During her time in the White House, former First Lady Michelle Obama often used her wardrobe to champion American designers—regularly wearing elegant designs from labels such as Thakoon, Isabel Toledo, Narciso Rodriguez, and Brandon Maxwell. She largely maintained the same aesthetic after leaving Washington (just last summer, she chose a sleeveless navy Monse suit for her appearance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention), but this year, she’s entered her most playful and contemporary fashion era yet.
Working with her longtime stylist Meredith Koop, Obama has leaned into sharp, modern pieces that serve as a prime example of smart casual dressing. To join her brother Craig Robinson on stage for a SXSW panel discussion, Obama chose an orange corduroy jacket and trouser set by Rabanne, which featured saucy laced-up detailing. Paired with pointed leather boots by Gianvito Rossi, she struck all the right notes for an ideal day look. Later on in the week, she also sported a black Zimmermann dress with tiered ruffling and sheer sleeves. Both looks made a bold statement—but in an effortless way.
These impactful yet extremely wearable and versatile looks are a refreshing switch-up from the more buttoned-up frocks she wore while in the White House. (Though, we will simply never forget her rose gold Atelier Versace dress worn to the 2016 state dinner.) These days, Obama is favoring outfits that are more reflective of the times: She has been sporting looks that have a sense of power and strength to them, such as the Bottega Veneta blazer and sculptural leather dress she wore on The Jennifer Hudson Show back in December. As she continues to use her platform to address civil rights issues and champion healthy lifestyles, her striking fashion choices have equally commanded the stage. More of this, please!
