Michelle Obama took a daring move last night by going sleeveless to her husband's first speech to the joint session of Congress.
She wore a deep purple, V-neck dress, which, as usual, fit her perfectly. It had a satiny top that gathered high above the waist. The sheath dress was by Narciso Rodriguez, who Michelle frequently wears.
The sleeveless look seems to be a common theme for her. First on the campaign trail and now as First Lady. And heck, why not? She works out regularly. She's got great arms.
But it was an interesting choice considering the formality of the event, especially in winter.
Jill Biden, wife of VP Joe, was sleeved in a light blue suit.
Comments
No Jackie Kennedy
Wed, 02/25/2009 - 18:01 — khgoodwinI have to say that even though this is a fashion blog, covering what Michelle Obama wore to her husband's speech before Congress isn't news. Personally, I do not find her clothes flattering nor stylish. She is not Jackie Kennedy and the press should not try and make her into a Jackie Kennedy. Jackie Kennedy had an air of style and grace about her, it was part of her, something Michelle Obama lacks.I don't care if "times are changing" there are still certain fashion rules of thumb that should be followed, and wearing a cocktail dress to Congress just shouldn't be done. Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush all had the right style for the White House.And no, she does not have "great arms". I believe when her husband first started campaigning her figure was more svelte than it is now (and in earlier pictures she did have "great arms"). I think after months on the campaign trail she isn't as fit as she once was, yet she continues to wear dresses that USED to flatter her.
Judgmental much?
Thu, 02/26/2009 - 17:49 — Jen1978If covering what the first lady (arguably one of the most important and well-known women in the world) wears is not news, I certainly don't know what is. Especially in a fashion blog.
As for your rules of thumb, there's no rule that a woman has to be dowdy, or that she must dress like women 10, 20 or 30 years her senior. She was every bit as classy and elegant as ANY previous first lady, even your beloved Jackie O.
And I'd love to see your arms. They must be pencil thin.
Of course, I'm wont to believe a lot of the negative comments about her style choices have less to do with sartorial disagreements than other issues.
You must be really skinny to
Wed, 02/25/2009 - 20:10 — elizabethgwYou must be really skinny to make a comment like that! Michelle Obama is in great shape. She looks like a healthy, normal woman. What a great role model for all of us! And I never heard anyone ever compare Nancy, Hillary or Laura to Jackie O. And you are right. She's no Jackie O., she's her own person setting her own path on fashion. I say Way to Go Michelle!
Mrs. Obama's dress
Wed, 02/25/2009 - 14:01 — quilter2009While the dress is quite lovely, and it fits her perfectly, to me it was not an appropriate dress for the occasion. It looks more for a cocktail party, not for an address to Congress.
Mrs. Biden was much more appropriately dressed, IMHO.
As much as I dislike her, so was Ms. Pelosi.
Michelle Obama is no Jackie O, and I wish the press would stop saying she is.
Agreed, Jen1978! The times
Wed, 02/25/2009 - 12:22 — stsmith1 (author)Agreed, Jen1978! The times are indeed changing! I also loved that she was strapless to the state dinner on Sunday.
Thanks for your comment!
Wed, 02/25/2009 - 12:15 — stsmith1 (author)Thanks for your comment! Welcome to the Fashion Plate, the N&O's fashion blog where we discuss ... fashion! Check out Under the Dome for all the political discussions.
What a joke
Wed, 02/25/2009 - 12:04 — xpukguyThis paper is becoming more and more of a joke every day. Here we have the President in his most important speech and the N&O deems it most important to have a blogger write about what Michelle and Pelosi are wearing? You are sinking closer and closer to the Durham Herald Sun every day.
What about what the President was wearing? How about Biden's hair plugs and bleached teeth?
Duh
Wed, 02/25/2009 - 12:20 — Jen1978Um, you're reading a FASHION blog. It's supposed to be about FASHION. Maybe if you spent more time reading than yapping, you'd know that.
As for the dress, I thought she looked beautiful and elegant. I was a little surprised by the lack of sleeves at first, but I think it's just another reflection of her youthful, modern style. Times are changing!