Fashion Clothing Michelle Obama's Fashion Evolution in Over 100 Looks The former first lady is a style icon. By InStyle Editors InStyle Editors Our editors and writers comprise decades of expertise across the beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness spaces in print and digital. We prioritize journalistic integrity, factual accuracy, and also having fun with every story we share. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on February 12, 2023 @ 08:59AM Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Steven Ferdman/Getty Images 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 into 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 toward 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. How Michelle Obama Found Her Light (And You Can, Too) See exactly how Michelle Obama's style has evolved by taking a look back at her best fashion moments over the years. 01 of 108 2022 - Teal Suit Randy Holmes / ABC via Getty Images Michelle Obama opted for a teal suit with a jumbo flower boutonniere, completing her look with a pair of metallic pointed-toe sling-backs on Jimmy Kimmel Live! 02 of 108 2022 - Leather Suit Derek White / Getty Images for ABA Dressed in head-to-toe leather, Obama looks more like a street-style star than a former first lady. We are also loving the details of this look, from her studded boots to her face-framing tendrils. The Best Faux Leather Pants to Wear When You're Tired of Jeans 03 of 108 2022 - Head-To-Toe Denim Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images for Live Nation As part of her The Light We Carry tour, Obama made a stop in D.C. wearing this denim-on-denim look. It's fashion-forward without trying too hard. 5 Easy Denim-On-Denim Outfits to Revamp Your Wardrobe 04 of 108 2022 - Three-Piece Suit Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for Albie Awards The former first lady gives the three-piece suit a modern-day makeover with bright, bold color. If menswear ever met Barbiecore we're pretty sure it would look something like this. 05 of 108 2019 - Sergio Hudson Erika Goldring / Contributor For her appearance at the Essence Festival, Obama wore a belted blue sequin jumpsuit by Sergio Hudson. How to Wear Sequins and Shine Without Feeling So Extra 06 of 108 2019 - Crystal-Embellished Cape SOPA Images / Contributor A black suit gets a major upgrade with a crystal-embellished cape. 07 of 108 2019 - Dundas Rune Hellestad - Corbis / Contributor For her Oslo Becoming stop, Obama opted for a suit by Peter Dundas with a green sash detail and embroidered lapels. 08 of 108 2019 - Stella McCartney Mike Marsland / Contributor Michelle paired a Stella McCartney jumpsuit — appropriate for an event at London's O2 Arena — with a pair of patent black stilettos. I’m a Picky Fashion Editor, and Even I Would Lose It Over These 9 Gifts 09 of 108 2019 - Acne Studios Michael Campanella / Contributor For her stop in Stockholm, Obama chose a custom mint green suit from Acne Studios with a cropped jacket. 10 of 108 2019 - Stine Goya MARTIN SYLVEST / Contributor The millennial pink suit Obama wore in Copenhagen is from Stine Goya. 11 of 108 2019 - Fe Noel Rick Kern / Contributor For her Becoming stop in Austin, Michelle chose a radiant peach-and-orange outfit from Fe Noel. 17 Effortlessly Chic Monochrome Outfits 12 of 108 2019 - Elie Saab Gary Miller / Contributor 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. 13 of 108 2018 - Cushnie MediaNews Group / The Mercury News / Getty Images This rose color looks amazing on Obama, and we love how the Cushnie designers accented the silky blazer with a rope belt. 14 of 108 2018 - Balmain NBC / Getty Images 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. The 20 Best Blazers That Will Instantly Elevate Any Outfit 15 of 108 2018 - Balenciaga Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images There's no doubt that people will be talking about this look for years to come, especially the glittery Balenciaga boots. 16 of 108 2019 - Givenchy Jack Taylor / Getty Images 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. 17 of 108 2018 - Karen Walker Sarah Morris / Getty Images Obama gave us further proof that she's the queen of suits in a denim design by Karen Walker. 18 of 108 2018 - Christopher Kane Paul Morigi / Getty Images The crystal embellishments on this Christopher Kane blazer added enough sparkle for Obama to keep jewelry to a minimum. 19 of 108 2018 - Adeam Roy Rochlin / Getty Images This military wrap jacket by Adeam, with its asymmetric tail and peplum finishing, was made for Obama. 