Being the first lady of America is by no means an easy job, but Michelle Obama always manages to do it in style [1]. 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 [2].
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 [3] from her flawless FLOTUS style.
And for more on Michelle's fashion, check out:
- 13 Photos That Prove Malia Obama Is Slowly Morphing Into Michelle [4]
- This Might Be the Most Simply Elegant Dress Michelle Obama Has Ever Worn [5]
- The 1 Place Michelle Obama Really Wants to Shop (but Can't) [6]
Sheer Doesn't Have to Be Overly Sexy
Wearing a Monique Lhuillier gown to the 37th annual Kennedy Center Honours.
Matching Your SO Is Pretty Adorable
Ombré Is More Than Just a Hairstyle
Relaxed Outfits Can Still Be Polished
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.
Black Will Always Look Great, but Sometimes It Takes a Pop of Colour to Stand Out From the Crowd
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.
White Gowns Aren't Just For a Wedding
Wearing a white ethereal Jason Wu gown on the night of President Obama's inaugural ball.
Add Gloves For an Extra Bit of Elegance
Wearing a cream Tom Ford gown at a state dinner at Buckingham Palace.
If You're Meeting the Queen, Wear Your Very Best
Wearing a Ralph Lauren gown for a dinner at the US Embassy in London.
You Can Never Go Wrong With J.Crew
Wearing a J.Crew skirt and a gold-toned Michael Kors top.
There's Nothing Wrong With a Little Retro Influence
Wearing Carolina Herrera.
Being Bold Is a Great Thing
Wearing a bright yellow dress and thigh-high gold Balenciaga boots [7].
Classic Pantsuits and Sparkles Are a Perfect Pair
Wearing a purple custom Sergio Hudson pantsuit [8] and a sparkly bustier.
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.
Tropical Prints Aren't Just For Dads
Wearing Mary Katrantzou in June 2015.
A Great Midi Dress Will Take You From Work to Play
Wearing a custom floral-appliqué Naeem Khan dress.
When It's Your Moment in the Spotlight, Go All Out
Wearing a beaded blue silk faille Carolina Herrera gown and coordinated Sutra earrings.
Black Tie Doesn't Mean Black Dress
Wearing a hand-draped gown by Marchesa in 2013.
Plaid Isn't Just For Lumberjacks
Keep an Eye Out For Affordable Fashion Finds
In a yellow-and-white dress from Talbots.
Boatneck Dresses Look Great on Land Too
When You're Sticking to One Colour Head to Toe, Switch Up the Hue
Wearing various shades of blue in Pretoria, South Africa.
Khakis Aren't Just For the Guys
Wearing khaki cropped trousers and a printed blouse while visiting Dakar, Senegal, with the president.
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.
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.
A Long Red Dress Will Always Make a Statement
In a custom ruby chiffon and velvet gown by Jason Wu and Jimmy Choo shoes.
A Matching Dress and Jacket Make For Serious Power Suiting
Wearing a custom ivory wool-appliqué Naeem Khan coat and matching sleeveless dress.
Sometimes a Well-Dressed Date Is the Ultimate Accessory
Wearing a red-and-black gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
Putting a Brooch on It Is a Lot More Chic Than You Think
Wearing a purple ombré Peter Som dress and coat.
Invest in an Arsenal of Great Coats
A Statement Necklace WIll Never Go Out of Style
Wearing a one-of-a-kind Peter Soronen gown and layered pearl necklace.
If You've Got a Favourite Body Part, Flaunt It
In an elegant off-the-shoulder Marchesa gown with strands of Tom Binns pearls.
Add a Belt For an Extraslimming Effect
Never Feel Obligated to Blend In
Have a Little Surprise Up Your Sleeve
Wearing a silver sparkly power suit [9].
Don't Be Afraid to Sparkle and Shine
Wearing a custom Sergio Hudson sequinned jumpsuit [10].