Much like Princess Diana, Michelle Obama will go down in history for her grace, intelligence, compassion, cultural influence, and fashion. Today, Obama’s style is less reserved, but those of us old enough to remember her as FLOTUS know that her style hasn’t always leaned trendy. While in the White House, the first lady stuck to timeless closet staples. Since then, she’s become more playful with her outfits, tapping into her experimental side.
What we love about Obama’s fashion, though, is that regardless of the style she was embodying, we could always count on an outfit that would stand the test of time. In thinking about all the looks she’s worn, we were inspired to pay homage to them. From her wedding dress to her FLOTUS outfits, to her recent looks, we’re constantly in awe of Michelle Obama.
See exactly how Michelle Obama’s style has evolved by taking a look back at her best fashion moments over the years.
2023: Oscar de la Renta
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A denim dress is a wardrobe staple, as Michelle Obama proved at the US Open. The Oscar de la Renta A-line number with a sweetheart neckline was equal parts feminine and flattering. Bonus points for the black shrug which was not only practical but a solid Y2K throwback.
2022: Teal Suit
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Obama opted for a teal suit with a jumbo flower boutonniere, completing her look with a pair of metallic pointed-toe sling-backs on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
2022: Leather Suit
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Dressed in head-to-toe leather, Obama looks more like a street-style star than a former First Lady. She completes the look with edgy details, including studded boots and face-framing tendrils.
2022: Head-to-Toe Denim
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As part of her The Light We Carry tour, Obama made a stop in D.C. wearing this denim-on-denim look. It’s fashion-forward without trying too hard.
2022: Three-Piece Suit
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The former first lady gives the three-piece suit a modern-day makeover with bright, bold color. If menswear ever met Barbiecore we’re pretty sure it would look something like this.
2019: Sergio Hudson
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For her appearance at the Essence Festival, Obama wore a belted blue sequin jumpsuit by Sergio Hudson.
2019: Crystal-Embellished Cape
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A black suit gets a major upgrade with a crystal-embellished cape.
2019: Peter Dundas
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For her Oslo Becoming stop, Obama opted for a suit by Peter Dundas with a green sash detail and embroidered lapels.
2019: Stella McCartney
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Obama paired a Stella McCartney jumpsuit—appropriate for an event at London’s O2 Arena—with a pair of patent black stilettos.
2019: Acne Studios
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For her stop in Stockholm, Obama chose a custom mint green suit from Acne Studios with a cropped jacket.
2019: Stine Goya
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The millennial pink suit Obama wore in Copenhagen is from Stine Goya.
2019: Fe Noel
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For her Becoming stop in Austin, the former First Lady chose a radiant peach-and-orange outfit from Fe Noel.
2019: Elie Saab
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This Elie Saab suit pulled double duty. Obama wore it to YouTube’s BookTube event in Austin and Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour’s Texas stop.
2018: Cushnie
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This rose color looks amazing on Obama, and we love how the Cushnie designers accented the silky blazer with a rope belt.
2018: Balmain
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Here’s proof that a classic blazer and a pair of pants doesn’t have to be boring. Obama stepped out for an episode of The Tonight Show in a striped Balmain suit.
2019: Givenchy
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Michelle Obama made a fashion-forward statement in a pair of Givenchy high-waisted pants and a military-inspired shirt from the brand’s spring 2019 collection.
2018: Christopher Kane
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The crystal embellishments on this Christopher Kane blazer added enough sparkle for Obama to keep jewelry to a minimum.
2018: Adeam
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This military wrap jacket by Adeam, with its asymmetric tail and peplum finishing, was made for Obama.
2018: Jonathan Simkhai
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During an appearance on Good Morning America, Obama paired a pinstripe Jonathan Simkhai with Jennifer Fisher jewelry.
2017: Black Pin-Striped Dress
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The former FLOTUS stunned in a black pin-striped dress complete with round metallic embellishments paired with black pointed-toe ankle-strap pumps at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women.
2017: Jason Wu
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
For the President’s farewell address in Chicago, the First Lady chose a navy lace Jason Wu dress. The frock has added significance, as Wu is also the man who designed her white one-shoulder gown for the Inauguration Ball in 2009.
