While the world waits for Barack Obama to be sworn in, one of the most anticipated revelations will be what (and whom) Michelle Obama will wear for the festivities. This offers a welcome distraction from the tense economic climate as well as a reminder of how fashion can entertain and serve us -- done well, it can make you feel confident and radiate self-assurance.
Even before her husband takes office, Michelle Obama has given the citizens much sartorial fodder and a glimpse at what will ultimately be her signature look. She is a working mom who shops off the rack and buys American. Her style is also aspirational. Like many of us, she watches runway trends, but Obama actually has access to the clothes and can have top designers customize pieces for her. During the next four years, she has the potential to inspire trends and influence the fashion industry in a way that Barbara Bush's pearls, Nancy Reagan's couture red suits and Jackie Kennedy's entire wardrobe did.
Women want to look like her. And yes, we can -- since so much of her everyday wardrobe is accessible and retailers capitalize on their associations with her.
The $148 dress she wore on "The View" from White House/Black Market was knocked off by other companies and sold out instantly, as did the J. Crew outfit she wore on the "Tonight" show. A fresh batch of the red-printed "reverse kimono" dress by Thakoon Panichgul, as worn by Obama when her husband accepted his party's nomination in August, recently appeared for sale on Shopbop.com. It will cost you $1,250, but Obama also wears H&M. By shopping such a wide range of price points and places, she takes an appropriately democratic and modern approach to her closet.
Those outfits are bestsellers because Obama wears them well. She shines in lively prints, which can overwhelm less assertive dressers. She dazzles in rich, bold jewel tones and stands out in crisp white. As a strong, athletic woman, Obama flaunts her figure by emphasizing her waist and draws attention to her face with bold necklaces and brooches near her neckline. She owns this look whether she's belting a suit or wearing a waist-cinching dress.
The flailing fashion industry is hoping that Obama can come to the rescue. She has already boosted the careers of several American designers. Whether you loved or hated the black-and-red splattered dress she wore at Chicago's Grant Park the night her husband won the election, you probably know that it was designed by Narciso Rodriguez. According to "Google Trends," the highest search volume about "Michelle Obama" was on the day after the election, and related to that dress. Her favorite Chicago designer, Maria Pinto, is considered a serious contender to design Obama's top-secret inaugural attire.
As First Lady and fashion icon, Obama has the opportunity to lead by example. Structured fabrics such as silk, cotton and wool send a more serious message than sweaters and are usually flattering on Obama and just about everyone else. Sure, knits can be cozy and comforting, but Americans can't afford complacency right now.
We need bold colors and fabrics worn confidently by the woman who represents us. We want style that we can admire and emulate. Obama inspires us because her attire exudes the magnitude of her role.
