Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Fashion

First Lady Style: Classiest Coats

Clear your closet for fall and add a few sophisticated toppers inspired by Mrs. O.
By Celia L. Smith · Updated October 28, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
First Class Coat

This Thom Browne beauty and bejeweled belt will go down in history as Mrs. O’s best tailored topper and most memorable since it was worn for a very special occassion: the Presidential inauguration.

Classiest Coats
Win McNamee/Getty Images
02
The Blues

Mrs. O “blue” us away in this electric Narcisso Rodriguez dress and matching coat that was so chicly brooched in signature First Lady fashion.

Classiest Coats
AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGAN
03
Classic Chic

Our jet-setting first lady is the epitome of fly! In the windy city she sports a gorgeous Duro Olowu tweed coat with 3/4 sleeves and leather gloves to complete the look. Hot!

Classiest Coats
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
04
Classic Style

During a moment of silence on the South Lawn of the White House for September 11th, the First Lady stands elegantly in an ombré Peter Som coat and matching dress.

Classiest Coats
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages
05
Terrific in Teal

On Veterans Day, the First Lady brightened up somber weather in a teal belted J.Crew coat and matching Maria Pinto dress.

Classiest Coats
06
Fall Palettes

Eggplant is a shade Mrs. O commonly sports in the fall, and here it adds personality to this simple button-front coat during a stroll with the family.

Classiest Coats
07
Khaki Classic

Michelle Obama balances out a boldly printed scoop neck dress with a classic, tan trench coat. We love the classic collar and double-breasted detail.

Classiest Coats
08
Bold in Blue

Mrs. O takes a walk on the bold side by pairing her pretty purple dress with a bright, blue knee length cardigan coat. The overall effect of this color-blocked ensemble is uber chic and right on trend!

Classiest Coats
09
Going Green

At a ribbon cutting ceremony, Mrs. O keeps things chic and sleek with this lovely pea-green wool coat that boasts an oversized shawl collar.

Classiest Coats
10
Dark Duo

Here, the First Lady bundles up in a navy coat with amazing detail: A-line silhouette, three quarter sleeve and double-breasted style.

Classiest Coats
11
Citrus Chic

First Lady Michelle Obama waves to the audience in an exquisite orange brocade Isaac Mizrahi dress with matching topcoat.

Classiest Coats
AP Image
12
Holiday Classic

In the holiday spirit, the First Lady elevates a basic black coat by pairing a bold red dress underneath. We love the relaxed elegance of this knee length number.

Classiest Coats
13
Sweet Hues

This light fall coat is one of our First Lady favorites. The clear corset-style belt ties together the sorbet dress and coat for a fab monochromatic ensemble.

Classiest Coats
14
Sleek in Slate

Mrs. O, flanked by two dashing soldiers, is the picture of elegance in this chic, classic wool coat worn with a contrast scarf.

Classiest Coats
15
Jewel Tones

The rich, ruby hue of this silk blend knee-length coat transforms it into a stunning show stopper.

Classiest Coats
16
First Lady Style

This black and white Chanel-esque coat is reminiscent of Jackie-O, but Mrs. O adds her own flair by pairing it with a chic LBD, her signature pearls and pointy toe pumps.

Classiest Coats
17
Strong Sense of Style

Even a solemn moment can’t distract from Mrs. O’s shining sartorial choices. This lovely pea coat stands out for it’s strong shoulders, traditional collar and edgy cut-out detail on the waistline. A pair of black leather gloves completes the look superbly.

Classiest Coats
18
Sporty Spice

It’s not all wool coats and silk blends! Mrs. O shows that parka’s are just as preferred as she slips into a pretty black parka while gardening with students.

Classiest Coats
19
Shades of Plum

The First Lady has sported this lovely Peter Som ombré purple sheath and matching knee-length coat on more than one occasion.

Classiest Coats
20
All in the Details

This beautiful, black number has unexpected elements, like a double lapel and rounded shoulders, that make it a bold statement style.

Classiest Coats
21
Presidential Chic

This Thakoon pussybow coat comes complete with a matching dress, which makes for a pretty set. The First Lady sports this style especially for the French First Family, who are just as stylish.

Classiest Coats
Getty Images
22
Best in Black

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive at the Buckingham Palace to meet Queen Elizabeth II. Mrs. Obama opts for a stately black duchess stain opera coat designed by Jason Wu and her signature two-tiered pearl necklace to complement the President’s sharp style.

Classiest Coats
Getty
23
Stepping Out in Style

For the historic inauguration, Michelle Obama chose a lime green sheath dress and matching top coat by Isabel Toledo, with green gloves by J.Crew—a memorable moment.

Classiest Coats
Getty Image