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Home • Fashion

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama has classic style smarts that command attention. Check out her best looks on and off the campaign trail.
By Essence · Updated October 30, 2020
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01
A Mother’s Work Is Never Done

Green suits Michelle Obama well as she supports Barack on the campaign trail, this time accompanied by daughters Malia (second from left) and Sasha (second from right).

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Larry W. Smith/epa/Corbis
02
Purple Reigns

Michelle, who’s rocking a sleek violet shift dress, stands hand-in-hand with her hubby after his historic Democratic presidential nomination last June in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her signature pearls, black patent belt and pumps (sans hosiery) complete the look.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Jason Reed/Reuters/Corbis
03
Baubles & Brains

An Ivy League-educated attorney, Michelle looks focused, wearing a double-stranded beaded choker and white V-neck top.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Ted Soqui/ Ted Soqui Photography USA/Corbis
04
Working Woman

Michelle has found a way to be a working mom and wife but remain prim and polished. Here she is effortlessly chic in a soft blouse, wide belt and pencil skirt.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Charles Ommanney/Getty Images
05
Style to Boot

The Chi-town native switches things up a bit by ditching her usual heels and pairing these tall, sleek boots with a knee-length belted trench dress.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Rick Wilking/Reuters/Corbis
06
Just the Two of Us

Michelle sports a crisp cotton dress with a cinched waist courtesy of one of her signature funky wide belts.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Tim Llewellyn/Corbis
07
You’re All That I Need

The beautiful and blushing bride tied the knot with her tuxedo-clad husband, Barack, on October 18, 1992.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Obama For America/Handout/Reuters
08
All Dressed Up

This jewel-encrusted necklace adds the perfect panache to Michelle’s basic black ensemble. This look carried her through the $10,000-plate Obama fund-raising dinner held in her honor at Calvin Klein’s New York City home last June.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
WWD/Conde Nast/Corbis
09
(First) Lady in Waiting

Statement-making pieces like this striped, sleeveless number keep Michelle picture perfect.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Enid Salgtado Mercado/La Fortaleza/Handout/epa/Corbis
10
Stepping in Style

A little cold weather can’t stop Michelle from keeping her fashion game on point. This long shawl-collar coat does the job just right.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Kamil Krzacynski/epa/Corbis
11
Pretty in Pink

Michelle is extra elegant in her floral halter gown, escorted by Barack at the 36th Annual NAACP Image Awards.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Arnold Turner/WireImage
12
Tangerine Dream

Embracing color is part of Michelle’s style M.O. This bold orange shift dress nicely complements her mocha skin.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Stan Gilliland/epa/Corbis
13
Lady in Red

Sassy and sophisticated pearls like these have become an important part of Michelle’s style recipe.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Jason Reed/Reuters/Corbis
14
Dynamic Duo

Ever conscious of her hourglass figure, Michelle highlights her assets with an exotic belt over a flirty, feminine blouse.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Max Whittaker/Reuters/Corbis
15
Chic Noir

This form-fitting black dress, with matching cropped jacket, solidifies Michelle’s style power. The front split adds just the right amount of flare to this ensemble.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
AFP/Getty Images
16
Flower Power

Michelle looks effortlessly classy in a cute floral sundress and silver ballet flats.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
AFP/Getty Images
17
Teal of Approval

Michelle accentuates her height and figure in this lovely, three-quarter-sleeve shift dress. Its beautiful teal color also complements her radiant skin.

Political Fashionista: Michelle Obama
Getty Images