She’s got it going on! After serving up nonstop glamor as first lady, Michelle Obama has proved her killer fashion sense extends far beyond her 8-year stint in the White House.
The Chicago native first caught the world’s eye as she stood beside her husband, Barack Obama, during his presidential campaign back in 2007. Once he was sworn into office, Michelle garnered a reputation as a polished fashionista. She even put many now-famous designers on the map, including Jason Wu. The Becoming author famously turned heads in a white chiffon asymmetrical gown by the designer, who was only 26 years old at the time, during Barack’s 2009 inaugural ball.
Wu himself was shocked by Michelle’s decision to wear his creation. “It’s difficult to describe,” he told The New York Times one day after the celebration. “I was over the moon. I know I am an unusual choice for a first lady. I didn’t think it was my turn yet.”
Other standout White House fashion moments from the Princeton University alum include the orangey-red Alexander McQueen gown she wore to the 2011 state dinner, the crisscross Tom Ford number at the 2011 British state banquet, the black off-the-shoulder Vera Wang dress at the 2015 state dinner and the sparkly custom Atelier Versace for the 2016 state dinner.
Since the end of her time in Washington, D.C., Michelle hasn’t skipped a beat on the fashion front. If anything, she’s only gotten bolder. While continuing to evoke pure elegance, the attorney has started taking some more style risks — and we are here for it.
As she separated herself from the first lady, she’s tried a couple of daring choices, including an unforgettable pair of thigh-high sparkly boots from Balenciaga that cost almost $4,000 — which she wore during the Brooklyn stop of her Becoming book tour in December 2018.
Michelle opened up about her fashion evolution in her Becoming documentary, which premiered on Netflix in 2020, calling her post-White House choices “freeing.”
She continued: “Now that we’re out of the White House, not to be viewed, judged and parceled by every other person on the planet yeah it is — it’s better.”
Flash forward to 2022, Michelle turned up the heat when she kicked off her The Light We Carry book tour.
Alongside Elle DeGeneres, at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C., the Harvard Law School alum wowed in an all-denim outfit from Ganni’s resort 2023 collection. The look included a waist-cinching jacket and wide-leg trousers, which Michelle paired with glossy red boots.
To see all of Michelle’s major style moments since leaving the White House, scroll through the photos below. We promise you will not be disappointed.
She’s got it going on! After serving up nonstop glamor as first lady, Michelle Obama has proved her killer fashion sense extends far beyond her 8-year stint in the White House.
The Chicago native first caught the world’s eye as she stood beside her husband, Barack Obama, during his presidential campaign back in 2007. Once he was sworn into office, Michelle garnered a reputation as a polished fashionista. She even put many now-famous designers on the map, including Jason Wu. The Becoming author famously turned heads in a white chiffon asymmetrical gown by the designer, who was only 26 years old at the time, during Barack’s 2009 inaugural ball.
Wu himself was shocked by Michelle’s decision to wear his creation. “It’s difficult to describe,” he told The New York Times one day after the celebration. “I was over the moon. I know I am an unusual choice for a first lady. I didn’t think it was my turn yet.”
Other standout White House fashion moments from the Princeton University alum include the orangey-red Alexander McQueen gown she wore to the 2011 state dinner, the crisscross Tom Ford number at the 2011 British state banquet, the black off-the-shoulder Vera Wang dress at the 2015 state dinner and the sparkly custom Atelier Versace for the 2016 state dinner.
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Since the end of her time in Washington, D.C., Michelle hasn’t skipped a beat on the fashion front. If anything, she’s only gotten bolder. While continuing to evoke pure elegance, the attorney has started taking some more style risks — and we are here for it.
As she separated herself from the first lady, she’s tried a couple of daring choices, including an unforgettable pair of thigh-high sparkly boots from Balenciaga that cost almost $4,000 — which she wore during the Brooklyn stop of her Becoming book tour in December 2018.
Michelle opened up about her fashion evolution in her Becoming documentary, which premiered on Netflix in 2020, calling her post-White House choices “freeing.”
She continued: “Now that we’re out of the White House, not to be viewed, judged and parceled by every other person on the planet yeah it is — it’s better.”
Flash forward to 2022, Michelle turned up the heat when she kicked off her The Light We Carry book tour.
Alongside Elle DeGeneres, at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C., the Harvard Law School alum wowed in an all-denim outfit from Ganni’s resort 2023 collection. The look included a waist-cinching jacket and wide-leg trousers, which Michelle paired with glossy red boots.
To see all of Michelle’s major style moments since leaving the White House, scroll through the photos below. We promise you will not be disappointed.
Credit: Courtesy Michelle Obama/Instagram
The Queen of Patterns
While promoting her second book in Washington, D.C. in December 2022, the activist wore a Marine Serre dress that was transformed into a top — which featured deconstructed bandanas at the bodice — with a pair of Balmain jeans.
