https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 11:41:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts/page/2#post-88185 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:17:42 +0000 Kristen 88185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What I love about Michelle Obama's style is that she always manages to do something unexpected and "controversial" but it's always something that is also traditional and somewhat ordinary too. Like wearing the cardigan to meet the Queen of England, using an Invisibelt in plain sight, having those killer arms and not being shy about showing them, her use of brooches during the campaign, the mixing of designer and Target. She never wears what I expect her to, and even when she really surprises me I have to admit the outfit worked. This was exactly like that; under most other circumstances I would cringe to see shorts like that on a woman her age, but she pulled it off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts/page/2#post-88126 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:42:37 +0000 Eva 88126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although I like a lot of the outfits that Michelle Obama wears, this was not my preferred. As a gal in gear most of the time when I am not working, I think one can look very good in gear. I could spend tons of money at REI (hm, that is where I spend most of my gear money.) The most important items for a hot trip to the Grand Canon is breathable, cool, comfortable. I would also have added more color to her outfit. I think that would have made a world of difference in her outfit. Here is my outfit for dressing Michelle for a hot weather trip.</p> <p>Top – button down, air channels that allow any breeze in, quick drying, with 30 UVP <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/760759" rel="nofollow">http://www.rei.com/product/760759</a> in red ibis</p> <p>I don’t know that I would layer a cami under the shirt if it was over 100 degrees, but if I did it would be a sleeveless, or cami in a wick away material like this <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/782195" rel="nofollow">http://www.rei.com/product/782195</a></p> <p>Shorts – slightly longer, but in a wick away material, but I am okay with gear shorts being shorter. I hide mine from Angie when she visits.<br /> <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/780303" rel="nofollow">http://www.rei.com/product/780303</a></p> <p>Shoes – I can’t image she was hiking the trails as I would do, so serious hiking boots are not necessary, but Michelle may want good tread if they are on uneven dirt/rocky ground. Merrells have great tread (I use this brand for my serious gear shoe) If socks are not needed I like this in taupe with my outfit. <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/780274" rel="nofollow">http://www.rei.com/product/780274</a></p> <p>What would you pick for her to wear? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts/page/2#post-88117 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:19:07 +0000 Angie 88117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No worries, Michelle! Thanks for re-reading and letting me know my point of view actually makes sense :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts/page/2#post-88110 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:59:20 +0000 Michelle 88110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry Angie, I misread the comments and attributed Tracie's more critical remarks to you!! I was confused at the time, but now it all makes a lot more sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts/page/2#post-88101 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:24:16 +0000 Angie 88101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Michelle, I love Michelle O’s style. I mentioned that in the thread of the original bloggers post (the budgetbabe). I applaud EVERYTHING about our first lady. I ADORE her in every way. What a worldly role model. </p> <p>I only realized AFTER the discussions on this forum and on the other blog that we were talking about two different contexts for this outfit. I did NOT assume that this was an outfit that she was actually going to physically be hiking in because she was getting off a plane. We don’t ever wear gear when we are not engaging in the sport itself. Michelle, being the classy and stylish lady that she is would never wear gear on a plane! I automatically gave Michelle that benefit of the doubt. I therefore thought that this was a daily casual outfit, and for that reason I zoned in on the length of the shorts – which I perceived to be giving Michelle plenty of slack! </p> <p>However, other people perceived this outfit to be Michelle’s pukka hiking kit which is why it was met with loads of approval. Of course, this is a perfectly fabulous hiking outfit! You need to wear the right gear when you hike. But not when you’re getting off a plane, whether you are our first lady or not. I hope that explains my point more clearly. I take wearing gear outside of sporting activities very seriously, and like I said before, I guess I see that side of the coin differently to most people. Can't help it :0)</p> <p>But to Shiny and Maya’s point, we don’t really know the context of this outfit. My guess is that Michelle checked into a fab mansion first and did not go straight to the Grand Canyon to hike. And for that reason, those shorts are too short in my book. But I guess we’ll never know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88085 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:28:08 +0000 crwilson 88085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There was a great post about this very topic on Salon's Broadsheet. My perspective is that she's on vacation, and she is going or was hiking. Yes, she's the first lady, but I don't think that means she needs to be a fashion plate at every moment of every day. She's dressed in a similar style to her girls, and that makes sense to me. That said, I'm pretty biased in her favor. But, honestly, they're shorts with hiking boots, which is fairly appropriate vacation wear for the Grand Canyon - she's not wearing thigh high boots with fishnets and a mini-skirt, or flannel pajamas. She looks a lot like most of the moms visiting the Grand Canyon look, I'm willing to bet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88076 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:39:25 +0000 Michelle 88076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This Canuk Obama-fan-girl just wants to weigh in on Team Michelle... I can't comment one bit on her style or this outfit in particular, but the fact that she was travelling on a private plane en route to an active vacation gives her the right to wear whatever she wants. I applaud her for having the confidence to sport items I'd never dream of wearing at nearly half her age and for not letting such incessant scrutiny curb her individual preferences. A good example to be setting for her girls, too, in my view.