- Michelle Obama's style has evolved since she became First Lady in 2009.
- She made waves for going sleeveless at the beginning of President Obama's tenure, and today she is celebrated for her sparkly ensembles and modern suits.
- Clothing Obama wears often sells out after she wears them in public, highlighting her status as a fashion icon.
- Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
Michelle Obama has redefined First Lady fashion.
From her commotion-causing sleeveless portrait way back in 2009 to the glittering Versace gown she donned for her final state dinner in October 2016, the former FLOTUS has continued to charm America with her knack for selecting elegant but down-to-earth designs. And her sense of style has continued to make headlines even after her White House days.
Need proof that we all love her taste? NPR reported that many of the items she wears sell out almost instantly. One academic even did a study of Obama's effect on fashion and concluded that, when she wears a garment, that garment's designer can get a financial boost to the tune of $38 million.
But she's not trying to create waves with her wardrobe. Actually, her personal style philosophy is simple:
"I always say that women should wear whatever makes them feel good about themselves. That's what I always try to do," she told Vogue in 2013.
Here's a look at how her style has evolved since she first hit the national stage.
At the August 2008 Democratic National Convention held in Denver, Colorado, Obama stood out in a simple turquoise dress by designer Maria Pinto.
Obama's dress had a simple brooch embellishment.
Source: Vogue
On election night a few months later, she wore a fiery Narcisco Rodriguez dress.
For the Obama event in Chicago, Illinois, she layered a cropped cardigan over her wrap dress.
Source: New York Times
At the inaugural ball in January 2009, Obama's ethereal white gown put young designer Jason Wu on the map.
She topped off her outfit with dainty earrings and a chunky bracelet.
Source: New York Times
Obama made waves by going sleeveless (in Michael Kors) for her first official portrait, which was taken in January 2009 in Washington, D.C.
The look also spurred a national obsession with the former First Lady's toned arms.
Sources: Huffington Post, ABC News
She stepped out in an elegant black and white ensemble during a March 2009 visit to London, UK.
The former First Lady's outfit had a retro glam vibe.
She wore a stunning patterned midi dress during a trip to Germany in April 2009.
To let this bright dress shine, Obama kept her accessories minimal.
And here's a crisp yet casual ensemble she chose for a visit to a school garden in Washington, D.C., in May 2009.
Obama paired her cropped pants with a quirky button-up shirt.
The former First Lady has a thing for statement brooches, too. She wore this one in September 2009 to an event in Washington, D.C.
Obama topped off this monochromatic outfit with matching pink lipstick.
At her and Barack's first-ever state dinner in November 2009, Obama wore a shimmering gown by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan.
The former First Lady finished off her outfit with lots of jewelry and a matching shawl.
She kept it classic for her husband's first State of the Union address in January 2010.
Obama gravitates toward A-line skirts.
You can't miss Obama's penchant for patterns and bright colors in this snapshot from September 2010.
To complete her vintage-inspired look, Obama paired her pleated dress with pearls.
She hosted the December 2010 Kennedy Center Honors in a beaded gown by Naeem Khan.
When it comes to formal events, Obama often goes for sparkling gowns, as seen here.
Source: Huffington Post
Obama got backlash for wearing British designer Alexander McQueen to a January 2011 state dinner with Chinese leaders — but she looked incredible.
Obama finished off her look with a voluminous updo, statement earrings, and a wrap.
Source: Washington Post
Belts are another mainstay in Obama's wardrobe. Here's a flashy one she wore during a trip to London in May 2011.
The former First Lady used the eye-catching belt to add structure and shape to her shift dress.
On the same trip, for a banquet with the Queen, she chose a flowing Tom Ford gown.
Obama completed her glamorous outfit with long gloves, a sleek updo, and stunning earrings.
Source: New York Magazine
On July 4, 2011, she hosted a barbecue in Washington, D.C., and wore a bold Sophie Theallet sundress.
She paired her patterned dress with sandals and hoop earrings.
Source: Huffington Post
Obama chose a glittery Chris Benz dress with a timeless silhouette for a 2011 awards gala.
Obama took her look to the next level with a sleek updo and bold earrings.
Source: Huffington Post
That same year, she attended a ceremony for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in a cinched, sequined gown by Michael Kors.
She finished off her outfit with tons of statement jewelry.
Source: InStyle
And on Veterans Day 2011, she bundled up in an ornate skirt-jacket combo.
Obama finished her look with a pair of over-the-knee boots, leather gloves, and bib-like statement necklace.
She looked festive in this Cushnie et Ochs gown for White House Christmas celebrations a month later.
The former First Lady finished off her outfit with lots of eye makeup and statement earrings.
Obama appeared on an episode of "Top Chef" in 2012 wearing a bold outfit.
Obama topped off this colorful look with a metallic belt.
She welcomed British Prime Minister David Cameron to the White House in a Marchesa gown.
Obama's dress was glamorous, but her glittering statement necklace stole the show.
Source: InStyle
Later that spring, she attended the Kid's Choice Awards in shiny pants and an eye-catching jacket.
The former First Lady's outfit merged casual and glamorous details.
Obama wore Preen — one of her favorite labels — to a 2012 press conference.
She topped off her patterned dress with pearls and a bright yellow blazer.
She returned to Michael Kors for a Congressional Medal of Freedom ceremony, opting for a gown with Greek-goddess vibes.
Obama elevated her one-shoulder dress with an ornate belt.
Source: InStyle
She kicked off the DNC in 2012 wearing a dress by Tracy Reese and pumps reportedly from J.Crew.