2016: Tracy Reese
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While speaking at the Veterans Homelessness Summit, FLOTUS glowed in a cheery Tracy Reese floral-print dress, black pumps, and silver hoop earrings.
2016: Atelier Versace
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For her final White House State Dinner, Michelle Obama pulled out all the stops, making a show-stopping entrance in a custom rose gold Atelier Versace chainmail gown with a fitted bodice, drapery, and an asymmetric off-shoulder neckline, styled with Le Vian diamonds.
2016: Giambattista Valli
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FLOTUS glowed in a knit sleeveless dress that featured a chevron print crafted in black, white, gray, and pale blue colors. She topped the frock off with a thin black belt at her waist, a sparkling collar necklace, diamond drop earrings, and a pair of classic black pumps.
2016: Black Floral Dress
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Obama celebrated the fourth annual International Day of the Girl at an event in Washington, D.C., wearing a black, white, and yellow floral print dress that she paired with leather pumps and drop earrings.
2016: Self-Portrait
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The Harvard graudate wore a knee-length Self-Portrait dress with a black and white floral pattern and a splash of green on her right hip at Broadway Shines a Light on Girls’ Education. A black mesh neckline feels fun and tasteful.
2016: Naeem Khan
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At the Phoenix Awards Dinner, the First Lady stunned in a strapless Naeem Khan ball gown. The gown featured a dramatic sweetheart neckline, a full skirt, and an eye-catching pattern of hand-painted gold leaf on black tulle.
2016: Brandon Maxwell
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For the White House State Dinner in honor of Singapore’s prime minister, the First Lady turned to Lady Gaga’s fashion director, Brandon Maxwell, who created a custom, strapless ivory sponge crepe gown.
2016: Naeem Khan
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The FLOTUS welcomed Singapore’s Prime Minister and his wife to the White House in a brilliant yellow Naeem Khan dress covered in floral embellishments.
2016: Christian Siriano
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Michelle Obama took to the 2016 Democratic National Convention stage in a knee-length royal blue Christian Siriano dress with cap sleeves and a natural waist. Below the lectern, a pair of metallic silver pumps provided her look with just the right amount of pizzazz.
2016: Creatures of the Wind
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For the third annual Beating the Odds Summit, Obama kept it simple and chic in a navy blue floral-print Creatures of the Wind dress with fringe accents. She completed her ensemble with statement earrings.
2016: Barbara Tfank
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The First Lady held her fifth annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge and Kids’ State Dinner at the White House wearing a white Barbara Tfank dress with black piping and tiny bows on the shoulders.
2016: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
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The First Lady looked ever so chic as she departed Madrid, Spain, in this black floral dress with an overlapping white graphic print.
2016: Altuzarra
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On a trip to Marrakech, the political figure and her teenage daughters transitioned into their evening looks at a dinner with Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco. The First Lady wore a paisley print Altuzarra frock with pearl adornments while her daughters dressed in graphic, maroon-toned dresses that appropriately blended in with the country’s traditional garb.
2016: Wrap Dress
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Michelle Obama touched down in Morocco wearing the perfect summer wrap dress, trailed by her stunning teenage daughters.
2016: Boss
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For the United State of Women Summit, Mrs. Obama stepped on the stage with a smile to host the event with Oprah Winfrey. She wore an elegant BOSS multi-colored geometric lace dress.
2016: Narciso Rodriguez
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Obama wore a silk blue and white top with a matching crepe black skirt to the National Medal for Museum and Library Service award presentation at the White House.
2016: Naeem Khan
Pablo Martinez Monsivais
FLOTUS made a sweeping entrance to the Nordic State Dinner in a stunning blush-hued Naeem Khan gown with ruching and an off-the-shoulder cut that accentuated her toned arms.
2016: Black Tailored Blazer
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For an appearance on NBC’s The Voice, the First Lady wore a black tailored blazer and wide-legged white jumpsuit that was belted at the waist.
2016: Oscar de la Renta
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The Obamas arrived at Windsor Castle to honor the Queen’s 90th birthday. FLOTUS wore a purple Oscar de la Renta dress featuring an intricate lace overlay. She styled her outfit with a black clutch and low-heeled pumps.
