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Home • Fashion

First Lady Michelle Obama's European Appeal

America's First Lady Makes her stylish U.K. debut. ESSENCE.com takes an exciting look at Mrs. Obama’s head-turning looks in London this week.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
Black and White

Hand in hand with the President, our First Lady waves to the crowd in Hradcany Square near Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, on April 5, 2009. Wearing a black Michae Kors pencil skirt, black Azzedine Alaia cardigan and her signature black belt over a crisp white Moschino blouse that is anything but simple.

First Lady Michelle Obama's European Appeal
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02
Little Black Dress

Always camera ready, Mrs. Obama is classy and chic in this Azzedine Alaia black number. The black bolero style sweater complete the look for the First Lady as she arrived at the opening of the NATO summit at the Kurhaus on April 3, 2009 in Baden Baden, Germany.

First Lady Michelle Obama's European Appeal
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03
Pretty in Pink

The people’s First Lady waves to fans wearing a figure flattering dress by Thakoon. This photo was taken following Mrs. Obama’s visit with French President Nicholas Sarkozy (unseen) at Palais Rohan in Strasbourg, on April 3, 2009 during the NATO summit.

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04
Très Chic

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama left London this morning. The dynamic duo is pictured here in Strasbourg, France, for a NATO conference with French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Mrs. Obama wears a custom Thakoon Pixelated Floral Silk Jacquard Coat with matching dress. Never one to fuss with stilettos the First Lady opts for both comfort and style in kitten heels.

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05
U.K., Here We Come!

America’s First Family makes their way to Air Force One before flying to England to attend the G-20 summit in London. The First Lady shows off her first-class style wearing a custom ivory tulle tweed coat with grosgrain piping by Thakoon. The flowered broach adds a touch of approachable elegance to her fabulous look.

First Lady Michelle Obama's European Appeal
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06
Anticipated Arrival

The First Lady arrived in London on Tuesday wearing a chartreuse silk crepe short-sleeve sheath dress with a shawl collar from designer Jason Wu. Of course, Mrs. Obama has turned to Wu before, most memorably for her white one-shoulder gown on Inuaguration Night in January. We love how she cinched her waist with a stylish textured belt.

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07
Stately Style

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive at the Buckingham Palace looking chic and sleek to meet Queen Elizabeth II. Mrs. Obama went for stately black duchess stain opera coat designed by Jason Wu and her signature two-tiered pearl necklace.

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08
Fit For A Queen

For her historic meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Mrs. Obama opted for a black and white Isabel Toledo dress and black Azzedine Alaia cardigan. Her double-stranded necklace adds the perfect dose of elegance.

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09
Center of Attention

Mrs. Obama’s exposed arms caused quite a stir in recent weeks here in the States. However, our First Lady clearly had no problem flaunting her buff physique in this Isabel Toledo dress. Here she is with other high-profile women including supermodel Naomi Campbell and Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, at a dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.

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10
First Wives’ Club

Mrs. Obama is youthful and chic in her teal Jason Wu dress and argyle Junya Watanabe cardigan as she meets with the wife of Britain’s Prime Minister, Sarah Brown. The two were visiting the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in London on April 2.

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11
Dining With Delegates

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive at Downing Street for dinner prepared by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Mrs. Obama bares her gorgeous arms in an Isabel Toledo silk satin crepe dress with black skirt and white bodice. Black and white fused together is hot trend for spring.

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12
Standout Lady

Prime Minister of England Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah Brown, meet with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for his first official trip to the U.K. since his election. Commanding a cool presence, Mrs. Obama opted for a J. Crew sequined champagne cardigan and mint pencil skirt. The pink and green colors complement each other, creating a vibrant, fresh sophisticated look for spring.

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13
Top of her Fashion Game

“She never looks stuffy, she looks modern and feminine. It’s exciting to have a First Lady who isn’t all suited up and tightly coiffed, says Jenna Lyons, J-Crew’s creative director, to Women’s Wear Daily.

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14
Cheap & Chic

With the world buzzing about our economic crisis, Mrs. Obama wisely chose to wear American brand J-Crew on her U.K. visit. J-Crew is associated with high quality at a favorable price point.

First Lady Michelle Obama's European Appeal
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