• Celebrity
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Women in Music
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
  • Fashion
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion House
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Color Files Podcast
    • Nails
    • How-To
    • Beauty Carnival-Archive
    • Dope Stuff On My Desk
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
    • Spring Hair And Beauty
  • Love
    • Love & Sex
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle News
    • Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know
    • Health & Wellness
    • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
    • Unbossed Podcast
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
    • Currency Conversations
    • Your legacy
  • News
    • BLACK VOTES MATTER
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Events
    • WELLNESS HOUSE: YEAR OF RENEWAL
    • LEVEL UP: Entrepreneur Summit (DEC 2020)
    • Power Tools
    • SHE GOT NOW
    • Girls United Summit
    • Making Moves Now: Virtual Bootcamp
    • #EF SESSIONS
    • Dear Black Men
    • Cares Act
    • News & Announcements
  • Festival
  • Subscribe
  • Essence Studios
  • Girls United
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Shop Essence

Follow Us

Skip to content
  • Essence Studios
  • Girls United
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Shop Essence
  • Celebrity
    • Celebrity
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Women in Music
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
  • Fashion
    • Fashion
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion House
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Beauty
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Color Files Podcast
    • Nails
    • How-To
    • AVEENO® Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Beauty Carnival-Archive
    • Dope Stuff On My Desk
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
    • Beauty News
  • Hair
    • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
    • Spring Hair And Beauty
  • Love
    • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know
    • Health & Wellness
    • Lifestyle News
    • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
    • Netflix’s Jingle Jangle Gift Guide
    • Unbossed Podcast
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
    • Currency Conversations
    • Your Legacy
  • News
    • News
    • BLACK VOTES MATTER
    • Essence 50th Anniversary
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Events
    • Events
    • WELLNESS HOUSE: YEAR OF RENEWAL
    • LEVEL UP: Entrepreneur Summit (DEC 2020)
    • Power Tools
    • SHE GOT NOW
    • Girls United Summit
    • Making Moves Now: Virtual Bootcamp
    • #EF SESSIONS
    • Dear Black Men
    • Cares Act
    • News & Announcements
  • Festival
  • Subscribe
Home · Fashion

Michelle Obama's Go-to Designers

From Jason Wu to Thakoon to Azzedine Alaïa, these designers have all dressed First Lady Michelle Obama. We take a look at her style and ask you to give your opinion on her fashion selections.
By · April 9, 2009October 29, 2020
01
How to Dress Like a First Lady

There’s no doubt that First Lady Michelle Obama has become a fashion icon, with many admires following every stylish move she makes. ESSENCE.com takes a look at Mrs. Obama’s latest ensembles by designers such as Michael Kors, Jason Wu, J.Crew and more and asks you to give your opinion on her style. Does she hit the bull’s-eye or miss the mark? You decide.

By Qianna Smith

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
02
The Wonderful Wu

The First Lady catapulted New York designer Jason Wu into mega design star status when she appeared in a Wu gown at the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
03
The Go-to Guy

Since the inaugural ball the First Lady was worn Jason Wu for her March Vogue magazine cover, during her European visit and at the White House.

Do you think Wu’s creations should dominate the First Lady’s closet or should she mix it up a bit more?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
04
Retail Chic

Take cues from First Lady Michelle Obama, who has become a fashion icon for her ability to mix high-end designers with mass market staples like J.Crew.

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
05
Cheap & Chic

Our beautiful First Lady has fun with fashion and demonstrates that you can have high style without the hefty price tag.

Has the First Lady inspired you to shop at stores like J-Crew?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
06
Graphic Design

Mrs. Michelle Obama looks to designer Isabel Toledo for elegant and playful patterns like the green dress-and-jacket combo she wore to her husband’s inauguration.

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
07
Mixed Signals

Designer Isabel Toledo is in tune with Mrs. Obama’s adventurous side. The First Lady sports Toledo’s playful, textured pieces with style and grace.

What do you think of Mrs. Obama’s graphic sense of style?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

08
Black Power

Mrs. Obama sought out Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaia for the style dish. The designer is known for his figure-flattering details.

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
09
Cozy Couture

The First Lady is all about the details. She keeps cozy in this stitch-patterned mini pea coat by designer Azzedine Alaia.

