Michelle Obama's Fashion Evolution in Over 100 Looks
In case you've missed it, Michelle Obama is not playing any games when it comes to her style. Not only has she been an icon since she stepped in the White House, but the former First Lady was also serving up jaw-dropping looks back-to-back while promoting her book Becoming several years later in 2019. We're still trying to catch our breath after seeing her hit the stage with Sarah Jessica wearing those thigh-high Balenciaga boots. And who could forget how classy she looked in that white suit with those adorable Jimmy Choo cage booties?
But Michelle's style hasn't always leaned towards the trendy side. Remember when Barack was in office? While in the White House, Michelle stuck to timeless closet staples, but now we're getting a chance to see her experiment more, showing off her personality through her outfit choices. And we're here for it.
See exactly how Michelle Obama's style has evolved by taking a look back at her best fashion moments over the years.
VIDEO: See Michelle Obama’s Fierce Look at the ESPY Awards
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2019 - Sergio Hudson
For her appearance at the Essence Festival, Obama wore a belted blue sequin jumpsuit by Sergio Hudson.
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2019
A black suit gets a major upgrade with a crystal-embellished cape.
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2019 - Dundas
For her Oslo Becoming stop, Obama opted for a suit by Peter Dundas with a green sash detail and embroidered lapels.
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2019 - Stella McCartney
Michelle paired a Stella McCartney jumpsuit — appropriate for an event at London's O2 Arena — with a pair of patent black stilettos.
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2019 - Acne Studios
For her stop in Stockholm, Obama chose a custom mint green suit from Acne Studios with a cropped jacket.
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2019 - Stine Goya
The millennial pink suit Obama wore in Copenhagen is from up-and-coming brand Stine Goya.
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2019 - Fe Noel
For her Becoming stop in Austin, Michelle chose a radiant peach-and-orange outfit from Fe Noel.
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2019 - Elie Saab
This Elie Saab suit pulled double duty. Obama wore it to YouTube's BookTube event in Austin and Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour's Texas stop.
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2018 - Cushnie
This rose color looks amazing on Obama, and we love how the Cushnie designers accented the silky blazer with a rope belt.
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2018 - Balmain
Here's proof that a classic blazer and a pair of pants doesn't have to be boring. Obama stepped out for an episode of The Tonight Show in a striped Balmain suit.
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2018 - Balenciaga
There's no doubt that people will be talking about this look for years to come, especially the glittery Balenciaga boots ($3,900; mytheresa.com).
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2019 - Givenchy
Michelle Obama made a fashion-forward statement in a pair of Givenchy high-waisted pants and a military-inspired shirt from the brand's Spring 2019 collection.
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2018 - Karen Walker
Obama gave us further proof that she's the queen of suits in a denim design by Karen Walker.
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2018 - Christopher Kane
The crystal embellishments on this Christopher Kane blazer ($1,695; farfetch.com) added enough sparkle for Obama to keep jewelry to a minimum.
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2018 - Adeam
This military wrap jacket by Adeam, with its asymmetric tail and peplum finishing, was made for Obama.
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2018 - Jonathan Simkhai
During an appearance on Good Morning America, she paired a pinstripe Jonathan Simkhai with Jennifer Fisher jewelry.
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2017
The former FLOTUS stunned in a black pin-striped dress complete with round metallic embellishments paired with black pointed-toe ankle-strap pumps at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women.
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2017 - Jason Wu
For the president's farewell address in Chicago, the First Lady chose a navy lace Jason Wu dress. The frock has added significance, as Wu is also the man who designed her white one-shoulder gown for the Inauguration Ball in 2009.
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2016 - Tracy Reese
While speaking at the Veterans Homelessness Summit, FLOTUS glowed in a cheery Tracy Reese floral-print dress, black pumps, and silver hoop earrings.
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2016 - Atelier Versace
For her final White House State Dinner, Michelle Obama pulled out all the stops, making a show-stopping entrance in a custom rose gold Atelier Versace chainmail gown with a fitted bodice, drapery, and an asymmetric off-shoulder neckline, styled with Le Vian diamonds.
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2016 - Giambattista Valli
FLOTUS glowed in a knit sleeveless dress that featured a chevron print crafted in black, white, gray, and pale blue colors. She topped the frock off with a thin black belt at her waist, a sparkling collar necklace, diamond drop earrings, and a pair of classic black pumps.
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2016
FLOTUS celebrated the fourth annual International Day of the Girl at an event in Washington, DC, wearing a black, white, and yellow floral print dress that she paired with leather pumps and drop earrings.
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2016 - Self-Portrait
FLOTUS wore a knee-length Self-Portrait dress with a black and white floral pattern and a splash of green on her right hip at Broadway Shines a Light on Girls' Education. A black mesh neckline highlighted her toned arms.
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2016 - Naeem Khan
The First Lady stunned in a strapless Naeem Khan ball gown which featured a dramatic sweetheart neckline, a full skirt, and an eye-catching pattern of hand-painted gold leaf on black tulle at the Phoenix Awards Dinner.
