Women face a plethora of obstacles when assuming a position of power, yet media often bypass these struggles and focus instead on women’s appearance. Since Jackie Kennedy, the media has obsessed over the grace and glamour of our first ladies. Her notable outfits and charm made her a crowd favorite, and during her time, her position as first lady was mostly ceremonial. That notion has since changed — while looking good is part of the job description, it’s not the whole career.
During her two terms as first lady, Michelle Obama created ‘Let’s Move’, an initiative dedicated to helping children foster healthy habits, worked as an advocate for poverty awareness, and served as a political activist. She was considered a fashion icon for supporting American designers, most of whom were near anonymity before she used her platform to elevate their careers. Both of her inaugural gowns were designed by New-York based designer Jason Wu, while she also favored female designers and designers of color like Tracy Reese. She hosted the first-ever Fashion Education Workshop at the White House to benefit aspiring young designers.
Since leaving the White House, her style has certainly changed. Though she continues to uphold herself with the same grace as she did in the White House, she dons more daring pieces now, with brighter colors and bolder cuts. To me, she will always be the FLOTUS that represented getting sh*t done and looking good while doing it. Scroll on with us as we rank our fave boss babe fits of hers.
#6: Cover girl
When Obama graced the cover of ELLE Magazine in 2018, she gave us one of the first looks into what her new style was. It was fresh, more risque, and she looked good. I love the sheer top combined with the metallic pants and heels. While I wouldn’t necessarily recreate this look for the office, I love it as a going-out or weekend outfit.
#5: Glitter pantsuit
It’s honestly crazy how Michelle Obama invented millennial pink. While on tour for her new memoir, Becoming, she rocked this custom two-piece suit by Danish designer Stine Goya. Since I’ve already read the book (and I highly recommend you do too), I’ll be busy looking for a pink pantsuit to bedazzle.
#4: Grammy girl gang
Talk about a squad. Obama stunned in her surprise appearance at the Grammys this past year, where she gave a moving speech on the power of music and slayed the red carpet. This sparkling matching set from Sachi & Babi made her stand out among her girl gang. Goals!
#3: Suits you
Blue is my new favorite color. This Ellie Saab suit is classy but still so fun. Obama rocks this rainbow so well, and it’s nice to see her style be more expressive of the fun person she is.
#2: Monochromatic Moment
Obviously, Obama has many girl gangs, because who wouldn’t want to be friends with her? She really stands out here in this monochromatic white dress. I love the fringe details and the belt, and her wedding ring really stands out here.
#1: The boots
Though we’ve definitely decided by this point that Michelle Obama is a style icon, this look only confirms it. The silky yellow dress is, of course, amazing. But the boots. The boots! She absolutely slayed these sparkly, thigh-high Balenciaga boots. Now, how do I recreate this look with my college budget?
Michelle Obama exudes grace, confidence, and strength — and her style reflects that. She stands out in what she wears but also in what she has accomplished. Which look was your favorite?