Michelle Obama’s Most Iconic Fashion Moments Throughout the Years

As we wait for her new book, "The Look," to drop, we're looking back on some of our favorite Michelle Obama fashion moments! The post Michelle Obama’s Most Iconic Fashion Moments Throughout the Years appeared first on The Root.

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Oct 30, 2025 - 11:30
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From the moment her husband was elected as the first Black President of the United States, former first lady Michelle Obama has been making a style statement all her own. Bold, fresh and always fashion-forward, she’s been intentional about using her amazing platform to highlight up-and-coming designers, particularly designers of color.

On Nov. 4, our Forever First Lady will release “The Look,” a new picture book filled with more than 200 pictures (many never seen before) of some of her most stunning looks throughout the years. The book includes interviews with stylists, designers and hair stylists she’s worked with who share their stories of how they got the first lady ready for many of her closeups.

As we wait for Mrs. Obama’s new book to hit the shelves, we’re looking at some of our favorite looks worn by of one of our country’s most fashionable first ladies!

Election Night 2008

CHICAGO – NOVEMBER 04: U.S. President elect Barack Obama stands on stage along with his wife Michelle and daughters Malia (red dress) and Sasha (black dress) during an election night gathering in Grant Park on November 4, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The former first lady made one of her first fashion statements on election night 2008 wearing a red and black sheath dress by designer Narciso Rodriguez.

Inaugural Parade

WASHINGTON – JANUARY 20: President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk in the Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first African-American to be elected President of the US. (Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images)

The newly sworn-in first lady walked the Inaugural Parade wearing a bright green shift dress and matching coat from Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo.

2009 Inaugural Ball

WASHINGTON – JANUARY 20: (AFP OUT) President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive at the Obama Homes States Ball, one of ten official inaugural balls January 20, 2009 in Washington DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

The first lady kept her fabulous Inauguration Day fashion going into the night. She stunned in a one-shouldered Jason Wu gown embellished with beautiful organza flowers and Swarovski crystal accessories.

Inauguration Day 2013

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 21: First lady Michelle Obama arrives during the presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. Barack Obama was re-elected for a second term as President of the United States. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

For President Obama’s second inauguration, Mrs. Obama paired a beautiful belted coat from Thom Browne with purple J. Crew gloves.

The Second Time Around

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wave to the crowd at the Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C. on Monday January 21, 2013. President Obama took the oath of office earlier in the morning moving on to his second term in office. Photo Ken Cedeno (Photo by Ken Cedeno/Corbis via Getty Images)

Mrs. Obama chose Jason Wu again for the Inaugural Ball in 2013. This time, she looked bright and beautiful in a red halter dress.

State Dinner

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 14: Samantha Cameron, First lady Michelle Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron, and U.S. President Barack Obama pose for photographs on the North Portico of the White House before attending a state dinner March 14, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

For this 2012 state dinner with former British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron, Mrs. Obama wore a teal Marchesa gown with a beautiful beaded necklace.

State Dinner

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 25: (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The first lady stunned in a black off-the-shoulder Vera Wang gown for a state dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan in 2015.

President Biden’s Inaguration

Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are seen before US president-elect Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th US President on January 20, 2021, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. (Photo by JONATHAN ERNST / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JONATHAN ERNST/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The former first lady made headlines with this gorgeous plum monochromatic look from designer Sergio Hudson.

White House Portrait Unveiling

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 07: Former First Lady Michelle Obama applauds during a a ceremony to unveil the Obama’s official White House portraits at the White House on September 7, 2022 in Washington, DC. The Obama’s portraits will be the first official portraits added to the White House Collection since President Obama held an unveiling ceremony for George W. Bush and Laura Bush in 2012. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

In 2022, Mrs. Obama came back to the White House for the official White House portrait unveiling ceremony wearing a beautiful braided bun and a gorgeous, pleated ombre dress.

“The Light We Carry” Tour

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 13: Michelle Obama walks onstage during The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times – in Conversation with Michelle Obama. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for ABA)

During her 2022 press tour for her book “The Light We Carry,” Mrs. Obama’s fashion was always on point. We love this all-white ensemble for a stop in Inglewood, California.

“The Light We Carry Tour”

JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The guests for Monday, December 12 included Michelle Obama (The Light We Carry) and Marc Maron (To Leslie). (Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty Images)

When she opts for bold colors, Mrs. Obama never disappoints, like this teal pantsuit for a 2022 appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

The Jennifer Hudson Show

Mrs. Obama’s fashion choices have been even more fun since leaving the White House, like this asymmetrical dress and knee-high boots she wore for an appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”

Out on The Town

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: Michelle Obama is seen outside “CBS Studio” on April 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)

The former first lady wore all-black everything during a 2023 trip to New York City.

2024 Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 20: Former first lady Michelle Obama walks on stage to speak during day 2 of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024 in Chicago, Ill. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Mrs. Obama had the crowd on their feet at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago for a moving speech and her chic sleeveless navy suit from Monse.

The post Michelle Obama’s Most Iconic Fashion Moments Throughout the Years appeared first on The Root.