First Family fashion at the inauguration

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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First Family fashion at the inauguration

— by Angie

on January 21, 2009

Yesterday marked the beginning of a new era for the United States as the Obama’s were sworn in as our new First Family. Let’s take a closer look at the outfits that President Obama, his wife and two daughters wore to the inauguration:

Barack: His flawless black suit, white shirt and red tie made a killer impression. I loved his burgundy scarf and black gloves. I’ll give our stylish new President 10 out of 10 for his ensemble. Absolutely perfect.
Michelle: Her gold-embossed coat and matching shift-style dress looked regal and dazzling. I personally would have enjoyed seeing Michelle in a Chanel suit, but I loved that her gold ensemble was unexpected because it symbolizes change. I couldn’t quite make out what was going on in-between the coat and the dress. At first I thought it was a cardigan, then I thought it was a dickey, and later I thought it might be a decorative panel sewn onto the dress plus a scarf. I’m still not quite sure, but all in all, the ensemble struck a super balance between looking conservative and taking a fashion risk. Daytime sparkle is a 2009 trend, which makes Michelle spot on. I also enjoyed the touch of the teal shoes and gloves.
Malia and Sasha: The girls looked gorgeous in their retro coats. I adored Malia’s cobalt blue coat that was accessorized with black muffler, gloves, hose and shoes. Sasha’s peach and orange ensemble looked youthful, fresh and adorable. Such beautiful little ladies.

Bring on the fashion critique. Did you like what our First Family wore on Inauguration Day?

Get the details on Michele’s outfit at the Daily News. See feedback on her ensemble from several fashion pros at The Huffington Post.

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38 comments · Add a comment

Rhonda

I thought Obama was impeccable and especially loved his burgundy scarf, as you did. I’ve been trying to figure out Michele’s outfit, also. One article I read called it a green-gold sheath with a sweater and coat, paired with green gloves and green Jimmy Choo pumps. I personally did not lilke the outfit and felt it was a little over-the-top. In contrast, I thought Laura Bush looked lovely in her simple dress and matching coat. But I can appreciate Michele’s fashion sense and boldness to be herself, and express “change” through the yellow color.

January 21, 2009 at 9:01 am

tassajara

Oh dear, so many of the commenters on The Huffington Post are unnecessarily harsh!

I think she, Barack and the children looked great at the inauguration…

January 21, 2009 at 9:02 am

Eva

I also thought Barack was a 10, expecially with the scarf and I thought the girls looked lovely, too. But I differ with you on Michelle’s outfit. I thought it looked matronly – Queen Elizabeth rather than the wife of a president promoting hope and change. She has such a stately presence. I would have prefered sharp suit with a structured jacket (didn’t one of the other wives wear one?). But it was nice to see she combined designer wear with mass wear with her J. Crew gloves and Jimmy Cho patent shoes.

Any thoughts on her evening gown?

January 21, 2009 at 9:10 am

redhead

The daytime dress was ok, even though it initally reminded me of Nancy Kerrigans gold costume during the olympics all those years ago… I agree that Laura Bush looked lovely and appropriate, as she always did. Although I apprecate Mrs. Obama’s sense of contemporary style, I thought her ball gown was dreadful and did nothing to compliment her.

January 21, 2009 at 9:10 am

Tiffany

I liked Michelle’s dress and coat, as well as her ball gown, but I didn’t think they looked as good on her as they could have. To me, the way the coat kept blowing open wider at the bottom than the top accentuated her hips, and the gathered waist of the gown did the same. I don’t mean to be overly critical, but as tall and statuesque as she is, I felt she could have done better.

January 21, 2009 at 9:21 am

Linda

Little Sasha’s outfit was my favorite of all! I think Michelle’s daytime and nighttime dresses were both a little too texturally complicated for TV. On my non-HD screen, all the fluffy bits on the white gown made her look pregnant. I’d have to see them in person to know how they really looked, but she’d probably look good even in sweatpants.

I did love her green gloves!

