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STYLE MATTERS: The style of Michelle Obama

Published July 16, 2008 at 9:21 p.m.
Updated July 17, 2008 at 8:14 a.m.

Michelle Obama waves as she leaves the Grand Hyatt in Denver on Wednesday.

Photo by Preston Gannaway

Michelle Obama waves as she leaves the Grand Hyatt in Denver on Wednesday.

Michelle Obama was in town on Wednesday and the Style Matters gals couldn't resist weighing in on her wardrobe. (Don't worry: Cindy McCain will be in their crosshairs at the next opportunity.) As you can see, they don't agree on Michelle, so please tell them what you think.

Evelinda: Personally, I think Michelle Obama is dressing her part. Yes, it's non-descript and boring, but at least she’s not trying to pull an Eva Peron (the Argentine first lady who thought her designer duds would have made people believe that they weren’t really starving). Obama is a handsome woman, and to suddenly start putting her in less tailored, high-fashion clothes would harm her hard-hitting corporate image. No, it’s not the hip image of her husband, but that’s not who she is. Instead of reinventing herself, Ms. Obama should enhance her current image by reaching across the political aisle and imitating Condolezza Rice's understated elegance. If she and Condy aren’t best buds, then she should speak to Nancy Pelosi about her immaculately tailored suits. She should stick to American designers (she wouldn’t want us proletariats thinking she’s unpatriotic) and call the following two gentlemen:

Ralph Lauren for classic, elegant suits that can be accessorized with colorful blouses and jewelry: she won’t even miss her sweater sets and floral dresses. Stuart Weitzman for up-to-date shoes that will have her running from her matronly 1 ½” heeled pumps.

Judie: Michelle Obama typically dresses like the successful female executive she is: in classic, conservative suits and dresses. I think her clothing choices are a tad dowdy, and at times she dresses older than her age. Perhaps in her wardrobe choices she is playing it too safe and too conservative.

Michelle needs to create her own signature look, one that suggests a more youthful, vibrant image. I would like to see her in outfits that show off her personality and flair, and clothing that softens her image from a serious professional to a woman I’d like to get to know over lunch. Suggestions:

1. Add more interesting colors – violets, blues and plums

2. Pick suiting and dresses with some trendy detailing

3. Move away from a classic pump to more stylish low-heeled footwear

4. Your pearls have made their point. We know you’re channeling Jackie. How about creating your own jewelry statement – bold earrings or a chunky bracelet.

When it comes to refining Michelle Obama’s image – I’m looking for a change I can believe in.

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