What do you think of Mrs. Obama’s European designer choices?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
10
Sparkle

First Lady Michelle Obama rarely makes fashion missteps. Thanks to the likes of designer Peter Soronen, Mrs. Obama dons statement-making pieces wherever she goes.

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
11
Big Night Beauty

Designer Peter Soronen’s collection of sparkling gowns and classic jackets give the First Lady a touch of first-class glamour.

Which look do you prefer on Mrs. Obama: classic or glitz?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
12
All Aboard the Fashion Express

Mrs. Obama manages to stay fashionable and warm, donning designs by Maria Cornejo, who is known for her classic, plush creations.

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
13
Hue Got the Look

The First Lady’s outerwear is also worth mentioning. We love this ultra-sleek navy overcoat by Zero + Maria Cornejo.

What do you think of the First Lady’s winter hues?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
14
Stately Style

For designer Micheal Kors, you’re either in or your out. First Lady Michelle Obama is definitely a part of the in crowd with her sophisticated approach to fashion.

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
15
Krazy for Kors

Mrs. Obama was spotted out and about during her recent trip to Europe wearing a sleek Michael Kors skirt and a coordinating statement blouse by Moschino.

Do you take your style cues from First Lady Michelle Obama?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
16
Green Beauty

Kai Milla, wife of Stevie Wonder, designs for today’s modern woman with an on-the-go lifestyle, which suits the First Lady’s busy schedule and her need to look fabulous and functional. Mrs. Obama chose to wear one of Milla’s eye-catching designs to the Wonder tribute at the White House in February.

What other African-American designers would you like to see the First Lady wear?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
17
Timelessly Feminine

Thai born American designer Thakoon Panichgul is a favorite of Mrs. Obama, who donned several of his designs during her recent European trip with President Obama. Thakoon is known for his classic patterns and luxurious textiles that ooze with stately appeal.

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
18
Floral Free

Mrs. Obama wears a custom Thakoon Pixelated Floral Silk Jacquard Coat with matching dress.

What do you think of the First Lady’s style?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
19
Pop of Color

Mrs. Obama hit the campaign pavement in bright and out-of-the-box colors from her longtime go-to Chicago designer Maria Pinto.

What do you think of Mrs. Obama’s color choices?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
20
Plush Pleasures

Designer Narciso Rodriquez is one Mrs. Obama’s usual suspects when it comes to keeping her look classy and modern.

What do you think of Mrs. Obama’s right to bare arms?

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
21
Fan of Tan

First Lady Michelle Obama wore this soft and layered Narciso Rodriquez design to the inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty
22
A Royal Treat

First Lady Michelle Obama continues to explore bright colors, fashioning a royal blue dress from fresh-faced designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, creators of Proenza Schouler. The two high-end designers recently launched an affordable yet fashionable collection at Target retailers.

Mrs. Obama’s fashion choices have been picked apart by such famous designers as Oscar de la Renta. Do you think the criticism is fair? We want you to weigh in on this hot topic.

Test your knowledge about the First Lady with our Mrs. Obama Tastemaker quiz. »

Getty

Read More

Celebrity
Boss Moves: Inside Rihanna's Business Queendom
Sports
Naomi Osaka, 23, Wins Australian Open
Op-Ed
Texas Mayor Resigns After Controversial Facebook Post
Fashion
Thelma West Details Her 15 Year Run In The Diamond Industry
Relationships
Kim Kardashian Has Filed For Divorce From Kanye West
COMPANY INFORMATION
  • Our Company
  • Customer Service
  • Essence Ventures
  • Change Your Address
  • Contact Us
  • Job Opportunities
  • Internships
  • Media Kit
  • tag
SUBSCRIBE
  • Newsletters
  • Give a Gift of ESSENCE
  • Magazine Tablet Edition
FOLLOW US
MORE ON ESSENCE
  • Home
  • Love
  • Celebrity
  • Beauty
  • Hair
  • Fashion
  • ESSENCE festival

ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

©2021 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms

Get The ESSENCE Newsletter and
Special Offers delivered to your inbox

By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Get The ESSENCE Magazine
by subscribing below
subscribe now