20 of 108 2018 - Jonathan Simkhai Lorenzo Bevilaqua / Getty Images During an appearance on Good Morning America, she paired a pinstripe Jonathan Simkhai with Jennifer Fisher jewelry. 21 of 108 2017 - Black Pin-Striped Dress Marla Aufmuth / Getty for Pennsylvania Conference for Women 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. 22 of 108 2017 - Jason Wu AP Photo / Nam Y. Huh 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. 8 Ways to Wear a Sheer Lace Dress, According to Stylists 23 of 108 2016 - Tracy Reese Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images While speaking at the Veterans Homelessness Summit, FLOTUS glowed in a cheery Tracy Reese floral-print dress, black pumps, and silver hoop earrings. 24 of 108 2016 - Atelier Versace Olivier Douliery / Pool via CNP / MediaPunch / IPX 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. 25 of 108 2016 - Giambattista Valli Startraks Photo 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. 26 of 108 2016 - Black Floral Dress Paul Morigi / Getty Images Obama 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. The One Accessory Both Amal Clooney and Kate Middleton Wear on Repeat 27 of 108 2016 - Self-Portrait Bruce Glikas / Bruce Glikas / FilmMagic She 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 feels fun and tasteful. 28 of 108 2016 - Naeem Khan MediaPunch / AKM-GSI 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. 29 of 108 2016 - Brandon Maxwell Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP Photo 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. 30 of 108 2016 - Naeem Khan Mark Wilson / Getty Images 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. 31 of 108 2016 - Christian Siriano Olivier Douliery / Abacausa / startraksphoto.com Michelle Obama 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. 32 of 108 2016 - Creatures of the Wind Leigh Vogel / Getty Images For the 3rd Annual Beating the Odds Summit, Obama 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. 33 of 108 2016 - Barbara Tfank REX / Shutterstock 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. 34 of 108 2016 - Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Europa Press / Getty Images The First Lady looked ever so chic as she departed Madrid, Spain, in this black floral dress with an overlapping white graphic print. 35 of 108 2016 - Altuzarra PDN / SIPA / REX / Shutterstock 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. 36 of 108 2016 - Wrap Dress Abdeljalil Bounhar / AP Photo 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. 37 of 108 2016 - Boss Courtesy 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. 38 of 108 2016 - Narciso Rodriguez Evan Vucci / AP Photo 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. 39 of 108 2016 - Naeem Khan Pablo Martinez Monsivais 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. 6 Exercises for Sculpted Arms From a Master SoulCycle Instructor 40 of 108 2016 - Black Tailored Blazer Tyler Golden / NBC / NBCU Photo Bank / Getty Images 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. 41 of 108 2016 - Oscar de la Renta John Stillwell - WPA Pool / Getty Images 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. 42 of 108 2016 - Knee-Length Dress JUAN MABROMATA / AFP / Getty Images 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. 43 of 108 2016 - Narciso Rodriguez Sylvina Frydlewsky / EFE / Sipa USA Obama arrived in Ezeiza, Argentina in a deep purple Narciso Rodriguez dress with orange graphic detailing. 44 of 108 2016 - Naeen Khan Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images 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. 45 of 108 2016 - Jason Wu NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP / Getty Images 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. 46 of 108 2016 - Tanya Taylor REX / Shutterstock 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. 47 of 108 2016 - Printed Dress Mark Wilson / Getty Images 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. 48 of 108 2016 - Narciso Rodriguez SAUL LOEB / AFP / Getty Image FLOTUS looked stunning in a marigold-hued, banded wool crepe dress by Narciso Rodriguez for President Obama's final State of the Union address. 49 of 108 2015 - Vera Wang Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images 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. 50 of 108 2015 - Carolina Herrera Olivier Douliery-Pool / Getty 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. 