January 21, 2009 at 9:21 am

Jillian

I am thrilled by Mrs. Obama’s style and that we have a First Lady with so much to offer: smart, accomplished lawyer and business executive, a mother, a daughter, a wife… and stylish to boot. Sure, her outfits will have hits and misses– this is inevitable for someone who is balancing so much and is constantly under public scrutiny. But, we won’t be bored! What I loved most about yesterday’s styles was that she seemed comfortable (ok, maybe a bit cold?) and that Mr. Obama clearly thought his wife looked lovely and said so (refer to the balls).

January 21, 2009 at 9:22 am

Babe

I felt chilly watching her, hoping she was wearing a silk full slip or something insulating underneath that dress. I read that the dress was wool, but I thought a suit or coat would have made more sense.

Also, why didn’t more people wear hats? This was a perfect day for it. Hairdo’s askew. Freezing temperatures. When they invite ME to an inaugural ceremony, I’ll wear a beautiful, warm hat! I’ll ask Anj to choose one for me. I tend toward animal prints, but no real fur. Aretha’s was, … well, that’s Aretha. Love her.

January 21, 2009 at 9:22 am

Kim from Nebraska

I thought Laura Bush looked matronly….but well, she is a matron; it was too colorless for me. I liked Mrs. Obama’s day and night ensembles were cool. And the kids were great — stylish but also CHILD AND AGE appropriate (if you want to watch something weird, watch the ads for those new kiddie beauty pageant shows that are going to run on TLC…..it is scary and very sad to see full-blown makeup on a 2 year old). I also thought Jill Biden just rocked. I LOVED the red coat with asymmetrical collar and her perfect fitting boots and her strapless evening gown, again in red, looked very nice on her.

It may have been my TV, but it seemed like the colors of the day were purple and also burgundy — Diane Feinstein’s burgundy coat was quite lovely.

Aretha Franklin can really rock a hat, can’t she?

Oddest get up– the big furry hat on the senior President Bush. Looked like he was wearing a raccoon on his head.

January 21, 2009 at 9:22 am

Meredith

Perhaps I was just completely overcome by the moment, but I absolutely loved everyone’s outfits. I especially loved Michelle’s ensemble, and the coats the girls wore. I was a tiny bit worried that everyone was getting a little cold without winter hats to cover their ears.

As for the balls that evening, loved Michelle’s white dress and Mr. Obama’s shoes!!

January 21, 2009 at 9:24 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Interesting. While I did not *love* Michelle’s outfit, I absolutely believe it worked and was utterly appropriate AND new. I think like Meredith, I was also a little overcome by the event and saw a lot more positive than negative. If anything I’d have liked to see a coat closure that was more structured. But then I realized that Michelle needed to wave her arms about and that would have been uncomfortable. I’m surprised to hear all the bad press reviews. I feel they are harsh (to your point Tassajara). I actually thought Laura Bush looked drab and old in her grey suit. It was not a flattering colour, even though I liked the silhouette of the outfit.

I liked Michelle’s ball gown too. I thought the bodice was particularly pretty. I’d have preferred fewer gathers at the waist but the colour on Michelle’s’ dark skin was outstanding.

I agree that Jill Biden looked amazing.

January 21, 2009 at 9:36 am

Tanya

I adored the coats that the girls wore,and Mr. Obama look perfect. As for Michelle, I liked but didn’t love both of her looks. I did like the evening gown a bit better than the day outfit, but both had a bit too much going on for me. Overall, a very stylish family.

January 21, 2009 at 9:46 am

Christie

Here’s the scoop and my opinion. First of all, I differ with you Angie on Michelle’s outfit. I’m glad she didn’t wear Chanel. She is representing American designers, and she wears clothing that is reasonably priced mixed with top-notch American designers. I think Chanel would be too French and too over-the-top for classic and preppy Michelle. In particular, she loves JCrew, and often sports something from them (her gloves in this instance; at the Kid’s party this past weekend, she wore a complete JCrew ensemble).

Malia and Sasha were completely in JCrew clothing, designed especially for them as part of the CrewCuts line.

Barack’s outfit was actually bullet-resistant. Well-dressed and safe!

