The Michelle Obama guide to style

Michelle Obama has been captivating us with her fashion sense since she burst into the national spotlight in 2008. Her wide-ranging sartorial choices and ability to float from casual frocks to formal wear with style make her the perfect muse. After all, she has helped launch the careers of up and coming designers, put a spotlight on fading retailers, and has made multiple best-dressed lists. So, what can we learn from the first lady’s style? We may not be able to wear everything she does, but we can certainly glean some tips from all these years of watching her. Here are some keys ways to incorporate her signature looks.

Play with color

Mrs. Obama knows how to wear color and lots of it. Whether she goes monochromatic or mixes it up, it’s like she has an amazing technicolor dream closet. So try infusing your look with a vibrant hue.

Try color blocking

If you just don’t know where to start when it comes to color, take a cue from the first lady and try colorblocking by pairing up two or more solid blocks of colors.

When colorblocking, look to pair up complementary colors or two colors in a similar palette.

Be jeweled

If bright colors overwhelm you, then try a rich jewel tone like Mrs. Obama. She often wears deep purple and rich ruby red. Jewel tones look great on all skin tones, making them easy to incorporate into any wardrobe.

Embrace prints

In addition to embracing a full range of colors, the first lady also isn’t afraid to wear a variety of prints and patterns.

Whether it’s florals, houndstooth, paisley or stripes, try a bold print and stand out in a crowd like Mrs. Obama.

Work your best assets

It’s all about the arms for Mrs. Obama and she regularly highlights them in sleeveless dresses and gowns. But you don’t have to go under the knife to get her killer arms, just pinpoint your best asset (everyone has one), and wear cuts that flatter and emphasize it.

Work.

A cut above the rest

Whether it’s a skirt or dress, FLOTUS is often spotted wearing an A-line cut. This cut flatters many body types as it knips in the waist and flows outward, making the midsection look smaller. So no matter what your shape, try an A-line cut for a little feminine edge.

Stay chic in a sheath

This classic cut is another Michelle Obama favorite and a must-have in any closet since it moves easily from day to night. Just thrown on a sheath dress and some heels and you’re set. The body-skimming cut will flatter most and works well in a neutral or bright color. You can also wear it with a blazer or cardigan for work. Or get fancy with a statement necklace or bold accessories. You can even forgo all that and keep it clean and minimalist – just let the dress do the talking.

Shine on

Shimmer, sequins, and sparkle are all part of Mrs. Obama’s evening wardrobe especially when she is dressing up for a major event. You can’t go wrong with a little shine for an evening out.

Make a statement

And when it comes to big events, go for statement-making jewelry like the first lady does by donning a chunky necklace, an embellished broach or bold dangly earrings.

Stick with a staple

The cardigan is easily Mrs. Obama’s staple item and she pairs it with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a nice cocktail dress. Cardigans can add a pop of color or print to any outfit while giving a relaxed-yet-pulled-together feel. So, if statement pieces aren’t your thing, take a cue from the first lady and invest in a staple piece like a cardigan and make it a go-to item in your closet.

Mix and match

Mrs. Obama also has a knack for mixing and matching prints and patterns with ease. She accomplishes this in two main ways: First by mixing large scale prints with small scale prints and second by mixing two prints that are similar in color.

Quick style in a cinch

The first lady loves a good belt. And who can blame her. A belt cinches in the waist and pulls everything together. Belts can also add visual interest to an outfit with a bright or metallic color, studs, beading or any other type of embellishment. Throw on a belt over a dress, cardigan, or top to add some visual interest to your look.

Aim high and low

The first lady is known for wearing high-end duds and budget pieces (items that us regular folks can afford). Her range covers designers like Jason Wu, Thakoon, and Michael Kors to retail outlets like J. Crew, Talbots, and Target. Give your wardrobe a high end touch by investing in staple items or add more variety by hitting up the latest trends at mass retailers.You can even get the best of both worlds these days as many top fashion designers and retail giants (such as Target, Macy’s, and H&M) are teaming up to offer low-cost special collections. Pictured: Mrs. Obama in a Jason Wu for Target dress.

Have fun with it!

Style doesn’t have to stuffy or fussy. Whether you’re mixing prints, adding a splash of color, or trying a new cut, there are plenty of tips to take away for the first lady’s fashion sensibilities. But above all Mrs. Obama always seems to have an element of fun and an ease about her, and that’s a must-have for any style.

And when all else fails…

Throw on some shades, pull your hair back, and keep it moving.