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    1. Celebrity

    The Style Evolution of Michelle Obama

    All hail the First Lady of fashion.

    Katie Attardo's avatar
    By Katie Attardo
    Published 12 June 2020 In Features

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    The Style Evolution of Michelle Obama
    (Image credit: Getty)
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    One of the most iconic women in American history, Michelle Obama has many accomplishments under her belt. An advocate for childhood health and education, she’s known for investing her efforts into the future generation. Along with her selfless nature, the former First Lady is known for her tact, elegance, and overwhelmingly big heart. Michelle has also been a champion for American designers: Thakoon, Brandon Maxwell, and Cushnie et Ochs are just some of the brands she's thrust in the spotlight. She set the fashion bar high when she attended the Inaugural Ball in 2009 in a Jason Wu stunner, and has not let us down since. This is my love letter to Michelle Obama: former First Lady of the United States, a staple to and for charities, style icon, and forever American royalty.

    May 11, 2019
    (Image credit: Getty/Paras Griffin)

    May 11, 2019

    The former FLOTUS sported a bold purple belted suit designed by Princeton alum Sergio Hudson.

    April 9, 2019
    (Image credit: Getty/MARTIN SYLVEST)

    April 9, 2019

    This Stine Goya embellished pantsuit is a stunner.

    February 28, 2019
    (Image credit: Getty/Rick Kern)

    February 28, 2019

    On her book tour, Obama wore this two-piece set from Fe Noel.

    December 19, 2018
    (Image credit: Getty/Dia Dipasupil)

    December 19, 2018

    We've never seen these Balenciaga boots worn so well.

    December 18, 2018
    (Image credit: Getty/NBC)

    December 18, 2018

    Michelle donned a glittery pinstripe suit for the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

    November 13, 2018
    (Image credit: Getty/Lorenzo Bevilaqua)

    November 13, 2018

    Obama was interviewed by Robin Roberts in a custom pinstripe suit by Jonathan Simkhai.

    October 11, 2018
    (Image credit: Getty/Raymond Hall)

    October 11, 2018

    Obama sported a white belted dress and pointed-toe pumps to the Today show.

    November 1, 2017
    (Image credit: Getty/JIM YOUNG)

    November 1, 2017

    The former first lady wore a Preen mixed plaid print dress to speak at the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago.

    July 12, 2017
    (Image credit: Getty/Kevin Winter)

    July 12, 2017

    Michelle donned a Cushnie et Ochs dress to the the 2017 ESPYS.

    October 18, 2016
    (Image credit: Getty/Leigh Vogel)

    October 18, 2016

    Michelle opted for this luminous rose gold piece from Atelier Versace.

    September 17, 2016
    (Image credit: Getty/Earl Gibson III)

    September 17, 2016

    Michelle Obama stunned in a gilded Naeem Khan dress at the Phoenix Awards Dinner at Walter E. Washington Convention Center

    January 12, 2016
    (Image credit: Getty/SAUL LOEB)

    January 12, 2016

    The former FLOTUS donned a cheery Narciso Rodriguez dress at the State of the Union Address.

    September 25, 2015
    (Image credit: Getty/Chip Somodevilla)

    September 25, 2015

    Michelle stunned in a Vera Wang gown at the state dinner at the White House.

    March 28, 2015
    (Image credit: Getty/Gilbert Carrasquillo)

    March 28, 2015

    The FLOTUS wore a corset-inspired dress by Zac Posen to the BET Black Girls Rock special.

    May 5, 2014
    (Image credit: Getty/Paul Zimmerman)

    May 5, 2014

    Michelle Obama attended the grand opening of the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a dress by Naeem Khan.

    May 3, 2014
    (Image credit: Getty/JEWEL SAMAD)

    May 3, 2014

    Michelle donned a gorgeous Marchesa gown at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.

    October 16, 2012
    (Image credit: Getty/Bruce Bennett)

    October 16, 2012

    Michelle Obama sported a hot-pink Michael Kors dress to a town hall presidential debate at Hofstra University.

    July 10, 2012
    (Image credit: Getty/Larry Marano)

    July 10, 2012

    First Lady Michelle Obama attended a campaign event in a dress by Chris Benz styles with a thin chain belt.

    March 31, 2012
    (Image credit: Getty/Michael Buckner)

    March 31, 2012

    In the spirit of the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, Obama went with this fun look from Wes Gordon.

    January 31, 2012
    (Image credit: Getty/Kevin Winter/NBCUniversal)

    January 31, 2012

    Michelle Obama mixed high and low at the Tonight Show with Jay Leno in a Michael Kors top and J. Crew skirt.

    May 24, 2011
    (Image credit: Getty)

    May 24, 2011

    Michelle Obama wore a Tom Ford gown and opera length gloves to the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.

    January 20, 2009
    (Image credit: Getty/SAUL LOEB)

    January 20, 2009

    The First Lady arrived at the Inaugural Ball in Jason Wu. 

    For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter (subscribe here).

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    Michelle Obama
    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Katie Attardo
    Katie Attardo
    Social Links Navigation

    Katie Attardo is the Accessories Editor at Marie Claire, covering all things fashion and jewelry-related.

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