Michelle Obama's inauguration wardrobe reviewed

Just as President Barack Obama turned the page on American history Tuesday in Washington, First Lady Michelle Obama is turning the page on American design. The lemon-grass wool lace ensemble she chose for the swearing-in ceremony wasn’t designed by one of the aging custodians of the 7th Avenue Establishment Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan or Calvin Klein. It was by Isabel Toledo, a Cuban American whom nobody knows but everyone should.

By wearing clothes by up-and-coming designers such as Narciso Rodriguez, Thakoon Panichgul, Maria Pinto, Maria Cornejo and Toledo, Obama is helping to promote a new generation of talent, and write the next chapter in American fashion.

Toledo, who sells at Barneys New York, has been designing under her own name for 20 years in New York, and was briefly the creative director for Anne Klein. (Bet they wish they'd hung onto her now!) She is married to fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo. “She’s never been about making clothes to make herself famous,” says Rosemary Brantley, founding chairwoman of the Fashion Department at L.A.’s Otis School of Art and Design, where Toledo has been teaching since the 1990s. “She’s about flattering the figure and she’s curvaceous herself. Everything she does is thoughtful. She would never bang out a dress with a normal side seam. One of her things is rethinking construction.”

With its retro “Mad Men” silhouette and trendy yellow hue, the dress and coat proved that Obama can strike a balance between being conservative and taking risks. She looks better wearing one color, rather than breaking up her tall frame as she did on election night with the black-and-red Rodriguez dress.

Some might think that the inauguration ensemble was a tad dressy with its beaded collar. But Obama likes to dress up, and she’s determined to play her part in promoting fashion as fantasy. She may also have raised a few eyebrows with the borrowed $17,000 Loree Rodkin diamond chandelier drop earrings she wore to the “We Are One” concert over the weekend. After all, Nancy Reagan was skewered for borrowing clothes from Bill Blass, James Galanos and others. But that was before the red carpet became the runway, and lending became a key form of advertising for designers.

Besides, Obama knows how to do the high-low thing, too. She wore J. Crew for the Kid’s Inaugural Ball on Monday night. And just hours after the inauguration, the e-mails were already flooding in from Dress Barn, Bluefly and other  retailers about how to get the look for less.

Because fashion is a business and Michelle Obama means business.

-- Booth Moore

Related:

Photos: First ladies' inauguration gowns

Should Michelle Obama borrow clothes and jewels like a celeb? Nancy Reagan couldn't.

Michelle Obama chose Jimmy Choo’s green 'Glacier' pump for Inauguration Day ensemble

Michelle Obama Chooses Jason Wu for Inaugural Balls

Aretha Franklin's inaugural hat trick
 

Photo: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama escort former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, to a helicopter at the U.S. Capitol after Obama's inauguration. Credit: Tannen Maury / Bloomberg News

Comments

[lynn]

Michelle Obama has her own style and carries it off well. That she doesn't do traditional suits or a boxy jacket over a sheath is refreshing. She's a Chicagoan, not a New Yorker, so get over it you New Yorkers. I bet you loved Sarah Palin's outfits.

[calle bailey]

michelle is beautiful, however, i believe she would benifit from working with a consultation with a color analysis background......

[lynn]

Michelle Obama has her own style and carries it off well. That she doesn't do traditional suits or a boxy jacket over a sheath is refreshing. She's a Chicagoan, not a New Yorker, so get over it you New Yorkers. I bet you loved Sarah Palin's outfits.

[Rick]

What I liked about Mrs. Obama's Inauguration Event outfit was that it was textured and non-traditional, yet still modest. On the other hand, the tied bow completely didn't work at all. It drew attention in the wrong way and constantly looked unkempt, which is not her typical look. The gold often looked sickly green depending on the network and the camera. It was actually gold, and in that rendition, it was a beautiful textured earthy outfit. The wonderful thing is how little it matters, because she continues to prove that it's the person's character wearing the clothes that makes them and the clothes beautiful. And Michelle is always that.

[emccord1]

the first suit she had on was over kill too much for a afternoon event.she should have worn it for the ball's
because the one she has on is not for a woman with her build.her arms wer'e waving like a flag too much bye-bye-arm she should have worn somrthing with long sleeve's because it is after all winter time.and the color was a mess wu should have known better.our firs lady is a very pretty woman who needs someone to dress her.

[Lindy wine]

I think she did look beautiful. But.... why did she have to freeze? She wore a suit, no overcoat as the rest of her family got to wear. It was 27 degrees outside. They put her in stockings and heels. And the color was off. We need to find people who will design to her terrific athletic body. These people also need to consider the environment in which the clothes will be worn. We are talking form and function here---basic engineering.

[ROUESATHAO]

This message is for all people who is talking about
the first lady Michelle Obama ,how she dresses all of you
can talk about out side of her but just remember is is not
how she looks think smarter each of you,if you are intelligent and smart you can see inside of her heart.People who just critical others they are empty inside not love and
not feelings. The most important thing is the job they will
going to do for this Country.

[Jamie]

Another vote from the fashion industry here ---

In general I would recommend that Michelle get some wardrobe consultation ASAP. Generally she isn't pulled together appropriately for most occasions or for her new position as America's First Lady. So far she isn't a "fashion icon" and I've been stunned hearing some of the talking heads going on and on about it.

As for the outfit today, she looked better than at other events, but would agree that it may have been a bit too much for the inauguration and the ball gown was very disappointing and less than memorable.

These are all good examples of why she needs some help choosing her new wardrobe, not to mention that fashion disaster on Election Night -- what a mistake that was. Wrong dress for her and wrong dress for that occasion.

I will say she looked the BEST EVER at the Sunday concert, that should be her style as she carried it well.

For those who still think she's an icon, take a look at the videos of her at the Service Event on MLK day and at the Kids Concert or on the morning of Election Day at the polls. No aide or advisor should let her in front of cameras dressed like that and she should quit belting everything -- She's no Jackie Kennedy.

[Wendy]

I hope to goodness she is not around for 8 years. One day is enough already. She looks like a linebacker in drag. Did I see her playing football Sunday????

[Monica]

Jamie, please get out of my head. I thought I was the only one that felt that way. I racked it up to me not being a fashion person.

[Mugsy]

It is kinder to let someone in Michelle's position know truly whether or not her wardrobe is becoming to her - and better for our country's image, although looks can certainly put the lie to character in either case. First thing tomorrow, someone should be certain she has a three-way mirror, that she uses before she steps out in public. And second thing, she needs a wardrobe consultant and/or designer who cares how she looks. She is a large, mannish looking woman with poor posture, a very unfemiinine gait and awkward moves. Someone should advise her well how to dress and she should and can learn to be more graceful. I believe it would be beneficial to her and ease the stress she must feel being scrutinized all the time. She'll never please everyone, but she could improve her dress and appearance. I say this in all sincerity because I felt sympathy for her today even though she is not on my someone-I-admire list.

[Dolly May]

The outfit was totally inappropriate for the time of day and the great occassion. One should NEVER wear green and yellow together and the diamond collar thing was also totally out of place. Nothing wrong with wearing yellow - just has to be the right outfit, and the ball gown was a disaster - like a bed spread. She seems a lovely intelligent warm woman, but in the position she holds really needs to think about what she wears.

[kd]

I really wish I could say something nice about Mrs. Obama's fashion sense....but, I can't.

[Pam Coman]

I think she look lovely with her gold and the green gloves . Shhe had pick the right dress . She nremind me of Jackie Kennendy . .She was lovely . . She is our FIRST LADY . .

[Carolyn]

ALL OF YOU HATERS, MIGHT AS WELL GET A GRIP. MICHELLE IS A BEAUTIFUL BLACK WOMAN! I'M MUCH DARKER THAN MICHELLE BUT I LOVE VIBRANT COLORS, SO GET READY TO SEE SOME COLOR IN THE WHITE HOUSE, IN MORE WAYS THAT ONE.

[An Admirer]

First of all let's try to be kind and respectful and not so bent on cutting Michele O down, To the avearage citizen, which I consider myself to be, she was beautifully dressed. I say this from the heart - I respect and admire Michele, but being a tall woman she needs to focus on her "runway walk" - as she came to the innaugural podium her gait was rather unsophisticated - she did not flow- her gait and posture needs to be a little more polished and refined, I suggest she should practice her walk - the old school poise technique of walking with a book balanced on her head may be all she needs. Michele if you read this - please note that my intent is not to insult, but meant as some advice from any ordinary citizen - not a fashion mogul.

[s]

Remember that Michelle Obama is, above all, a very smart professional woman. On top of that, she happens to be different in many respects (such as her outfit taste). Isn't that part of breaking into the old boyz' network? I am proud of her (and also like her inauguration dress choice). I think we got a great two-in-one deal: a smart man for president with a smart woman for a first lady!

[fashionsense]

Love the OBama politics..hate their clothes. No the first Lady does not have the right to dress Tacky. She represents the country not Her Own Personal taste. She definitely needs a style committee to help her out. I have been looking at international comments, and the whole world is laughing a her and and her fashion faux paux. She is not the fiirst "First Lady" that needed a makevover FAST. Rememeber Hillary Clinton and the headbands, so tacky. Remember Laura Bush and those ill fitting tight suits that showed every ugle bump and curve. Michelle needs to show'm all she is up to the challenge of dressing with world class taste and stubbornly cling to "ethnic style". She needs to get that advice quick and on her next outting show she is the "people's" first Lady by her dress. After all we are paying for her clothes so we have some say in how she represents our country. She is after all our first lady not our "Queen".

[tonya davis]

I have excused and made excuses for her lack of fashion sense for a while after last nights tragedy i cant any more. I love her dearly, but she truly needs a stylist to help. The green was a beautiful dress but not for that occasion. for church sunday great not inaugration where there would be walking cold. She looked as if she were freezing out there. tie flying all around to much glitz on the neck for the day time. I still love her. AND BY THE WAY EVERYDAY PEOPLE STILL CAN ROCK FASHION.

[caroline]

Why do people keep saying she is athletic? She dresses to hide some considerable bulk through the hips and thighs.

[Nancy Tropoli]

The dress and matching coat I saw on TV was not yellow per se, rather a lemongrass, or green, that was beautiful. The French style made in America was an inspired choice. I did not care for the jeweled necklace or color of the gloves which detracted from the look, but all of you who say it was tacky or that Mrs. Obama needs a stylist do not know fashion.

[Naysayer]

Mrs. Obama looked absoloutey AWFUL in that yellow-green thing. The dress bunched up all wrong in the wrong places. The color was completely forgettable. The whole outfit was confused and unlovely. what was with those puke-colored gloves? Whatever happened to wearing appropriate outerwear on such a cold day? It was a disaster.

If that's an "icon" we need to redefine that word.

At the inaugural balls she looked like she'd gotten lost on her way to a prom in Hoboken. The dress was so wrong ... so puffy looking, and WHITE? Why WHITE? Just terrible. She kept reaching around to her backside and tugging at the train, and she doesn't know how to walk without a rolling gait. Not exactly graceful.

She needs to get the advice (and clothes) of some of the designers she's trying to act as though she does not need. She's wrong.

[Diane]

While both her inauguration dress and her ball gown were lovely, I do not feel that they did her justice. She is a large woman and looks better with simple, elegant cuts and draping fabrics. The place where the coat tied in front of her chest made it wing out into a tent shape lower down and it accentuated her somewhat wide hips. It would have looked better with out a tie at all or perhaps one at the waist. Her white gown might look lovely on a stick thin woman but the color, the doo-dads sticking out from it and the ungraceful way that the shoulder did not drape all combined to create an ungainly silhouette. There was also the fact that the train was impractical for dancing. I don't know what that designer was thinking but he needs to study the elegance of Balenciaga and others who knew how to dress First Ladies. Just because the Obama's appeal to a cool, hip younger generation doesn't mean that they should abandon classical elegance...it speaks to those timeless values that Obama mentioned in his speech.

[DaisyC]

The inaugural dress was beautiful and absolutely unique. It was perfect for Michelle. People who can only handle basic colors need to open their eyes and get out more. The First Lady is going to be a pleasure and a privilege to have as a representative for our country.

[suebee94]

I didn't like her outfit for the swearing in. It was a horrible choice. She should have worn a nice suit or sheath dress with a jacket in a nice color. That seagrass color did nothing for her complexion. She should have paid more attention to her outfit and less attention to the JimmyCho shoes. Who's looking at your feet. I also did not like her gown for the ball. It looked like a nightgown. She could have done a lot better. I think Mrs. Biden's gown looked much nicer.

[Regats]

Is she proud of her country yet?
Posted by: nani (ninny?)

Finally, after the USA has been disgraced for eight miserable years under an idiot and a war criminal, I think we can all again be proud of our country.

And Michelle - you're BABE!!

[bert]

Mrs. Obama looks HUGE in the picture in this LA times article! Seems to tower above the other 3 in the picture. Maybe looked better in person (I hope). Doesn't need this color or style on a blustery winter morning/afternoon. Her duds look like a bad old lady's "evening ensemble."

[Leannabelle]

Michelle Obama's white evening gown looked like swatches of toilet paper glued together, and something the bride of the Mummy would wear - and did quite a job of accentuating her behind. It was ghastly, and in keeping with her character. I do hope she's proud of her country now. She'll go down in history as the first First Lady to have spent her leisure time socializing with Louis Farrakhan's wife:

EXHIBIT A: http://frankfamilyfacts.blogspot.com/2008/06/michelle-obama-and-mother-khadijah.html

"Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike." --
Theodore Roosevelt

Loved that comment about the Goodwill store!

[jp]

Bowls of milk all around -- the First Lady looked stunning. Overdressed? HA! She SHOULD be the most beautifully dressed woman in the room.

But I feared she was waaay under-dressed (in terms of warmth) for the amount of time she spent in the biting cold. I thought the dress would be lovely for SHORT outdoor appearances -- but it seemed a bit too fussy for the long breezy (14-degree) walk down Pennsylvania Avenue.

[Leannabelle]

Loved that Linda Blair comment!

[Lara]

I liked Michelle Obama's fashion choices for the inauguration and for the inaugural balls. I think those with negative commentary need to be reminded they are not the fashion police.

[mary]

I thought the green yellow was frumpy and too old for a young woman like Michelle. It was not her color. Ugly.Bad taste for the 1st lady. She will learn as time goes by.
Not stylist. Frumpy. I know it was cold. NO excuse. I lived in Chicago for many years. There are lot's of way to stay warm with under clothes. She need a new designer. No more old lady clothes. Didn't go with her skin color. It looked yellow on TV.

[Bella]

It amazes me how everyone thinks she should look boring and bland like everyone else. She is bold and so are her fashion choices. And man it is about time. The color worked well with her skin tone, and she mixed it up. Finally, someone who is not afraid to wear something other than blue, black, red, or brown. Kudos Michelle!!

[mary]

It's funny the comments are suppose to be on what we thought of her out fits. What is all the negative because we didn't like the one outfit . the ugly green yellow frumpy out fit. She is a very intelligent woman but need help in picking clothing for her self and children. This is not making fun of her or her lovely family. We are trying to help. She is 1st Lady of our country and should look the best. We are trying to help. It has nothing to do with her other than that.

[Sarah]

Michelle, her daughers and Barack were perfection ... she is a major fashion force ... the Toledo and the inaugural ball gown were sensational ... love the mixing of the yellow/gold tones with the J Crew green gloves and Choo shoes. She rocks, she's smart, she's elegant and I can't wait for more of all of them ...

[Wiseowl]

Mrs. Obama's two piece outfit at the "Swearing In" reminded me of pictures that I have seen of "Eleanor Roosevelt......The outfit was not flattering to her figure. Also, Mrs. Obama seems to have put on a little weight.
I think she would have looked nicer if she had worn a hat.

A simple dress in Maroon with a round neck would have suited her better. The white ball grown was too fluffy....Mrs. Obama seems to look well in Aqua or Turqoise and that in a ball dress with light sequins would have looked so much better. Pactice will show her better.

[Carelisabeth]

She is a lovely woman But.. the fabric of the dress
and the color made her look frumpy and heavier
than she is. She looked like a linebacker ready for
the Superbowl. However, I have seen her dress
time and time again very elegant and glamorous.
She'll get it right.

[Dee]

Inaugural!!

[Janice]

Mrs. Obama needs to learn to walk in Jimmy Choos shoes.