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2016 - Brandon Maxwell
For the White House State Dinner in honor of Singapore's prime minister, the First Lady turned to Lady Gaga's fashion director, Brandon Maxwell, who created a custom, strapless ivory sponge crepe gown.
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2016 - Naeem Khan
The FLOTUS welcomed Singapore's Prime Minister and his wife to the White House in a brilliant yellow Naeem Khan dress covered in floral embellishments.
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2016 - Christian Siriano
The First Lady took to the 2016 Democratic National Convention stage in a knee-length royal blue Christian Siriano dress with cap sleeves and a natural waist. Below the lectern, a pair of metallic silver pumps provided her look with just the right amount of pizzazz.
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2016 - Creatures of the Wind
For the 3rd Annual Beating the Odds Summit, the FLOTUS kept it simple and chic in a navy blue floral-print Creatures of the Wind dress with fringe accents. She completed her ensemble with statement earrings.
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2016
The First Lady held her fifth annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge and Kids' State Dinner at the White House wearing a white Barbara Tfank dress with black piping and tiny bows on the shoulders.
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2016 - Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
The First Lady looked ever so chic as she departed Madrid, Spain, in this black floral dress with an overlapping white graphic print.
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2016 - Altuzarra
On a trip to Marrakech, the political figure and her teenage daughters transitioned into their evening looks at a dinner with Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco. The first lady wore a paisley print Altuzarra frock with pearl adornments while her daughters dressed in graphic, maroon-toned dresses that appropriately blended in with the country’s traditional garb.
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2016
Michelle Obama touched down in Morocco wearing the perfect summer wrap dress, trailed by her stunning teenage daughters. Malia looked trendy in a navy jumpsuit layered over a striped long-sleeve top, while Sasha was elegant in a floaty high-low floral dress. Both girls paired their on-trend looks with subtle choker necklaces, bringing a youthful feel to their sophisticated outfits.
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2016 - Boss
For the United State of Women Summit, Mrs. Obama stepped on the stage with a smile to host the event with Oprah Winfrey wearing an elegant BOSS multi-colored geometric lace dress.
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2016 - Narciso Rodriguez
Obama wore a silk blue and white top with a matching crepe black skirt to the National Medal for Museum and Library Service award presentation at the White House.
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2016 - Naeem Khan
FLOTUS made a sweeping entrance to the Nordic State Dinner in a stunning blush-hued Naeem Khan gown with ruching and an off-the-shoulder cut that accentuated her toned arms.
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2016
For an appearance on NBC's The Voice, the First Lady wore a black tailored blazer and wide-legged white jumpsuit that was belted at the waist.
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2016 - Oscar de la Renta
The Obamas arrived at Windsor Castle to honor the Queen's 90th birthday where FLOTUS wore a purple Oscar de la Renta dress featuring an intricate lace overlay. She styled her outfit with a black clutch and low-heeled pumps.
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2016
The First Lady looked positively radiant in a shimmery, knee-length dress scattered with crystal embellishments at a state dinner in Argentina, where she and President Barack Obama danced the tango.
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2016 - Narciso Rodriguez
Obama arrived into Ezeiza, Argentina in a purple Narciso Rodriguez dress with orange graphic detailing.
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2016 - Naeen Khan
For a state dinner with Cuban President Raul Castro at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, the First Lady turned to designer Naeem Khan for this fully embroidered floral dress.
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2016 - White Printed Dress
The First Lady touched down in Cuba in a white V-neck dress with a graphic red and black print.
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2016 - Jason Wu
The First Lady looked absolutely radiant in a custom Jason Wu gown for a White House State Dinner. The strapless midnight blue dress featured an elaborate floral jacquard pattern and asymmetrical draping.
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2016 - Tanya Taylor
FLOTUS looked ready for spring in a jade green printed Tanya Taylor dress and black coat when welcoming the Canadian Prime Minister to Washington D.C.
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2016
The First Lady looked stunning in a printed dress and pointy black pumps for a speech on International Women's Day in support of girls' education.
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2016 - Narciso Rodriguez
FLOTUS looked stunning in a marigold-hued, banded wool crepe dress by Narciso Rodriguez for President Obama's final State of the Union address.
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2015 - Vera Wang
For the China State Dinner at the White House, Obama embodied elegance in a stunning, off-the-shoulder Vera Wang gown with a V-notch neckline and a mermaid hem.
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2015 - Carolina Herrera
To greet Pope Francis during his first visit to the U.S., the First Lady donned a sky blue Carolina Herrera cowl-neck dress that featured short sleeves and a slim belt.
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2015 - Carolina Herrera
For the 2015 Kids' State Dinner held at the White House, the First Lady looked postively gorgeous in a a botanical-print Carolina Herrera shirtdress and matching seude pumps.
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2015 - Missoni
The First Lady ended her short trip to Milan in high style yesterday, where she wowed in a multicolored knit dress by Italian fashion house Missoni. To top off her look, she added block-heel sandals and chic silver earrings that were perfect for a busy day of official activities.
