First ladies are frequently remembered for their fashion choices: Jackie Kennedy, Rosalynn Carter and Nancy Reagan are just a few who spawned major trends, inspiring what women wear well beyond the White House. Michelle Obama is no exception. The former FLOTUS propelled labels like Jason Wu, Isabel Toledo and Thakoon to new heights after wearing their designs.
Ahead of her speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, a look back at some of Obama’s most recognizable outfits.
Election Day, 2008
President Barack Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama and Michelle Obama in Chicago on election night in 2008.
Getty Images
On election day, Obama celebrated her husband’s win in a Narciso Rodriguez shift. The textured red and black design, which was based on a dress from the designer’s spring 2009 collection, was considered controversial. “For me, it was so exciting to see a woman take a chance and wear something out of the ordinary,” Rodriguez told the Huffington Post at the time. Obama paired her scoop-neck sheath with patent leather kitten heels, silver statement earrings and a black cardigan.
Inauguration Day, 2009
Michelle and Barack Obama ahead of his inauguration in 2009.
Getty Images
Obama wore a wool lace ensemble by Isabel Toledo during her husband’s inaugural parade in 2009. The designer sought to dress the first lady in “a hopeful color that is so to the core of the beginning of things,” she told WWD, christening the yellow-green shade of Obama’s midi dress and overcoat “lemongrass.” “I really wanted to make her glow,” Toledo added. “I wanted to make her look luminous. I felt it was my duty.”
On inauguration day, Obama accessorized with matching leather gloves and emerald pumps. She later paid homage to Toledo, who passed away in 2019, in the designer’s New York Times obituary.
“I knew that what I wore to my husband’s first inauguration would go down in history,” Obama wrote. “I wanted something that would not only live up to the moment, but would also stand up to the freezing cold of that January day. With her incredible creativity and masterful talent, Isabel designed a beautiful lemongrass outfit that I just loved.”
Inauguration Ball, 2009
First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2009 inaugural ball.
AFP via Getty Images
The first lady selected a white silk chiffon one-shoulder gown by Jason Wu for her husband’s inaugural ball. Featuring floral appliqués and crystal embellishments, Wu only found out that Obama chose his design when he saw it on television. She amplified Wu’s brand, making the designer a household name. That evening, Obama accessorized with Jimmy Choo heels and custom diamond jewelry by Loree Rodkin.
“It is simple, it’s elegant and it comes from this brilliant young mind, someone who is living the American dream,” Obama said of Wu’s design in 2010 WWD article. “The countless hours that you can see that he spent sewing this piece made my night even more special.”
State Dinner, 2016
Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama at a White House state dinner in 2016.
Getty Images
To attend her final state dinner as first lady, Obama donned a gathered rose gold Atelier Versace gown crafted from the label’s signature chainmail. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife, Agnese Landini, were the evening’s guests of honor.
“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to dress the First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama,” Donatella Versace, the fashion house’s artistic director, said in a statement. “Thank you Michelle for all of the things you have done for America and for the rest of the world.”
Inauguration Day, 2021
Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attend the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021.
Getty Images
Obama began wearing Sergio Hudson designs well before 2021, but it was her head-to-toe maroon look at President Joe Biden’s inauguration that made countless headlines. Hudson, who calls Obama his “forever first lady,” dressed her in a knit turtleneck with high-waisted wide-leg trousers and a matching single-breasted overcoat. A leather belt featuring a circular gold buckle topped off Obama’s plum ensemble.
Hudson, who also dressed Vice President Kamala Harris at the inauguration, submitted sketches to Obama’s stylist, Meredith Koop, though they eventually settled on a look from Hudson’s fall 2020 collection. “The crazy thing is, I’ve dressed so many celebrities, but I’ve never had a ‘moment’ like the inauguration or the Academy Awards or the Met Gala, so this was my first time to shine in that way,” the designer told The Hollywood Reporter in 2021.
