Michelle Obama: First Lady… and first on your list for fashion tips?

Article written by: Andre Sanchez
Posted on: June 1, 2009

From the first time we laid eyes on Michelle Obama, we noticed something different, didn’t we?

From the way she carried herself in the 2008 presidential election, it almost seemed as if she knew Barry’s win was a sure thing (though we know that was definitely not the case). And though at the time it was hard to tell, she never lost her stride with…

how she dressed.

Usually standing out, whether on purpose or not, Mrs. Obama dressed to the nine’s and had fashion magazines watching her every move every step of the way…

Shown Here: Suit by Isabel Toledo and green gloves by J. Crew

Inauguration Gown by Jason Wu

And who can forget that night. A lot of comments have been negative about this dress, but what do you think?

Dress by Narciso Rodriguez

The net was a-buzz about Michelle’s’ choice to wear expensive Lanvin sneakers on a trip to a food bank. A food bank? Hm…(great looking shoe though)

Lanvin Cap Toe Sneaker, $540

And the rest of the ensemble:

Fly.

As always, there has been criticism for her choice to wear designer duds to an event like that, but it seems to me Michelle Obama is sending a strong message (maybe a couple) to the American citizen and consumer:

1. It’s ok to splurge sometimes.

Michelle is also known for making clothing choices that are actually very affordable. The fact she wore an outfit that would be the equivalent of a month’s salary for many people seems too deliberate not to be on purpose. Though her method of communication sent mixed messages (a raised platform, speaking TO the audience instead of WITH them, wearing expensive clothing to a charitable event), Michelle knows her influence and continues to surprise us all. Which brings us to number 2..

Take a risk!

Fashionwise, dressing conservatively is fine, but juxtaposing styles and trends can really make people notice you. Alicia Keys from 2002-Now is an example in my opinion.

Even President Obama has his staff dressing more casually at times around the White House. This is different. This is Change. Okay it’s not as significant as a federal bailout package, but to me this is symbolic of the promises made to us during the campaign. This campaign/presidency has brought America together in a way we haven’t seen since the Kennedys. This is something I could get used to.

Thoughts?