Being the first lady is by no means an easy job, but Michelle Obama always managed to do it in style. Whether she is stepping out on the red carpet at a formal function or just heading out for a walk with Barack, we 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 every time she appears in the public eye. While she may no longer be gracing the halls of the White House, Michelle continues to amaze with her fierce style and a drive to change the world for the better.
Statement Stripes Are Always in Style
Wearing an Elie Saab suit from the Spring 2019 collection.
Being Bold Is a Great Thing
Wearing a bright yellow dress and thigh-high gold Balenciaga boots.
Classic Pantsuits and Sparkles Are a Perfect Pair
Wearing a purple custom Sergio Hudson pantsuit and a sparkly bustier.
Don't Be Afraid to Sparkle and Shine
Wearing a custom Sergio Hudson sequined jumpsuit.
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.
Sheer Doesn't Have to Be Overly Sexy
Wearing a Monique Lhuillier gown to the 37th annual Kennedy Center Honors.
Matching Your SO Is Pretty Darn Adorable
When You Can Rock a Runway Look, Do it
This Tanya Taylor tank dress actually took the form of a two-piece set on the designer’s Spring 2014 runway.
Ombré Is More Than Just a Hairstyle
A Great Midi Dress Will Take You From Work to Play
Wearing a custom floral-appliqué Naeem Khan dress.
Never Underestimate the Power of Prints
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
Relaxed Outfits Can Still Be Polished
When You're Sticking to One Color 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.
Outfit Repeating Is Totally Underrated
Wearing a blue-printed Tracy Reese dress and flats.
Always Opt For a Little Sparkle
Wearing an embellished navy top and blue-and-gold pleated skirt.
Match Your Shoes and Your Purse 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 an Outfit Is All About the Accessories
Wearing a Thom Browne coat with a J.Crew embellished belt, suede knee-high boots, and berry-hued gloves.
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 Color to Stand Out From the Crowd
Keep All Eyes on Your Dress by Choosing Simple Shoes
Wearing a boldly printed Duro Olowu dress and tan pumps.
Sometimes a Well-Dressed Date Is the Ultimate Accessory
Wearing a red-and-black gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
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 favorite green Jimmy Choo shoes.
A Dress Looks Totally Different When You Throw Something Unexpected on Top
Wearing a Junya Watanabe for Comme Des Garçons asymmetrical cardigan, a Jason Wu dress, and 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.
Putting a Brooch on It Is a Lot More Chic Than You Think
Wearing a purple ombré Peter Som dress and coat.
If You're Meeting the Queen, Wear Your Very Best
Wearing a Ralph Lauren gown for a dinner at the US Embassy in London.
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.
You Can Never Go Wrong With J.Crew
Wearing a J.Crew skirt and a gold-toned Michael Kors top.
It's Surprisingly Easy to Dress Up a T-Shirt
If You've Got a Favorite Body Part, Flaunt It
In an elegant off-the-shoulder Marchesa gown with strands of Tom Binns pearls.
You Can Dress Your Age and Still Have Fun With it
In a Wes Gordon top with Helmut Lang foil jeans.
Matching Your Mom Is Actually Pretty Cool
Wearing a Preen dress.
There's Nothing Wrong With a Little Retro Influence
Wearing Carolina Herrera.