Credit: Jose Luis Magana/AP/Shutterstock
A Modernized Canadian Suit
When she announced her book The Light We Carry in November 2022, Michelle looked as chic as ever in a denim ensemble by Ganni and Stuart Weitzman boots.
Credit: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock
Sporty Spice
At the U.S. Open in September 2022, Michelle kept it cool in a pinstriped balloon blouse and coordinating trousers.
Credit: Andrew Harnik/AP/Shutterstock
A Vibrant Sight
During the unveiling of her and Barack’s White House portrait in September 2022, she looked whimsical ombre dress by Christy Rilling.
Credit: Win McNamee/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Spotlighting Black Designers
The “Becoming” author attended the presidential inauguration wearing the same designer as Vice President Kamala Harris. On January 20, 2021, Obama dazzled in a plum pant ensemble from Sergio Hudson, which she accessorized with Stuart Weitzman boots, leather gloves and a silk face mask.
Credit: DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
All About the Accessories
When delivering a speech at the Democratic National Convention on August 17, 2020, the Becoming author paired her Nanushka brown silk brown blouse with a 14-karat gold “Vote” necklace by the Black-owned brand By Chari.
Credit: YouTube
Simple But Cool
While delivering her “Dear Class of 2020” graduation speech, the former first lady wore a deep V-neck white top that was crisp, stylish and anything but boring on June 7, 2020.
Credit: Vincent Thian/AP/Shutterstock
Paisley Perfection
The former first lady spoke at an Obama Foundation event in Malaysia on December 12, 2019, donning a black and white ensemble complete with cropped trousers, a paisley print blouse and chic dark loafers.
Credit: Raymond Hall/GC Images
A Dream in White
On July 25, 2019, the former FLOTUS was spotted in New York City wearing the most beautiful white knee-length dress paired with brown wedges, giving Us major summer wardrobe inspo.
Credit: Donald Traill/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Razzle Dazzle Jumpsuit
Looking extra jazzy in a sequin-covered jumpsuit, the Chicago native attended Essence Festival on July 6, 2019, donning a belted blue sequin jumpsuit by Sergio Hudson.
Credit: RMV/Shutterstock
Shimmery Goddess
The former first lady looked sleek and cool in a metallic silver pantsuit on May 12, 2020, while speaking in Nashville on her Becoming book tour.
Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Vivid Violet
At a book tour stop in Atlanta on May 11, 2019, the mom of two stunned in a bright violet suit with a black sequin top underneath the belted jacket.
Credit: REMKO DE WAAL/AFP/Getty Images
Shine On
Taking her book tour to Amsterdam on April 17, 2019, the author rocked a sustainably made shimmering pantsuit by Ronald van der Kemp.
Credit: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Kering
Striped and Fabulous
When visiting Paris for her European book tour on April 16, 2019, the former First Lady wore an orange striped suit with a silky texture and loose fit that’s giving Us chic pajama vibes in the most sophisticated way.
Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage
Sold-Out Stunner
During her sold-out talk at London’s O2 on April 14, 2019, the former FLOTUS wore a custom Stella McCartney jumpsuit with gold embellishments, large gold Jennifer Fisher hoops and classic black Jimmy Choo heels.
Credit: Rune Hellestad – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Hear Her Roar
Continuing her international book tour in Oslo, Norway, on April 11, 2019, the former first lady served up boss-lady vibes in her sparkly bespoke suit by Norwegian designer Peter Dundas. The black two-piece featured fierce panther detailing on the arms and lapels.
Credit: Kaspar Wenstrup/Aller/MEGA TheMegaAgency.com
Locally Designed
The former FLOTUS kicked off her European book tour in Copenhagen on April 9, 2019, stunning in a $2,000 pastel pink suit designed by local up-and-comer Stine Goya paired with Jimmy Choo pumps.
Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Glittery Goodness
At the NYC stop of her Becoming book tour on Wednesday, December 19, the former First Lady sat down with Sarah Jessica Parker in a silky yellow Balenciaga gown that she paired with fierce $3,900 sparkly thigh-high boots from the brand that Carrie Bradshaw would no doubt approve of.
Credit: Paul Marotta/Getty
Baby Blues
The former First Lady was dressed in a blue pantsuit while discussing her book Becoming in Boston on November 24, 2018.
Credit: Paul Morigi/Getty
Bling Bling
In a custom Christopher Kane crystal-embellished jacket and pants during her book tour in Washington, DC. on November 17, 2018.
Credit: Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty
Well Suited
Obama was styled in a black pantsuit for her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where she was promoting her new book, Becoming on November 14, 2018.
Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty
Cooly Suited
Obama greeted the crowd dressed in a white suit at the Forum during the Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama event on November 15.
Credit: Sarah Morris/Getty
Reading Ready
The former First Lady wore a blue denim suit with a white tunic underneath to students at Para Los Ninos in L.A. on November 15.