2016: Knee-Length Dress
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The First Lady looked positively radiant in a shimmery, knee-length dress scattered with crystal embellishments at a state dinner in Argentina, where she and President Barack Obama danced the tango.
2016: Narciso Rodriguez
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Obama arrived in Ezeiza, Argentina, in a deep purple Narciso Rodriguez dress with orange graphic detailing.
2016: Naeen Khan
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For a state dinner with Cuban President Raúl Castro at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, the First Lady turned to designer Naeem Khan for this fully embroidered floral dress.
2016: Jason Wu
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The First Lady looked absolutely radiant in a custom Jason Wu gown for a White House State Dinner. The strapless midnight blue dress featured an elaborate floral jacquard pattern and asymmetrical draping.
2016: Tanya Taylor
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FLOTUS looked ready for spring in a jade green printed Tanya Taylor dress and black coat when welcoming the Canadian Prime Minister to Washington D.C.
2016: Printed Dress
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The First Lady looked stunning in a printed dress and pointy black pumps for a speech on International Women’s Day in support of girls’ education.
2016: Narciso Rodriguez
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FLOTUS looked stunning in a marigold-hued, banded wool crepe dress by Narciso Rodriguez for President Obama’s final State of the Union address.
2015: Vera Wang
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For the China State Dinner at the White House, Obama embodied elegance in a stunning, off-the-shoulder Vera Wang gown with a V-notch neckline and a mermaid hem.
2015: Carolina Herrera
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To greet Pope Francis during his first visit to the U.S., the First Lady donned a sky blue Carolina Herrera cowl-neck dress that featured short sleeves and a slim belt.
2015: Carolina Herrera
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For the 2015 Kids’ State Dinner held at the White House, the First Lady looked positively gorgeous in a botanical-print Carolina Herrera shirtdress and matching suede pumps.
2015: Missoni
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The First Lady ended her short trip to Milan in high style, where she wowed in a multicolored knit dress by Italian fashion house Missoni. To top off her look, she added block-heel sandals and chic silver earrings that were perfect for a busy day of official activities.
2015: Duro Olowu
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The FLOTUS arrived in Milan wearing a fitted black top and a playful yellow-and-pink skirt by Duro Olowu. She finished off the look with classic black pumps and gold earrings.
2015: Christopher Kane
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FLOTUS met with the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife in a custom Christopher Kane design inspired by the brand’s pre-fall 2015 collection.
2015: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
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The First Lady landed in London for her weeklong tour of Britain and Italy in support of her Let Girls Learn initiative in a custom variation of Preen by Thornton Bregazzi’s “Lou” dress, which boasts a remarkably charming contrast, thanks to the frock’s two-tone lemony yellow material and its cerulean blue lace overlay. Sky blue gemstone teardrop earrings and black pumps completed her look.
2015: Zac Posen
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The FLOTUS dazzled in a sleeveless number at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
2015: Tadashi Shoji
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The First Lady donned a chic black-and-white graphic Tadashi Shoji dress that featured a black collar and cutouts on the shoulders and near the hemline for an appearance on the Tonight Show.
2015: Zac Posen
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The First Lady wowed in a white off-the-shoulder Zac Posen dress and metallic silver Jimmy Choo pumps at BET’s 2015 Black Girls Rock! event where she gave an inspiring speech.
2015: Roksanda
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First Lady Michelle Obama donned an asymmetric Roksanda skater dress featuring a bold geo print as she geared up to depart Cambodia and bring her five-day trip to Asia to a close.
2015: Alice + Olivia
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The First Lady visited Siem Riep in Cambodia, where she delivered an address to Peace Corps volunteers and met school girls at a local high school. She wore a bold Alice + Olivia top and skirt combo, featuring a colorful geometric print.
2015: BCBG Max Azria
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Obama stopped by the historical Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia wearing a paneled BCBG Max Azria dress, which she finished with leggings and classic Converse sneakers.
2015: Altuzarra
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During an event in Tokyo, Japan, the FLOTUS made a stylish impact in a striking blazer and custom skirt by Altuzarra, which she paired with a jewel-encrusted Stella McCartney blouse and silver pumps.