51 of 108 2015 - Carolina Herrera Olivier Douliery / ABACA For the 2015 Kids' State Dinner held at the White House, the First Lady looked positively gorgeous in a botanical-print Carolina Herrera shirtdress and matching suede pumps. 8 Designers Tell Us What It's Like to Dress First Lady Michelle Obama 52 of 108 2015 - Missoni Pier Marco Tacca / Getty Images 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. 53 of 108 2015 - Duro Olowu Jacopo Raule / Getty Images 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. 54 of 108 2015 - Christopher Kane Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images FLOTUS met with the United Kingdom's Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife in a custom Christopher Kane design inspired by the brand's pe-fall 2015 collection. 55 of 108 2015 - Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Chris Radburn / PA Wire / ABACAPRESS.COM 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. 56 of 108 2015 - Zac Posen Olivier Douliery-Pool / Getty Images The FLOTUS dazzled in a sleeveless number at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. 57 of 108 2015 - Thakoon AKM-GSI At the dedication ceremony for the Whitney Museum of American Art, she donned a graphic rose-strewn Thakoon design. 58 of 108 2015 - Tadashi Shoji Courtesy 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. Michelle Obama Wore Her Hair Straight Because Americans "Weren't Ready" for Her Natural Hair 59 of 108 2015 - Zac Posen Brad Barket / Getty Images 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. 60 of 108 2015 - Roksanda TANG CHHIN SOTHY / AFP / Getty 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. 61 of 108 2015 - Alice + Olivia TANG CHHIN SOTHY / AFP / Getty 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. 62 of 108 2015 - BCBG Max Azria TANG CHHIN SOTHY / AFP / Getty 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. 16 Elevated Converse Outfits That Look So Darn Good 63 of 108 2015 - Altuzarra The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images 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. 64 of 108 2015 - Kenzo The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images 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. 65 of 108 2014 - Monique Lhuillier Brendan Smialowski / AFP / Getty Images 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. 66 of 108 2014 - Diane von Furstenberg Getty Images 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. 7 Fall Fashion Trends You're About to See Everywhere, According to 2 Stylists 67 of 108 2014 - Bibhu Mohapatra Olivier Douliery-Pool / Getty Michelle Obama looked positively statuesque in a white 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. 68 of 108 2014 - Prabal Gurung Fiickr / U.S. Department of State 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. 69 of 108 2015 - Floral Printed Top MANDEL NGAN / AFP / Getty Images For the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, Michelle Obama 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. 70 of 108 2014 - Carolina Herrera MANDEL NGAN / AFP / Getty Images Michelle Obama wore a botanical-printed Carolina Herrera shirtdress for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders meeting in Washington, D.C. The Shirt Dress 2.0 Is Here, and It's Actually Better Than the Original 71 of 108 2014 - Tanya Taylor UPI / John Angelillo / LANDOV 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. 72 of 108 2014 - Marchesa Olivier Douliery-Pool / Getty For the 100th Annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, the First Lady dazzled in gray tulle Marchesa and Cathy Waterman jewels. 73 of 108 2014 - AG Adriano Goldschmied Leigh Vogel / WireImage 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. A Look Back at Kate Middleton's Style Through the Years 74 of 108 2013 - J. Mendel Theo Wargo / WireImage The First Lady was in the holiday spirit during the taping of TNT's 'Christmas in Washington,' where she paired a white tailored J. Mendel embroidered jacket with an ivory pleated skirt. 75 of 108 2013 - Marchesa Kristoffer Tripplaar-Pool / Getty Images Michelle Obama had all eyes on her during the 36th Kennedy Center Honors Gala, where she stunned in an emerald off-the-shoulder Marchesa silk chiffon Grecian gown. She kept her accessories light with just a silver necklace and drop earrings. 76 of 108 2013 - Tracy Reese Andre Chung / MCT via Getty Images First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King in a flared Tracy Reese frock with scarlet flower detailing. 