Fashion Michelle Obama Has Been Wearing This One Accessory for Decades It's the common thread in all of her best outfits. By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on August 19, 2020 @ 05:45PM Pin Share Tweet Email We love looking back at Michelle Obama's best outfits, seeing how her style has transformed from classic and modest to bold, bright, and 100% on-trend. But even as she slowly made the switch from structured shift dressed to thigh-high Balenciaga boots, she continued to keep one specific accessory in the mix: a classic pair of hoops. While many people pointed out the former First Lady's 'Vote' necklace from the Democratic National Convention — a nice touch as she delivered her powerful speech — we couldn't help but notice that her signature earrings were on display yet again. Handout/DNCC via Getty Images Michelle also wore hoops earlier this year, while addressing the class of 2020. Although her sleek white blazer could only be seen from the waist-up, these earring made just enough of a statement without distracting from her message. On both occasions, she proved that hoops are simple yet powerful all at the same time. Still, the fact that Michelle enjoys hoop earrings isn't exactly news. Remember when President Obama wished her a happy birthday on Instagram in 2019? He shared a throwback photo of himself and his wife — who, of course, was wearing hoops in the sweet shot. Going back into the archives, we've found even more photos of Michelle Obama and her hoops. Whether she's picked a pair that's small or large, dressed up or worn casually, the style icon clearly has a thing for this earring style. Take a look at a handful of times she's worn them in the past, ahead. The One Accessory Both Amal Clooney and Kate Middleton Wear on Repeat 2008 Mark Wilson/Getty Images Michelle paired thin hoops with a modest green dress while at the Democratic National Convention in 2008. 2009 Le Segretain/Getty Images A year later, she chose a smaller pair for the NATO summit. 2010 TIM SLOAN/AFP via Getty Images Her hoops made an appearance as she handed out candy for Halloween. This time, she styled them with an orange-red set. 2013 Uri Schanker/Getty Images Her go-to earrings style were the perfect addition to her peplum top and white pants look at 2013's Arthur Ashe Kids Day. 2016 Cheriss May/NurPhoto via Getty Images How can you amp up a basic floral dress? Throw on some silver hoops! 2016 SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images Even casual outfits get a bit more oomph with the help of this accessory. 2018 Shannon Finney/Getty Images Michelle has taught us that, while traditionally a 'fun' earring, hoops bring professional outfits to the next level. 2019 Mike Marsland/WireImage And, of course she wore her favorite earrings while promoting her memoir, Becoming.