<br /> Angie, what rubs you the wrong way about her style in general? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88068 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 03:42:57 +0000 taylor 88068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, You are funny. And not likely to be* checking in* to the local Holiday Inn Express...more likely some Senators nearby mansion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88064 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 03:28:45 +0000 Maya 88064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think without knowing exactly what the circumstances were, it's hard to say how appropriate it is or is not. However, regardless of whether a couple of inches on her shorts would make it acceptable, I don't think it's SO atrocious that she deserves such a beating. I guess we at YLF have high standards and to some extent we have a right to be a bit critical, but really, I have seen SO much worse while traveling. Give the woman a break. She probably deals with more stress and pressure in one day than most of us deal with in an entire lifetime! If there is one day where she isn't perfect, I would rather be supportive than critical. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88057 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:59:49 +0000 Chris 88057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wouldn't it be weirder (and man I can just hear the naysayers complaining) for her to tie up a public restroom to change her clothes between the plane and the Canyon? None of us would do that.</p> <p>I didn't love the outfit in general but I think the criticism is silly. I think it is appropriate for Michelle O to wear shorts on her "day off" (as if a public figure would have one). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88055 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:41:41 +0000 Kyle 88055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have mixed feelings about this one. From a fashion perspective, we know our Michelle can do better. However, I love her willingness to be real. Yes, she's the first lady, but she's also a wife and active mom on an active day trip with the family. Did you read recently about her wearing a dress from Target with a designer belt? I love that! </p> <p>Mrs. O. is one first lady I can relate to on just about every level, and I'm happy to cut her some slack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88051 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:29:19 +0000 marianna 88051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that the outfit isn't flattering on her, but I almost find it admirable in a way that she doesn't feel the need to dress up ALL time. She seems totally comfortable in her skin. I like that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88048 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:24:16 +0000 taylor 88048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess my *fashion bar* is set higher than too short shorts and a tank top....and a perfect example of why I don't care for her style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88040 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:42:33 +0000 cciele 88040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that photo was taken when they were returning from the Grand Canyon.</p> <p>Public figures have so much pressure and high expectations for their appearance. I applaud Michelle for dressing for herself and the circumstance. It's interesting, though, that Barack is wearing a crisp white buttondown and dark slacks (khakis?), whereas the rest of the family is wearing shorts and tank tops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88022 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:06:19 +0000 bella 88022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am 100% with Maya on this one. She is fabulous every day and this one is no exception. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88007 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:13:12 +0000 shiny 88007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Given that her husband is having death threats over the health care issue, perhaps her secret service agents decided that it was much safer for her to change first on the plane, rather than on the ground in a bathroom somewhere? If she was proceeding from plane to Grand Canyon, this seems wise- especially considering her safety.</p> <p>But I would give you a point there Angie if they were stopping first to check into a hotel. I have no idea what their agenda was - this is the first I've seen the picture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88005 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:04:30 +0000 taylor 88005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you Angie, she is getting off Air Force 1...not hiking. She is afterall the closest thing to royalty we have...I wonder *what would *Princess Di* have done different?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-88001 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:55:34 +0000 Angie 88001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I automatically assumed that this was NOT the outfit that Michelle would be hiking in because she was getting off a plane. Hah! I thought: “our first lady in hiking gear on a plane? How odd!”