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.

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!

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)

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!

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.

No worries, Michelle! Thanks for re-reading and letting me know my point of view actually makes sense :0)

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.

Top – button down, air channels that allow any breeze in, quick drying, with 30 UVP http://www.rei.com/product/760759 in red ibis

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 http://www.rei.com/product/782195

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.
http://www.rei.com/product/780303

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. http://www.rei.com/product/780274

What would you pick for her to wear?

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.