Michelle Obama's Changing Looks

By Instyle
Updated Jan 14, 2017 @ 12:30 pm
Monica Schipper/FilmMagic

Michelle Obama's Changing Looks

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1 of 21

1971

courtesy of Obama for America/Splash News

Barrettes and a brain: Michelle LaVaughn Robinson attended the gifted program at Chicago's Bryn Mawr Elementary School.

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2 of 21

1981

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

The Whitney Young High School senior (and class salutatorian) wore her hair in a gravity-defying pouf.

3 of 21

1985

courtesy of Obama for America/Splash News

Still Michelle Robinson, she showed off her natural curls (and her mortarboard) for her Princeton graduation.

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4 of 21

1992

courtesy of Obama for America/Splash News

The new Mrs. Barack Obama wore her hair pulled back into a classic chignon for her wedding day.

5 of 21

2004

Scott Olson/Getty Images

The hospital administrator (and U.S. senator's wife) tinted her signature body-filled bob a subtle cinnamon shade.

6 of 21

2005

Arnold Turner/WireImage

Mrs. Obama got glam for the NAACP Image Awards via a sleek updo and copper shadow.

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7 of 21

2008

Gary Malerba/AP

She hit the presidential campaign trail with a voluminous, face-framing bob.

8 of 21

2009

Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

The new First Lady showed off her cut's versatility with playful waves.

9 of 21

2009

Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Time Inc

No short crop here! "I'm a big fan of what I call the up-tuck," her hairstylist Johnny Wright told us. "You pin-up all the hair in the back, and then let the front fall naturally. It's like you've gotten a haircut."

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10 of 21

2009

Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images

Mrs. Obama sported sexy side-swept fringe and eye-catching long lashes.

11 of 21

2009

Lise Aserud/AFP/Getty Images

"I like updos that look very simple and natural," Wright said. "People try to make their hair a little too perfect with updos, and that's where it goes wrong. Honestly, the messier the better." The First Lady looked stunning in a half-updo with loose curls at the nape of her neck.

12 of 21

2010

Mark Wilson/Getty Images

An evening look doesn't always require an updo! Mrs. Obama looked extra glam with modern, messy ringlets.

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13 of 21

2010

Carlos R. Alvarez/WireImage

A smooth bun was an elegant daytime look for a visit with the King of Spain.

14 of 21

2012

Alex Wong/startraksphoto

The First Lady dressed up for a state event with a glamorous pompadour, a chic smoky eye and clear gloss.

15 of 21

2011

Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The First Lady wore her bob in loose curls at a DC event.

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16 of 21

2011

Mark Sullivan/WireImage

Obama chose a sleek look for a meeting of the Hollywood Guild and military families.

17 of 21

2012

Johnny Nunez/WireImage

A textured updo for BET Honors.

18 of 21

2012

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Mrs. Obama was back to silky layers for the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

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19 of 21

2013

Ida Mae AStute/ABC via Getty Images

The First Lady debuts sleek bangs to complement her bob.

20 of 21

2014

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

So many changes, so little time! Obama ditches her bangs for a side part, and opts for ombre tresses.

21 of 21

2015

Monica Schipper/FilmMagic

The first lady kept her hair and makeup simple while attending the Let Girls Learn Global Conversation in New York City.

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