I didn’t like Michelle’s ball gown, but I did like her inauguration outfit.

Overall, I am in love with this couple. They are fine, fine, and I think they will bring a shift in American style. Michelle’s is accessible, so hopefully people won’t give up because they can’t wear the dowdy, yet expensive, Laura Bush clothing.

January 21, 2009 at 9:46 am

Kristers

I thought the outfits were appropriate for the ceremonies at hand, but I would love to read some comments on why we are so focused on Michelle’s fashion choices. On this site I would expect it–in fact I welcome it, but I saw on the online news yeterday, stories of Michelle’s fashion choices leading any stories of what the new President is going to do for the US [which imho take precident in The News].

Are we that desperate to find another Jackie O to follow? Why, in the grand scheme of things, is this so important?

Not trying to criticize…just curious.

January 21, 2009 at 9:56 am

Joelle

I loved Michelle’s gold dress and coat but did not care at all for the green shoes and gloves. Somehow I don’t think they worked with the gold. And I did not like her ball gown at all except for the color. White looks great on her, but I thought the one shoulder neckline wasn’t designed well. It looked like a strapless white dress with a shoulder band added on as an afterthought. If they left it just as a strapless dress it would have looked better. Laura Bush’s sparkly silver gown from the last inauguration was much more stylish.

January 21, 2009 at 9:58 am

Patience

I’m another one overcome by moment and loved all of the outfits. After sleeping on it, I think Michelle’s outfit was very her. I cannot really imagine her in a very structured suit because it just doesn’t seem to be her style. However, I’m wondering if she occasionally suffers from not wearing styles that sufficiently flatter her body type. In particular, she seems more suited to fit and flare than shifts and pencil skirts (based on what I’ve seen of her so far). Which body type do you think she is?

I think the ball gown was *very* flattering to her although I feel the detail was borderline too much, but that could be personal taste. She is very statuesque and can play that up so much as first lady. I do agree with Angie that her inaugural outfit did a great job of being appropriate yet bold. And I’m definitely looking forward to more first lady fashion in the years to come.

January 21, 2009 at 10:03 am

shiny

After having the night to let it all sink in, I’m with Christie on this. I think Michelle was very smart to wear an American designer, and one that was generally affordable. I read $1500 somewhere. That may seem like a lot for the average american, but it WAS an inauguration, afterall. Many people spend more than that on their wedding gowns. This is not haute couture level pricing. Good for her.

As for the color, I adored it – on her. I can’t wear it myself, but I thought it was quite flattering on her and she stood out from all the rest.

At the luncheon Michelle put a Jcrew cardigan over the dress – one she’s worn before. I thought that was a great touch. It may have been under the coat – I can’t tell for sure.

I read somewhere that the outfit was lined in pashmina for extra warmth. This may have made her look more bulky than normal. She may have had a bullet-proof vest underneath there too.

My main complaint is that I thought her outfit looked impractical for the weather! She looked terribly cold when outdoors (except when walking in the parade). But I think Angie is right about needing freedom to wave. Still, knee-high boots may have made more sense?

But appropriate for the occasion? Hands-down, she gets a big YES from me. She and Obama looked absolutely smashing.

Ultimately I think the kids were the style winners of the day. Both were dressed to absolute perfection. Loved the ribbons tied around their coats.

As for Michelle’s ball gown, I am on the fence about it. I did think that Obama looked amazing in his tux. The two are a very striking couple and clearly very affectionate towards each other.

January 21, 2009 at 10:11 am

deka

(website)

they all looked great! loved the colors
jill biden is also a sharp dresser

January 21, 2009 at 10:22 am

judy

(website)

All I know is I woke up today SO HAPPY that we have a new president!! I felt like they were dressed well enough to look current and yet keep the attention on “the work” or the event, rather than making it too much about them…and that is “their style” in life and dress. THAT is moving. They looked radiant and inspiring…those smiles! Joy is infectious. I was moved to tears.

