As Michelle Obama nears her first 100 days as First Lady, a new book celebrates her fabulous fashion choices. “It’s her journey to the White House through the filter of her style,” says former fashion mag editor-in-chief Mandi Norwood, author of “Michelle Style: Celebrating the First Lady of Fashion” (William Morrow, $19.99) out May 5, which chronicles Mrs. O’s signature looks — from the belted purple sheath dress she wore on the night her husband got the nomination, to the $148 White House/Black Market black-and-white print dress she bought off the rack.
“Each outfit has a story around it,” says Norwood, who recalls the yellow J.Crew ensemble the First Lady wore on Jay Leno — which she purchased online for under $340.
“Suddenly we had this vision of the next First Lady sitting in bed, next to Barack, shopping online.” Yes, she’s just like us, and that’s part of the appeal.
“In the past, First Ladies have always been slightly aloof,” says Norwood. “You’ve never really been able to emulate their style, even if you wanted to.”
But Mrs. O’s love of pencil skirts, button down cardigans, simple sheath dresses and her liberal use of a thick black belt make her style approachable. And when she wears off-rack-pieces from J.Crew or H &M, we can get the exact looks ourselves.
“I think she will reignite what America is known for in fashion and that is classic American sportswear,” says Norwood. “Bright separates, really comfortable clothes, clothes you don’t have to be a millionaire to look good in.” Though New Yorker Norwood finds few flaws in Michelle’s public style, she’d still like one mystery solved.
“I’d just love to see her carrying a purse,” she says. “Where does she keep her lip balm?”
WHAT MRS. O. KNOWS The First Lady’s practical fashion sense is sure to earn your vote.
VOTE FOR A CLASSIC — THEN UPDATE IT Mrs. O knows black and white is eternally chic. But it can also be misconstrued as eternally safe, unless given a personal touch or modern twist. Here’s how she keeps monochrome pieces looking anything but monotone: A playful finishing touch — a bow, a brooch, a necklace — instantly transforms a black-and-white ensemble into a full-color moment. think of black and white as a canvas for adding bursts of your own personality. Notch up the texture: nubby wool, ultra-shimmery silk, beading and baubles, raised embroidery, detailing. Choosing interesting fabrics and textures takes black and white from two- to three-dimensional. A dash of color — whether a Kelly green handbag or a wash of sorbet-pink shimmer of the eyelid (a favorite Obama beauty look), an unexpected pop of color keeps black and white from taking itself too seriously.
ADD ELEVATED TOUCHES TO CHEAPER CLOTHES
Mrs. O knows that it’s frequently the embellishments on cheaper pieces that give the game away. Garish buttons, limp belts, poor-quality ribbon, loose stitching. So she makes some strategic swaps and has the fashion world wondering which designer label she’s wearing this time. Notice how she elevates a bargain buy with a more expensive wide patent leather belt with a squoval (square with rounded corners) buckle, adding texture, dimension and chic to the entire outfit.
CHOOSE NECKLINES WISELY
The First Lady knows which necklines are most flattering — and appropriate for public events. Take a cue with: The ballet neckline — wider than a crew neck, the ballet neckline extends halfway across each shoulder and dips slightly at the clavicle. A ballet neckline frames the face and gives the neck a slender, elegant look. It’s a Mrs. O favorite; both of her Thakoon dresses feature the ballet neck. The boat neckline, also called a bateau neck. It’s cut from shoulder to shoulder and covers the chest area, but shows off a beautiful collarbone. the added bonus of the boat neck: it provides balance to wider hips.
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