2015: Kenzo
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For her first visit to Japan, the First Lady went for a radiant lime green graphic-print Kenzo flared frock that she accessorized with a waist-cinching futuristic mirrored belt and classic black pumps.
2014: Bibhu Mohapatra
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Michelle Obama looked positively statuesque in a white Bibhu Mohapatra gown at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 44th Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner. The dress featured a halter-style neck and asymmetrical black stripe accents on the bodice’s front and a black trim at the waist. Obama accessorized the outfit with dangling earrings and styled her hair in loose curls.
2014: Prabal Gurung
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The ever-stylish FLOTUS stunned in a canary yellow chiffon dress by Prabal Gurung at a dinner marking the end of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the White House. Obama paired the eye-catching frock with metallic slingback pumps, oversized gold dangling earrings, a major stack of Ashley Pittman bangles on her arm, and pulled her hair into a chic topknot.
2015: Floral Printed Top
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For the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, Michelle Obama sported a floral printed top, bold orange cardigan, and black slim trousers that she accessorized with embellished flats and silver hoop earrings. She topped off her look with festive pastel pink nail polish and a matching lip.
2014: Carolina Herrera
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Michelle Obama wore a botanical-printed Carolina Herrera shirtdress for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders meeting in Washington, D.C.
2014: Tanya Taylor
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For an event at Global Kids Incorporated in New York City, the First Lady donned a white and blue floral Tanya Taylor frock with metallic silver pumps.
2014: Marchesa
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For the 100th annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the First Lady dazzled in gray tulle Marchesa and Cathy Waterman jewels.
2014: AG Adriano Goldschmied
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The First Lady got in on the action at the sixth-annual planting of the White House Kitchen Garden in a casual-yet-stylish ensemble that included a gray knit top, dark olive AG Adriano Goldschmied skinny jeans, an anorak jacket, and black leather sneakers.
2013: J. Mendel
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The First Lady was in the holiday spirit during the taping of TNT’s ‘Christmas in Washington,’ where she paired a white tailored J. Mendel embroidered jacket with an ivory pleated skirt.
2013: Tracy Reese
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First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King in a flared Tracy Reese frock with scarlet flower detailing.
2013: Prabal Gurung
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Michelle Obama wore a floral print Prabal Gurung frock to meet Prince Harry, who joined her during an early Mother’s Day tea party that honored women of military families.
2013: Naeem Khan
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FLOTUS appeared via video feed in a custom-made smoke gray and silver art deco Naeem Khan beaded gown to announce Argo as the winner for Best Picture during the Academy Awards. Mrs. Obama finished her look with dangling earrings.
2013: Jason Wu
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For President Obama’s State of the Union Address, the First Lady showed her support in this leather and quilted tweed Jason Wu frock, accented with a gold flower brooch.
2013: Reed Krakoff
Chuck Kennedy
For the First Lady’s second official portrait, she opted to wear an asymmetrical, navy silk and wool crepe dress by designer Reed Krakoff. “Michelle Obama is one of the great style icons of our time,” Krakoff told InStyle. “She embodies the strength and empowerment at the core of the Reed Krakoff woman, so it is an honor that she chose to wear one of our designs.”
2013: Jason Wu
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Michelle Obama took the Inaugural Ball stage in a red Jason Wu halter gown and stacked Kimberly McDonald for Forevermark bangles.
2013: Thom Browne Jacket, Reed Krakoff, and J.Crew
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The First Lady waved to well-wishers as she made her way through the Capitol during the Inauguration Parade in a navy and light blue checked coat by Thom Browne, Reed Krakoff boots, and J.Crew accessories.
2013: Michael Kors
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The night before the public Inauguration ceremony, Michelle Obama accompanied President Obama to a reception at the National Building Museum celebrating the start of his second term in a glittering black Michael Kors dress.
2013: Reed Krakoff
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At President Obama’s private swearing-in ceremony at the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama wore a custom-made ultramarine Reed Krakoff dress and cardigan.
2012: Michael Kors
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To kick off President Obama’s second term in Chicago, the First Lady chose a magenta pintucked high-shine silk dress by Michael Kors—a piece she pulled from her closet—with a black shrug, pointy-toe pumps, and a House of Lavande 1950s Schreiner magenta rhinestone brooch.