77 of 108 2013 - Prabal Gurung John Stillwell - WPA Pool / Getty Images Michelle Obama wore a floral print Prabal Gurung frock to meet Prince Harry, who joined her during an early Mother's Day tea party that honored women of military families. 78 of 108 2013 - Naeem Khan Pete Souza / The White House via Getty Images FLOTUS appeared via video feed in a custom-made smoke gray and silver art deco Naeem Khan beaded gown to announce Argo as the winner for Best Picture during the Academy Awards. Mrs. Obama finished her look with dangling earrings and her new fringe. The 8 Most Popular Types of Bangs 79 of 108 2013 - Jason Wu Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images For President Obama's State of the Union Address, the First Lady showed her support in this leather and quilted tweed Jason Wu frock, accented with a gold flower brooch. 80 of 108 2013 - Reed Krakoff Chuck Kennedy For First Lady's second official portrait, she opted to wear an asymmetrical, navy silk and wool crepe dress by designer Reed Krakoff. "Michelle Obama is one of the great style icons of our time," Krakoff told InStyle.com. "She embodies the strength and empowerment at the core of the Reed Krakoff woman, so it is an honor that she chose to wear one of our designs." 81 of 108 2013 - Jason Wu Michael Kovac / WireImage Michelle Obama took the Inaugural Ball stage in a red Jason Wu halter gown and stacked Kimberly McDonald for Forevermark bangles. 82 of 108 2013 - Thom Browne Jacket, Reed Krakoff and J.Crew Chip Somodevilla / Pool / Startraksphoto The First Lady waved to well-wishers as she made her way through the Capitol during the Inauguration Parade in a navy and light blue checked coat by Thom Browne, Reed Krakoff boots, and J.Crew accessories. 83 of 108 2013 - Michael Kors Larry Downing / Landov The night before the public Inauguration ceremony, Michelle Obama accompanied President Obama to a reception at the National Building Museum celebrating the start of his second term in a glittering black Michael Kors dress. 84 of 108 2013 - Reed Krakoff Brendan Smialowski / Pool / Startraksphoto At President Obama's private swearing-in ceremony at the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama wore a custom-made ultramarine Reed Krakoff dress and cardigan. The 20 Best Cardigans That Make Layering a Breeze 85 of 108 2012 - Michael Kors John Gress / Landov To kick off President Obama's second term in Chicago, the First Lady chose a magenta pintucked high-shine silk dress look by Michael Kors — a piece she pulled from her closet — with a black shrug, pointy-toe pumps, and a House of Lavande 1950s Schreiner magenta rhinestone brooch. 86 of 108 2012 - Laura Smalls Streeter Lecka / Getty Images Michelle Obama and her two daughters — Sasha and Malia — joined President Obama onstage during the Democratic National Convention wearing a burgundy floral frock by an under-the-radar designer Laura Smalls, along with an Alexis Bittar brooch. 87 of 108 2012 - Tracy Reese Alex Wong / Getty Images Not only did she deliver a moving speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, but Mrs. Obama shined in a pink-and-gold frock custom-made by Detroit-based designer, Tracy Reese. 88 of 108 2012 - Michael Kors Emmanuel Dunand / AFP / Getty Images The First Lady wore a Michael Kors crepe sheath and matching jacket for President Obama's second presidential debate at Hofstra University. So Many Shades of Pink Are Trending Right Now 89 of 108 2012 - Michael Kors and J. Crew Kevin Winter / NBCUniversal / Getty Images The First Lady walked onto The Tonight Show with Jay Leno stage in a Michael Kors gold crew neck and a J. Crew skirt accessorized with a House of Lavande jeweled belt and blush pumps. 90 of 108 2012 - Marchesa Alex Wong / Pool / Sipa USA FLOTUS hosted the British Prime Minister and his wife in Washington D.C. wearing a teal, off-the-shoulder Marchesa gown and layered Tom Binns necklaces. 91 of 108 2012 - Barbara Tfank Mark Wilson / Getty Images Michelle Obama attended President Obama's annual State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. wearing a sapphire blue dress by Barbara Tfank accessorized with an Alexis Bittar brooch. "It is a great honor and pleasure to assist The First Lady," said Tfank exclusively to InStyle.com, who customized the look from one of her resort 2012 collection pieces just for the First Lady. 92 of 108 2012 - J. Mendel Johnny Nunez / WireImage The First Lady attended the BET Honors to present an award to Maya Angelou in a scarlet organza one-shoulder J. Mendel gown. Pick a Favorite Shoulder, Because Asymmetrical Styles Are Everywhere for Spring '22 93 of 108 2011 - Michael Kors Chris Kleponis Pool / Sipa Press For the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Phoenix Awards, Michelle Obama wore a sequin fishtail skirt by Michael Kors and a simple black top with a corset belt by Peter Soronen. 