. I guess I just see that type of thing very differently. Oh well :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87993 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:42:14 +0000 shannon 87993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If she happens to be heading directly to the Grand Canyon from her plane I don't find it reasonable to have to change before hiking. What's wrong with wearing what is appropriate for the activity planned before you start it? Would that mean that if she plans on having lunch there she should wear something more dressy, then change to gear? Let's say she wanted to souvenir shop for the kids after hiking, would she have to change yet again? Seems like a lot of work to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87990 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:28:54 +0000 Angie 87990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hang on, ladies! </p> <p>Michelle O is not hiking as she gets off her private plane. If you are engaging in a sporting activity than by all means wear the right gear. You know I’m ALL for that. And if shorter shorts are what you need when you hike in a 100 degrees then absolutely. You’d be daft if you didn’t wear what was appropriate. But she’s not in the Grand Canyon yet :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87984 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:59:32 +0000 taylor 87984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't care for 99% of what she wears...I am not crazy about her style at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87982 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:46:58 +0000 shiny 87982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry Angie, I don't agree with you on this one. To hike in 107 degree weather in the Grand Canyon, one needs gear. And besides, if she were to lengthen her pants to above the knee, I think it would look awful with those hiking shoes, which are a necessity for the activity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87979 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:41:54 +0000 JewelryGirl 87979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My thoughts - she's on vacation &#38; she's REAL! Gotta love her for being herself! We (society in general) can be entirely too judgemental sometimes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87975 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:30:18 +0000 medusa 87975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had the same reaction as many of you: she's on a hiking trip. Seems perfectly appropriate.</p> <p>Also, she is beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87966 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:48:16 +0000 judy 87966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is good entertainment. It's hysterically funny that she and her husband are often the subject of such scrutiny! She's HIKING the Grand Canyon for God's sake, and she has incredibly attractive legs...AND it's like a million degrees :)! I don't have any problems with how she dresses, honestly. She always seems appropriate (respectful) to the situation and yet, still looks like herself. As we all know, that's not easy to pull off. I guess there's a lesson that we can take from this on: "you can't please everyone all the time" when we try and dress ourselves. I think her gear look here is perfect for the activity. You go, Michelle! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87963 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:21:53 +0000 chewyspaghetti 87963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The text states that she was on vacation in the Grand canyon. The rest of her outfit is gear-ish. If ever there is an appropriate time and place for short shorts on a woman over 40- THAT is it! It's unfortuinate that someone snapped a pic of her on vacation. I would hate for anyone to have to see what I wear camping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87962 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:15:34 +0000 Anonymous 87962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>She is so beautiful as is, but I have to agree that the shorts to the top of the knee would be nice on her. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87961 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:12:34 +0000 greenglove 87961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just realized that was a private plane, I thought she might have been in a public airport. That would seem odd to me.<br /> I have no problem with her wearing shorts but agree about the length not being flattering, does not change my opinion of her in the least. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87957 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:38:47 +0000 Kristina 87957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. She was with her family at the Grand Canyon. You can't seriously expect her to be in pants and a button down shirt if you've ever been there in the summer. Wicked hot.</p> <p>2. Slightly longer shorts may have been more "appropriate" for her position, but I really feel she is a role model for normal-bodied women. She's not showing muffin-top, saddle-bags, or cellulite. Her worst offence is wrinkles, which are understandable as she just off the plane. I think she is doing a wonderful job balancing being the new Jackie O with being a woman real people can relate to and learn from. Kudos to her for not having to be a fashion plate every second! And shame on us for expecting it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hot-thread-michelle-obama-in-shorter-shorts#post-87955 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:31:21 +0000 greenglove 87955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am torn on this one, is she coming off an airplane? Traveling as first lady? I am not offended but a bit surprised. If they caught a picture actually at the Grand Canyon or engaged in a sporting event it seems perfectly practical (although I think longer shorts are more flattering. But if traveling, why wear gear? So many cuter and cool options. </p>