January 21, 2009 at 11:08 am

Carolyn

This is such fun-all the different takes on one family’s fashion choices!
I loved the COLOR- such variety evoked a happy celebration.
I love Laura Bush but thought the grey collarless coat looked drab like concrete- but someone at the y this morning said she looked librarian, and that is appropriate. She sparkles inside and both couples obviously are devoted and supportive which is the real message we all admire.
I wish Michelle’s gown had been shorter so she could have danced with ease.
An inspirational day.

January 21, 2009 at 11:09 am

K Lauren

Isn’t this fun to have some to have some actual American fashion to talk about and critique? I’m not looking for another Jackie, etc. – it’s just interesting to have a forum to chat about fashion and style. There’s enough other places to talk about politics, the economy, etc.
I love that some lesser known designers are being worn, and the whole mix of mass marketed items with designers. Good eye! Or very good fielding by a personal stylist. What ever the case, it opens up some new, fresh interpretations. However, with the whole sleeveless thing, if any of us are going to follow the style, get these arms to the gym!
I’m loving the whole cardigan idea, Michelle seems to wear little coordinating cardigans with many outfits. While it’s such an old style, she makes it fresh and different. I also like the classic stylings – day dress, cardigan, coat. All very classic, “old-school”, but she gives them a fresh twist with unexpected color choices, some different textures, maybe even tweeks the shape or length.
Didn’t like the shape of the evening gown on her, however – thought she looked pregers and all the dancing and walking around, maybe no train next time, she looked like she was always futzing with the hem. (always the costumer, looking at how it appears “on stage”!)
And those kids! Finally! I hope they have a real trickle-down effect, young ladies dressed appropriately and beautifully – ban the sweatpants, tank tops and flip flops. Well, one can hope.
All and all, a beautiful, colorful, happy, lovely day – it will be fun to watch how style and fashion change.

January 21, 2009 at 11:36 am

Violet

I really liked Michelle Obama’s dress and I thought it was a lovely color on her. I wasn’t crazy about the green gloves and shoes, but I like that she was going for a pop of color. I thought Mr. Obama looked perfect and the girls were adorable and very appropriately dressed.

I liked the evening dress and she looked lovely in it, but I was hoping for something in a vibrant color.

All in all, I think they are very stylish family.

January 21, 2009 at 11:45 am

Sal

(website)

YES. A thousand kinds of yes. I thought Barack and Michelle looked smashing, and the girls nearly stole the show. SO fantastic to see all that color in a sea of blacks and grays.

January 21, 2009 at 12:08 pm

Laura

ABC News said this morning that only two other first ladies have chosen to wear white for the inaugural balls – Jackie Kennedy and Nancy Reagan, both very stylish first ladies. I hope this is just the beginning of 4 years of stunning style (and the substance to back it up) during the Obama administration!

January 21, 2009 at 12:14 pm

Maya

I adored Michelle’s inauguration outfit. The yellow and green looked so bright and festive and really played nicely off the theme of optimism. The detail was lovely.

I can’t say the same for her evening gown though. I found it sort of dowdy. She is so young and beautiful. I really think she could have gotten away with a high-neck halter dress. I have seen her in halters before and she wears them well, and the dress she wore seemed kind of safe and dull. I loved the color on her, but that’s about it. I would have preferred a sleeker silhouette on her too. The dress just seemed too bulky, IMO.

Malia and Sasha stole the show. If there was a grown-up version of their outfits available, I would be all over them!

The president himself looked fantastic. I’m glad he didn’t go for the glittery tux someone had designed for him…

When they joined hands and came down the staircase at one of the many balls they attended last night, I thought they looked like the King and Queen of America. Even though I did not care for Michelle’s dress, she is so elegant that she can never truly look anything but lovely.

January 21, 2009 at 12:47 pm

Jane

Well, I’m completely unbiased as I was also very emotional about the whole event. I loved her day outfit. I thought the color was inspired….looked great on her and make her easy to spot from really far away for those in the crowd looking for a glimpse of her. I liked how different it was and I even liked its complexity. For me, personally, it helped symbolize what I think about them as a couple and as leaders…that what they do seems from my vantage point so measured, substantive, complex yet well-designed. As to warmth, I expected that she had some seriously warm underclothing….don’t they make non-bulky yet very warm long-john type clothes?