[Roberta]

The inaugural outfit was OK but too much flapping about in the wind. The prom/bridal dress was not flattering to her pear-shaped figure. And that prayer service dress! This is winter, my dear, and you were underdressed in a really ugly frock. Roberta

[Pam]

I LOVED EVERYTHING!!! All of you negative "Monday Night Football commentators" are not walking in her shoes or Jimmy Choo's. She is the FABULOUS First Lady, If she'd spend thousands of dollars you would have something to say so. It is what it is. Who could have been as COUNTRY as the "lady who just left the White House".
"WORK IT MICHELLE!!!!!!

[pam]

Mrs Obama was FABULOUS!!!!!!!!

[Ginny]

The inaugural coat should at least have been lined in matching green-gold rather than white. It looked cheap. The coat did not even cover her. It looked much too small for her and that ribbon tie made the coat look like a bathrobe. And that jeweled neckline . . . All she needed was a matching tiara. Michelle is a beautiful woman. She deserves a better stylist. Her ball gown looked like something a 16 year old would wear. She needed a sharp, clean silhouette in a vibrant color.

[Bernice]

Mrs. Obama, has a right to make her own fashion statement. The color of the suit was quite refreshing, in fact I loved it. She was beautiful in the suit and the gown.

[mike]

Well Guess what????
She wore the Lemongrass Coat Dress and the White grown and what we think doesn't matter!!!!!!

How about that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[yvonna]

I too can not believe that these responders are looking at the same outfits I saw. I agree with those who disliked her election night outfit, but not the inaugural outfits. She was absolutely stunning in both outfits.

I have to say I was a bit nervous about what she might choose for this special ocasion, because though she is stunning and lovely, there are a few times when I was a bit disaapointed in her choice of outfits. But when I saw her first outfit I was relieved--she looked elegant and lovely; she exudes cofidence and competence and most of all she stood out from the boring-uninspiring pack. I was very pleased and was smiling with pride through out the function.

I was even more nervous about the ball room gown because this is the big one, but again when I saw her emerge I was overjoyed. I was pleased that she once again made a smart fashion decision. I was even more happy when the president flattered her with his compliment "how goodlooking is my wife"? he procaimed. Very goodlooking in that dress Mr. President. Indeed Mrs. O was stunningly beuatiful in that white pincess-like dress. It's effect was dreamlike and very fitting to that moment in time. Afterall, this occasion is like a dream come true, right?

The white color contrasted her dark radiant skin perfectly and the asymetric cut accented her beautiful toned arms, shoulders and back. Her skin was flawless and her muscles long, lean, and beautifully toned. She was blisfsully stunning. She is the total package. She makes me proud and she makes America proud; as do her children and the President.

Malia and Sasha looked smart and stunning and the president's speech was profound.

This is an America to be proud of. A BIG THANK YOU TO THE FIRST FAMILY; YOU MAKE US PROUD.

[Kitty]

I, and many I have spoken with, thought Michelle's dress looked like a bad high school prom dress. Not the prom queen for sure.

Wal-mart might have had a classier looking choice. Nasty!

[jaison]

As a black male, who is usually accustomed to seeing Fashion Trend setting Black women, I was utterly appalled with Michelle gruesome greenish Funeral Tapestry attire. I can only pray that this is not what we have to expect in the future..

[syp]

I LOVE Michelle Obama. She is a woman of her own kind. She does not need to be like Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, or Mrs. Bush to be an icon. She has a class all her own. NO ONE should be talking about her in a disrespectful way, she is giving all young woman of color hope and inspiration. She is the most hard-working and dedicated woman I have yet to see in the media, someone with true ethics, values and morals... and a genuine heart. She always looks beautiful to me! Fashion is not important. Just look at how many women suffer from eating disorders and shopping addictions and credit card debt--all because they want to be "fashionable" like the women in movies. The way celebrities look and dress is not reality. Michelle is just having fun for once in her life, so let her explore and experiment and enjoy her time as First Lady. She worked very hard and is the backbone of her family. So back off people and if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all!

[Virginia Hulsey]

Michelle is a lovely women, but good lord her clothes! That ball gown looked like shapeless curtains and she fought it every time she tried to move! In a word, terrible!