94 of 108 2011 - Alexander McQueen Reuters / Jim Young / Landov Mr. Obama wore a stunning printed silk and organza Alexander McQueen gown paired with ruby and geode Kimberly McDonald earrings for a state dinner with the Republic of China. 95 of 108 2011 - Vera Wang Brendan Smialowski-Pool / Getty Images Michelle Obama was the belle of the ball in a strapless custom Vera Wang tulle gown with a feathered organza train for the 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors. 96 of 108 2011 - Ralph Lauren Yui Mok / PA Wire / Abaca USA Michelle Obama wore her finest Ralph Lauren black evening wear and jewels for a dinner with Queen Elizabeth II in London. 97 of 108 2011 - Tom Ford Reuters / Larry Downing / Landov Mrs. Obama dined at Buckingham Palace in a white Tom Ford gown accessorized with long opera gloves, teardrop danglers, and a crystal minaudière. 98 of 108 2011 - Doo-Ri Chung Alex Wong / Getty Images While hosting a State Dinner with the President and First Lady of South Korea, Michelle Obama wore a draped purple one-shoulder gown designed by Korean-American designer, Doo-Ri Chung. 99 of 108 2011 - Halston Martin H. Simon / Pool / Abaca USA The First Lady and President Obama hosted the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in a coffee-colored Halston gown with Irit Design jewels. She even got to sit next to comedian Seth Meyers, who made a speech during the event. 100 of 108 2010 - Norman Norell AP Photo / Manuel Balce Ceneta For the filming of the annual "Christmas in Washington" special, Michelle Obama wore a black dress with lace overlay from the '50s created by the late American designer Norman Norell, which she purchased from New York Vintage in New York City. Tired of Y2K? These '50s Fashion Trends Are Back and Ready to Invade Your Closet 101 of 108 2009 - Naeem Khan Nicholas Kamm / AFP / Getty Images For a state dinner with the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and his wife, Gursharan Kaur, Michelle Obama wore this hand-made strapless gown by Indian-American designer, Naeem Khan. She accessorized her sequined nude chiffon dress with rose cut, amber and tourmaline pear-shaped Bochic earrings and stacks of gold and diamond bangles. 102 of 108 2009 - Azzedine Alaia Sascha Schuermann / AFP / Getty Images Mrs. Obama joined her husband on the red carpet for a NATO event in Baden-Baden, Germany, looking sleek and sophisticated in an Azzedine Alaia little black dress. 103 of 108 2009 - Peter Soronen Mandel Ngan / AFP / Getty Images As Hollywood's biggest stars walked the Oscars' red carpet, Michelle Obama turned heads at the Governors' Dinner wearing an extraordinary sequined gown by Peter Soronen topped with a bold necklace by Tom Binns. 104 of 108 2009 - Michael Kors REUTERS / Joyce Boghosian / The White House / Landov The First Lady chose to bare her arms in a sporty Michael Kors design for her official White House portrait. She finished the look with her favorite accessory, a double-strand pearl necklace. 2022 Is All About Pearlcore, According to Pinterest and Fashion Experts 105 of 108 2009 - Jason Wu Saul Loeb / AFP / Getty Images The First Lady joined her husband at the Inaugural Ball in the now-iconic ivory chiffon one-shouldered Jason Wu gown adorned with rosette appliqués and beading. The two shared their first dance as President and First Lady to Beyonce singing Etta James' classic "At Last." 106 of 108 2009 - Isabel Toledo Ron Sachs / Pool / Getty Images Michelle Obama joined President Obama at the inaugural parade wearing a lace-over-wool Isabel Toledo lemongrass matching dress and coat. 107 of 108 2008 - Narciso Rodriguez Scott Olson / Getty Images The morning after Barack Obama swept the polls and was elected as the next president of the United States, the First Lady stepped onto a Chicago stage in a black and red Narciso Rodriguez dress. 108 of 108 1992 - Wedding Dress Obama For America / Reuters / Corbis Michelle and Barack Obama first met at a law firm in Chicago in 1989 when Michelle (neé Robinson), then 25, was assigned to mentor Obama, a 27-year-old law associate still studying at Harvard. They tied the knot in 1992 where she wore an off-the-shoulder wedding gown with long sleeves paired with a princess-length veil and diamond drop earrings.