I didn’t love the ball gown somehow. It looked hard to manage…she was always dealing with the train in the coverage I saw…and she looked a little poofy and young and bridelike. I expected something a little more sophisticated. But, hey, if she liked it, then that’s great!

That’s so interesting about the bullet proof suit…I’d love to know more.

January 21, 2009 at 1:41 pm

Jane

Also, it’s almost as if Michelle is filling the gap in the media left by the death of Princess Diana.

January 21, 2009 at 1:51 pm

Images: T

(website)

I liked the night outfits better than the day, but all were nice. Sacha, though, definitey took the award for best dressed in the family. That coat/hat/scarf combo in those colors were adorable (apparently, according to the jcrew website, custom made for the two kids and not available in stores).

January 21, 2009 at 2:08 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I hear you Christie and Shiny. It makes complete sense for the American First Lady to sport the creations of an American designer. That point had not even occurred to me. Perhaps because I’m not American and cannot vote! I should also have been more clear – a Chanel-esque suit by Donna Karan would have been superb. I’m by no means hung up on the actual French Couture house. I just like the idea of that type of silhouette for our First lady. As for the price of the garment, I can assure you it cost thousands Christie, and is therefore unaffordable to most. The knock-off is going to cost $1500, so you can imagine what the pukka one cost.

Patience, our first Lady’s body type tends towards a pretty pear, although she’s also quire rectangular, especially on top.

Kristers, I guess the media is hungry to criticize just about anything. There was so much political hype leading up the elections that I sort of welcomed a change of focus – enter Michelle’s sense of style. Rest assured, there will be plenty of upcoming hype on how our new president proposes to fix the country. As for the hype about Michelle’s wardrobe, I think she and her look represent change in all respects. Atypical if you like. That’s why there is so much hype. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. Princess Diana represented that same sort of atypical royal British role model and her hype was unending and unfortunately to her detriment.

I woke up happy too, Judy, and was exceptionally moved by the entire inauguration. But as far as the Obama that stole the style show yesterday, my vote does not go to the girls, but to their father. Barack was stylishly untouchable yesterday.

January 21, 2009 at 4:36 pm

Kyle

I am thrilled with our First Family. As for fashion, I was very disappointed in Michelle’s daytime choice. It felt dowdy and did not, in my opinion, capture her spirit, youth, flair and the hopefulness of the day. Her evening gown was definitely a better choice — I loved the top half but feel she could have chosen a more flattering silhouette from the waist down. As for the really important stuff — that’s all good.

January 21, 2009 at 7:29 pm

San

The First Couple radiate charisma. They make the clothing look good. The whole family looked just fablulous. Michelle’s daytime dress went well with the circumstance and I thought the white evening gown was lovely on her. She looked like a bride and was in a way. I think she makes anything look good and is going to have a huge impact on people following her style. The whole family is great looking and absolutely glow with love.

January 21, 2009 at 8:38 pm

Jane

oops, I meant to say that I am completely biased. Anyway, this set of pictures show Michelle wearing the sweater underneath the coat that she wore if you want a glimpse: http://www.newsweek.com/id/180602

January 22, 2009 at 12:11 am

Glenda Hightower

Mr. Obama and the girls were INCREDIBLY FASHIONABLE and in grand style, Mrs. Obama still does not have a designer who takes her body type and her coloring into account and fail her miserably–the daytime outfit was FAR better than the evening outfit that was absolutely awful–it was painful to watch. But nonetheless they are a great couple and set a total new trend for family, elegance, style, grace and charm and of course political honesty and upgrade.

January 22, 2009 at 8:00 am

Anne Marie

(website)

I thought Mrs. Obama looked beautiful, and the girls — how adorable!

Not sure what the cardigan-looking thingie was, but according to Mrs-O.org http://www.mrs-o.org/ (a website that has my attention for at least the next 4 years), the collar piece was a pin, read on here … http://www.mrs-o.org/?p=3001

January 22, 2009 at 8:10 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist