In her new book,Everday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style, Kate Betts explains how theFirst Lady gets her fashion sense — and why it means something to all of us
Inauguration, Jan. 20, 2009
Of Michelle Obama's premier as First Lady, Betts writes, "I loved the color of the Isabel Toledo swearing in outfit because it symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. I thought the sparkle in the fabric also gave the outfit such a special, glamorous feeling."Joshua Roberts / Bloomberg / Getty Images
State Dinner: Mexico, May 19, 2010
"Another glamorous state dinner dress, this one from Peter Soronen, who is a fantastic dressmaker and knows how to build a statement dress from the inside out, lots of corsetry. The color of this dress and the shimmer in the fabric was also a nice surprise."Charles Dharapak / AP
Healthy-eating Program, Sept. 24, 2010
"This Tracy Feith dress, first seen the day after the inauguration in 2009, is made of a print inspired by Hawaiian gardens, a reference to her husband's heritage."Hiroko Masuike / Getty Images
Tour in Jakarta, Nov. 10, 2010
"The Stephen Burrows pantsuit she wore in Jakarta last November was one of very few examples of the first lady wearing pantsuits. This one is made of a fluid crepe fabric so it has a more modern feel to it."Jim Watson / AFP / Getty Images
Hawaiian Vacation, Dec. 25, 2010
"She always supports young design talent, even on vacation in Martha's Vineyard."Carolyn Kaster / AP
State Dinner: China, Jan. 19, 2011
"For the state dinner honoring the Chinese President, Michelle Obama caused a bit of a controversy among Seventh Avenue designers by wearing a dress by the British label Alexander McQueen."Mandel Ngan / AFP / Getty Images
Western States Ball, Jan. 20, 2009
The new First Lady changed outfits for the celebrations on inauguration night, choosing a gown designed by Jason Wu. "The Jason Wu inaugural gown reminded me of a wedding dress or a prom dress," Betts writes, "but in a good way — it was so fresh and innocent."Richard A. Lipski / TWP
Black History Month Event, Feb. 18, 2009
"Michelle Obama established her White House look right away, with appearances such as this one, in J.Crew and more casual outfits — a sweater, for example, instead of a jacket."Mark Wilson / Getty Images
Meeting Queen Elizabeth II, April 1, 2009
"Wearing a cardigan to meet the Queen caused a bit of an outcry, but I thought the first lady looked very proper and comfortable and confident, which all seemed to fit the protocol."Anwar Hussein / Getty Images
Meeting Nicolas Sarkozy, April 3, 2009
"In this Thakoon coat and dress she really did outshine Carla Bruni-Sarkozy at their meeting in Strasbourg. Not only did the first lady look more naturally stylish, her outfit was more original and interesting."Charles Dharapak / AP
Flight to Moscow, July 5, 2009
"Floral print dresses have become one of Michelle Obama's 'Mom in chief' signatures."Saul Loeb / AFP / Getty Images
Exercise Program, Oct. 21, 2009
"An active lifestyle is also part of this First Lady's signature style. When she began jump roping double dutch on the South Lawn at this Healthy Eating presentation, it was really a first for a First Lady. Hard to imagine any other First Lady jump roping."Win McNamee / Getty Images
State Dinner: India, Nov. 24, 2009
"For her first state dinner, honoring the Indian prime minister, she chose a dress by the Indian designer Naeem Kahn. The dress was reminiscent of a sari, but the fabric--all hand embroidered--was inspired by an Andy Warhol print."Pete Souza / White House / Getty Images
Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, Dec. 10, 2009
"For the Nobel Peace prize ceremony in Oslo Michelle wore a shimmery Calvin Klein dress that she had reworked from its original runway incarnation. The hem was originally asymmetrical and Mrs. Obama had it made in a more classical shape — proof that she knows what looks and feels right on her."AFP / Getty Images