Credit: Scott Olson/Getty
Signed in Style
The author kicked off her book tour in Chicago on November 13 wearing a chic black suit.
Credit: Scott Olson/Getty
Blooming Blue
Obama spoke with 21 female students in Chicago at her alma mater Whitney Young Magnet High School on November 12. The former First Lady wore a tailored Akris denim suit and gray suede heels for the occasion.
Credit: Debra L Rothenberg/FilmMagic
Girl Power
The former First Lady celebrated International Day of the Girl in NYC on NBC’s Today show on Oct. 11, 2018. Michelle wore a long-sleeve white belted dress and posed alongside Karlie Kloss, Zendaya, Freida Pinto, Kelly Clarkson and Meghan Trainor in an epic selfie.
Credit: BEYONCÉ LEGION/Twitter
In Formation
The former First Lady attended Beyonce and Jay-z’s concert in Paris on July 15, 2018 and looked just as stylish for the occasion as you’d expect. Dressed in all white and showing major leg, she enjoyed the show alongside Queen Bey’s mom Tina Knowles.
Credit: Erika Goldring/WireImage
Bold and Bright
The former FLOTUS spoke at the American Library Association on June 22, 2018, wearing a neon-green print dress from Tanya Taylor that was as beautiful as it was bold.
Credit: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
Smart Chic
When speaking with Tracee Ellis Ross on May 5, 2018, at The United State of Women Summit, the former first lady wore a cream-colored dress with matching chunky-heel sandals. Some brow-grazing fringe also made a rare appearance.
Credit: Paul Morigi/Getty
Flower Power
Michelle Obama attended the 2018 School Counselor of the Year Celebration in Washington D.C. on Friday, February 2, wearing a beautiful black Rodarte blouse with floral embroidered tulle and dotted lace — striking the perfect looking-forward-to-spring-but-still-weather-appropriate note.
Credit: Splash News
Lady in White
Obama looked casual-chic on the beach in a white bikini top and cut-off shorts in Miami on January 13, 2018.
Credit: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty
Burgundy Kissed
Barack Obama snuck in a last kiss at the White House before leaving the office at the end of his presidency on January 20, 2017. For her final first lady look, Michelle wore a burgundy short-sleeved, a-line silhouette dress by Jason Wu with black heels.
Credit: James Devaney/GC Images
Cool Lady
The former first lady was seen leaving Upland restaurant in NYC after having lunch with Barack and U2’s Bono on March 10, 2017. Michelle rocked a cool gray trench coat, a white and black blouse and skinny-leg black pants.
Credit: Gerardo Mora/Getty
Color Blocked
Michelle donned a Lafayette 158 color block sundress and strappy heels during an American Institute of Architects conference in Orlando, Florida on April 27, 2017.
Credit: Scott Olson/Getty
Business Classy
Michelle wore a bell-sleeve black dress with white dot accents during a discussion about the future Obama Presidential Center on May 3, 2017 in Chicago.
Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty
Princeton Proud
The former first lady wore a gray Princeton T-shirt, her alma mater, with gray jeans and a long gray cardigan at the MTV’s 2017 College Signing Day on May 5, 2017 in NYC.
Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty
Straight Edge
Michelle modeled a high-low striped blouse with a wide statement belt at the Healthier America summit in D.C. on May 12, 2017.
Credit: ToscanaPhotos / BACKGRID
Bella in Pink
Former FLOTUS looked lovely in a pink one-shoulder Teija top, white distressed jeans and a Jimmy Choo cross-body bag while sightseeing in Montalcino, Italy on May 20, 2017.
Credit: ToscanaPhotos / BACKGRID
Easy Breezy
Michelle looked sunning in a white Club Monaco off-the-shoulder blouse and high-waisted olive colored pants while out in Sienna, Italy on May 22, 2017.
Credit: Image Group LA/ABC via Getty
Diamonds Are Forever
The former first lady presented the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2017 ESPY Awards on July 12, 2017. She wore a Cushnie et Ochs dress, which she coupled with two Hearts of Fire rings — worth over $20,000!
Credit: Jason Bahr/Getty
Floral-y Inclined
Michelle wore a long-sleeve pink floral dress with white pumps during a live conversation with The Women’s Foundation of Colorado President and CEO Lauren Y. Casteel in Denver, Colorado on July 25, 2017.
Credit: Marla Aufmuth/Getty
All Buttoned Up
The former first lady of the United States wore a black pinstripe midi dress embellished with buttons throughout and black ankle strapped heels at the Pennsylvania Conference For Women 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 3, 2017
Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty
Yin and Yang
Michelle was fashioned in a long-sleeve black and white Naeem Khan dress with black heels during the Special Evening with Former First Lady Michelle Obama event with David Letterman in NYC on October 25, 2017.