2012: Laura Smalls
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Michelle Obama and her two daughters—Sasha and Malia—joined President Obama onstage during the Democratic National Convention wearing a burgundy floral frock by an under-the-radar designer Laura Smalls, along with an Alexis Bittar brooch.
2012: Tracy Reese
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Not only did she deliver a moving speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, but Mrs. Obama shined in a pink-and-gold frock custom-made by Detroit-based designer, Tracy Reese.
2012: Michael Kors
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The First Lady wore a Michael Kors crepe sheath and matching jacket for President Obama’s second presidential debate at Hofstra University.
2012: Michael Kors and J. Crew
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The First Lady walked onto The Tonight Show with Jay Leno stage in a Michael Kors gold crew neck and a J. Crew skirt accessorized with a House of Lavande jeweled belt and blush pumps.
2012: Marchesa
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FLOTUS hosted the British Prime Minister and his wife in Washington D.C. wearing a teal, off-the-shoulder Marchesa gown and layered Tom Binns necklaces.
2012: Barbara Tfank
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Michelle Obama attended President Obama’s annual State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., wearing a sapphire blue dress by Barbara Tfank accessorized with an Alexis Bittar brooch. “It is a great honor and pleasure to assist The First Lady,” Tfank says exclusively to InStyle.
2011: Michael Kors
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For the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Phoenix Awards, Michelle Obama wore a sequin fishtail skirt by Michael Kors and a simple black top with a corset belt by Peter Soronen.
2011: Ralph Lauren
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Michelle Obama wore her finest Ralph Lauren black evening wear and jewels for a dinner with Queen Elizabeth II in London.
2011: Tom Ford
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Mrs. Obama dined at Buckingham Palace in a white Tom Ford gown accessorized with long opera gloves, teardrop danglers, and a crystal minaudière.
2011: Doo-Ri Chung
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While hosting a State Dinner with the President and First Lady of South Korea, Michelle Obama wore a draped purple one-shoulder gown designed by Korean-American designer Doo-Ri Chung.
2009: Naeem Khan
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For a state dinner with the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and his wife, Gursharan Kaur, Michelle Obama wore this hand-made strapless gown by Indian American designer Naeem Khan. She accessorized her sequined nude chiffon dress with rose cut, amber, and tourmaline pear-shaped Bochic earrings and stacks of gold and diamond bangles.
2009: Azzedine Alaia
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Obama joined her husband on the red carpet for a NATO event in Baden-Baden, Germany, looking sleek and sophisticated in an Azzedine Alaia little black dress.
2009: Peter Soronen
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As Hollywood’s biggest stars walked the Oscars red carpet, Michelle Obama turned heads at the Governors’ Dinner wearing an extraordinary sequined gown by Peter Soronen topped with a bold necklace by Tom Binns.
2009: Michael Kors
REUTERS/Joyce Boghosian/The White House/Landov
The First Lady chose to bare her arms in a sporty Michael Kors design for her official White House portrait. She finished the look with her favorite accessory: a double-strand pearl necklace.
2009: Jason Wu
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The First Lady joined her husband at the Inaugural Ball in the now-iconic ivory chiffon one-shouldered Jason Wu gown adorned with rosette appliqués and beading. The two shared their first dance as President and First Lady to Beyonce singing Etta James’ classic “At Last.”
2009: Isabel Toledo
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Michelle Obama joined President Obama at the inaugural parade wearing a lace-over-wool Isabel Toledo lemongrass matching dress and coat.
2008: Narciso Rodriguez
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The morning after Barack Obama swept the polls and was elected as the next president of the United States, the First Lady stepped onto a Chicago stage in a black and red Narciso Rodriguez dress.
1992: Wedding Dress
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Michelle and Barack Obama first met at a law firm in Chicago in 1989 when Michelle (neé Robinson), then 25, was assigned to mentor Obama, a 27-year-old law associate still studying at Harvard. They tied the knot in 1992, and she wore an off-the-shoulder wedding gown with long sleeves paired with a princess-length veil and diamond drop earrings.