Obama's dress was bright and had a quirky pattern.
Source: Huffington Post
In November 2012, she hit the campaign trail in a simple floral shirt dress.
The First Lady cinched her dress at the waist with a matching, built-in belt.
In 2013, she donned Naeem Khan yet again to present the Oscar for best picture via telecast.
Obama changed things up a bit, sporting chic blunt bangs.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
Obama picked this monochromatic ensemble for a visit to South Africa.
The only touch of color in this outfit came from Obama's jewelry.
She wore this stunning Tracy Reese flared dress for a ceremony in summer 2013.
Fit-flare dresses are one of Obama's favorite styles.
Source: USA Today
She deviated from slim silhouettes to wear this billowy Carolina Herrera gown at a French state dinner in 2014.
The top of her dress was made of embellished mesh, which paired nicely with her plain skirt.
Source: Washington Post
In May 2014, she gave a speech at the Metropolitan Museum of Art wearing another Naeem Khan dress.
Obama went for an emerald motif.
Source: New York Daily News
And she gave new meaning to the phrase "technicolor dreamcoat" in 2015.
She completed her outfit with silver heels, simple earrings, and pink lipstick.
For her second state dinner with the Chinese prime minister, Obama chose a gown from Chinese-American designer Vera Wang.
The Obamas showed off their personalities — and their stunning outfits.
Source: Washington Post
Obama proved that plain doesn't have to mean boring in this Narciso Rodriguez dress. She wore it to the President's final State of the Union in 2016.
Sometimes, the best outfits are the simplest ones, as seen here.
Source: CNN
She celebrated International Women's Day 2016 in a printed dress and classic black heels.
Although her outfit wasn't exactly practical for spray-painting, it was a classic Obama look.
During a trip to Cuba, she wore a colorful, embroidered frock by Naeem Khan.
She paired her outfit with sleek heels, bright earrings, and a tousled updo.
Source: InStyle
The Obamas danced the tango during a visit to Argentina earlier this year. The former First Lady stunned in this crystal-studded dress.
This ensemble was an instant classic. Obama paired her stately gown with matching earrings, a swept updo, and a masterful smoky eye.
Source: New York Magazine
This muted dress and jacket combo looked elegant during a visit to the British royal family.
Barack shielded the former First Lady and her dusty pink outfit from the rain.
The First Lady made a rare appearance in a suit at the 2016 Invictus games.
Obama went for a darker look at the sporting event, sticking to an all-black motif.
Source: US Weekly
Obama chose a flowy, feminine gown from Naeem Khan for a Nordic state dinner earlier this year.
The former First Lady added structure to her outfit with a high-waisted belt.
Source: InStyle
For the 2016 DNC, she made a speech in a simple but striking Christian Siriano dress.
Obama completed her look with a pair of shining heels.
Source: InStyle
This Naeem Khan ball gown was covered in hand-painted gold leaf.
Obama topped off this glamorous look with big, loose curls and an impressive contour.
Source: InStyle
And at her final state dinner in October, Obama dazzled guests in a rose gold chain mail gown custom made for her by Versace.
Some fans said that it was her best look yet.
Source: Washington Post
Obama went for an all-red ensemble for Trump's inauguration in January of 2017.
Obama showed off her personal style by pairing her ensemble with a pair of ruched boots.
In April 2017, Obama made her second public appearance of the year when she attended the AIA Conference on Architecture in Orlando, Florida, wearing a striped dress.
This neutral-toned look was unusual for Obama, who usually sticks to bright colors.
In May 2017, she spoke at a Healthier American event in Washington, D.C. She looked trendy in this belted ensemble.
Obama wore a high-low blouse that she cinched with a thick belt and trousers.
In July 2017, Obama wore a black dress with an unconventional neckline to the ESPYS in Los Angeles, California.
Obama put a modern spin on the timeless little black dress.
The former First Lady went for another sleek, modern look at the Obama Foundation Summit held in Chicago, Illinois, in October 2017.
Obama paired a simple blouse with high-waisted, plaid pants for a sophisticated, timeless ensemble.
The next day, Obama went for a decidedly more modern look for a portion of the summit in which Chance the Rapper performed.
Obama rocked a '90s-inspired ensemble, layering a sleeveless tunic over a white blouse. She finished off her outfit with simple black pants and a thin belt.
Obama went for a monochrome look with a white dress at the United States of Women Summit in May 2018.
She paired the a-line dress with matching white shoes.
When she launched her book "Becoming" in November 2018, Obama paired high-waisted white trousers with an asymmetrical top.
Obama's sparkly top nodded to the ensemble she sports on the cover of her book, though the top here is more of an evening look.
The former First Lady opted for a sparkly, pinstripe suit when she appeared on the "Jimmy Fallon" show in December 2018.
Obama put a modern touch on the suit, opting for high-waisted pants and a black top that featured a sweetheart neckline. She accessorized the look with strappy heels.
The former First Lady made a surprise appearance at the 2019 Grammys, where she wore a silver jacket and pants.
The suit featured a long belt accessory, creating an elevated look.
In May 2019, Obama wore a striking purple suit while on a stop of her book tour in Atlanta.
The former First Lady wore a sparkly, black top under the suit, which complimented her dangling earrings.
And in what might be her most daring look to date, Obama stepped out in a form-fitting yellow gown in November 2019 when she attended the American Portrait Gala.
The gown featured a silver overlay that added a chain mail-like texture to the gown. Obama kept her jewelry simple.
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