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2015 - Duro Olowu
The FLOTUS arrived in Milan wearing a fitted black top and a playful yellow-and-pink skirt by Duro Olowu. She finished off the look with classic black pumps and gold earrings.
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2015 - Christopher Kane
FLOTUS met with the United Kingdom's Prime Minister David Cameron and wife in a custon Christopher Kane design inspired by the brand's pe-fall 2015 collection.
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2015 - Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
The First Lady landed in London for her weeklong tour of Britain and Italy in support of her Let Girls Learn initiative in a custom variation of Preen by Thornton Bregazzi's "Lou" dress, which boasts a remarkably charming contrast, thanks to the frock's two-tone lemony yellow material and its cerulean blue lace overlay. Sky blue gemstone teardrop earrings and black pumps completed her look.
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2015 - Zac Posen
The FLOTUS dazzled in a sleeveless number at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
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2015 - Thakoon
At the dedication ceremony for the new Whitney Museum of American Art, she donned a graphic rose-strewn Thakoon design.
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2015 - Tadashi Shoji
The First Lady donned a chic black-and-white graphic Tadashi Shoji dress that featured a black collar and cutouts on the shoulders and near the hemline for an appearance on the Tonight Show.
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2015 - Zac Posen
The First Lady wowed in a white off-the-shoulder Zac Posen dress and metallic silver Jimmy Choo pumps at BET's 2015 Black Girls Rock! event where she gave an inspiring speech.
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2015 - Roksanda
First Lady Michelle Obama donned an asymmetric Roksanda skater dress featuring a bold geo print as she geared up to depart Cambodia and bring her five-day trip to Asia to a close.
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2015 - Alice & Olivia
The First Lady visited Siem Riep in Cambodia where she delivered an address to Peace Corps volunteers and met school girls at a local high school; she wore a bold Alice & Olivia top and skirt combo, featuring a colorful geometric print.
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2015 - BCBG Max Azria
Obama stopped by the historical Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia wearing a paneled BCBG Max Azria dress, which she finished with leggings and classic Converse sneakers.
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2015 - Altuzarra
During an event in Tokyo, Japan, the FLOTUS made a stylish impact in a striking blazer and custom skirt by Altuzarra, which she paired with a jewel encrusted Stella McCartney blouse and silver pumps.
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2015 - Kenzo
For her first visit to Japan, the First Lady went for a radiant lime green graphic-print Kenzo flared frock that she accessorized with a waist-cinching futuristic mirrored belt and classic black pumps.
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2014 - Monique Lhuillier
The FLOTUS wowed at the 37th Annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., wearing a blush embroidered column Monique Lhuillier dress that featured an illusion tulle skirt and sweetheart neckline.
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2014 - Diane von Furstenberg
Obama spoke at a campaign rally for Mary Burke, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Wisconsin, and wore a very feminine DVF peasant blouse and skirt.
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2014 - Diane von Furstenberg
The First Lady wore a colorful navy, fuchsia, and coral DVF wrap dress as she traveled with President Barack Obama via Air Force One to New York City, where the president addressed the United Nations General Assembly.
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2014 - Bibhu Mohapatra
Michelle Obama looked positively statuesque in a white-hot Bibhu Mohapatra gown at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 44th Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner. The dress featured a halter-style neck and asymmetrical black stripe accents on the bodice’s front and a black trim at the waist. Obama accessorized the outfit with dangling earrings and styled her hair in loose curls.
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2014 - Prabal Gurung
The ever-stylish FLOTUS stunned in a canary yellow chiffon dress by Prabal Gurung at a dinner marking the end of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the White House. Obama paired the eye-catching frock with metallic slingback pumps, oversized gold dangling earrings, a major stack of Ashley Pittman bangles on her arm, and pulled her hair into a chic topknot.
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2015
For the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, the FLOTUS sported a floral printed top, bold orange cardigan, and black slim trousers that she accessorized with embellished flats and silver hoop earrings. She topped off her look with festive pastel pink nail polish and a matching lip.
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2014 - Carolina Herrera
Michelle Obama wore a botanical-print Carolina Herrera shirtdress for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders meeting in Washington, D.C.
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2014 - Mary Katrantzou
For the third annual Kids State Dinner, hosted by the First Lady, Michelle Obama wore a flowery Mary Katrantzou dress paired with beige pumps.
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2014 - Tanya Taylor
For an event at Global Kids Incorporated in New York City, the First Lady donned a white and blue floral Tanya Taylor frock with metallic silver pumps.
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2014 - Marchesa
For the 100th Annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, the First Lady dazzled in gray tulle Marchesa and Cathy Waterman jewels.
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2014 - AG Adriano Goldschmied
The First Lady got in on the action at the sixth-annual planting of the White House Kitchen Garden in a casual-yet-stylish ensemble that included a gray knit top, dark olive AG Adriano Goldschmied skinny jeans, an anorak jacket, and black leather sneakers.