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

3. Ombré Is More Than Just a Hairstyle

Image Source: Getty / SAUL LOEB

4. Relaxed Outfits Can Still Be Polished

Image Source: Getty / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

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5. Bold Hues and Prints are Great, but Sometimes It's the Material That Makes the Dress

Wearing a pink-and-gold toile Tracy Reese dress and J.Crew pumps.

Image Source: Getty / Alex Wong

6. Black Will Always Look Great, but Sometimes It Takes a Pop of Colour to Stand Out From the Crowd

Image Source: Getty / Pool

7. Add Personality to a Formal Look by Mismatching Your Shoes

In a custom, lemon-hued Isabel Toledo coat and dress with olive-green leather gloves and her favourite green Jimmy Choo shoes.

Image Source: Getty / Pool

8. White Gowns Aren't Just For a Wedding

Wearing a white ethereal Jason Wu gown on the night of President Obama's inaugural ball.

Image Source: Getty / Mark Wilson

9. Add Gloves For an Extra Bit of Elegance

Wearing a cream Tom Ford gown at a state dinner at Buckingham Palace.

Image Source: Getty / AFP

10. If You're Meeting the Queen, Wear Your Very Best

Wearing a Ralph Lauren gown for a dinner at the US Embassy in London.

Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein

11. You Can Never Go Wrong With J.Crew

Wearing a J.Crew skirt and a gold-toned Michael Kors top.

Image Source: Getty / Kevin Winter/NBCUniversal

12. There's Nothing Wrong With a Little Retro Influence

Wearing Carolina Herrera.

Image Source: Getty / Pool

13. Being Bold Is a Great Thing

Wearing a bright yellow dress and thigh-high gold Balenciaga boots.

Image Source: Getty / Dia Dipasupil

14. Classic Pantsuits and Sparkles Are a Perfect Pair

Wearing a purple custom Sergio Hudson pantsuit and a sparkly bustier.

Image Source: Getty / Paras Griffin

15. There's No Such Thing as a Hue Too Bright or a Print Too Bold

Wearing a Kenzo dress and Roksanda Ilincic belt during a trip to Tokyo in 2015.

Image Source: Getty / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA

16. Tropical Prints Aren't Just For Dads

Wearing Mary Katrantzou in June 2015.

Image Source: Splash News Online

17. A Great Midi Dress Will Take You From Work to Play

Wearing a custom floral-appliqué Naeem Khan dress.

Image Source: Getty / Paul Zimmerman

18. When It's Your Moment in the Spotlight, Go All Out

Wearing a beaded blue silk faille Carolina Herrera gown and coordinated Sutra earrings.

Image Source: Getty / JEWEL SAMAD

19. Black Tie Doesn't Mean Black Dress

Wearing a hand-draped gown by Marchesa in 2013.

Image Source: Getty / Pool

20. Plaid Isn't Just For Lumberjacks

Image Source: Getty / Pool

21. Keep an Eye Out For Affordable Fashion Finds

In a yellow-and-white dress from Talbots.

Image Source: Getty / JIM WATSON

22. Boatneck Dresses Look Great on Land Too

Image Source: Getty / MANDEL NGAN

23. When You're Sticking to One Colour Head to Toe, Switch Up the Hue

Wearing various shades of blue in Pretoria, South Africa.

Image Source: Getty / Chip Somodevilla

24. Khakis Aren't Just For the Guys

Wearing khaki cropped trousers and a printed blouse while visiting Dakar, Senegal, with the president.

Image Source: Getty / SAUL LOEB

25. Match Your Shoes and Your Bag to Make an Outfit Feel Extra Put Together

Wearing a powder-blue Zac Posen set and sleek black accessories.

Image Source: Getty / Pool

26. Dressing to a Theme Doesn't Have to Be Cheesy

Wearing a custom-made silver art-deco-inspired Naeem Khan gown on Oscars night in 2012.

Image Source: Getty / The White House

27. A Long Red Dress Will Always Make a Statement

In a custom ruby chiffon and velvet gown by Jason Wu and Jimmy Choo shoes.

Image Source: Getty / Joe Raedle

28. A Matching Dress and Jacket Make For Serious Power Suiting

Wearing a custom ivory wool-appliqué Naeem Khan coat and matching sleeveless dress.

Image Source: Getty / SAUL LOEB

29. Sometimes a Well-Dressed Date Is the Ultimate Accessory

Wearing a red-and-black gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

Image Source: Getty / Mark Wilson

30. Putting a Brooch on It Is a Lot More Chic Than You Think

Wearing a purple ombré Peter Som dress and coat.

Image Source: Getty / WPA Pool

31. Invest in an Arsenal of Great Coats

Image Source: Getty / Mark Wilson

32. A Statement Necklace WIll Never Go Out of Style

Wearing a one-of-a-kind Peter Soronen gown and layered pearl necklace.

Image Source: Getty / Pool

33. If You've Got a Favourite Body Part, Flaunt It

In an elegant off-the-shoulder Marchesa gown with strands of Tom Binns pearls.

Image Source: Getty / Alex Wong

34. Add a Belt For an Extraslimming Effect

Image Source: Getty / SAUL LOEB

35. Never Feel Obligated to Blend In

Image Source: Getty / SAUL LOEB

36. Have a Little Surprise Up Your Sleeve

Wearing a silver sparkly power suit.

Image Source: Getty / Kevin Mazur

37. Don't Be Afraid to Sparkle and Shine

Wearing a custom Sergio Hudson sequinned jumpsuit.

Image Source: Getty / Erika Goldring

Celebrity Fashion Style How-To Michelle Obama