Michelle Obama's Fashion Misstep?

Posted Jun 12th 2009 at 12:30AM by Bee-Shyuan Chang (Subscribe to Bee-Shyuan Chang's posts)

Fashion forward or fashion misstep? Michelle Obama rocks a quirky and colorful look in London. Photo: Jeff Moore, Landov

After donning an outfit strikingly similar to the one worn by Carla Bruni for the D-Day commemoration in France, Michelle Obama headed to London for a three-day tour.

And just when we thought Obama had covered the style spectrum, the First Lady threw us a curve ball with this madly layered ensemble.

She topped off a be-ribboned and multi-layered tunic (worn over black pants) with two of her signature J.Crew cardigans, then accessorized the layered look with a bold polka dot belt and bright ToyWatch.

We commend the sunny color choices (she obviously takes note of fashion collections like Marc Jacobs), and we're all for pattern mixing and layering, but all the pieces together make for a rather kooky ensemble.

It's also possible that Mrs. O is simply working a relaxed holiday wardrobe. It was an unofficial visit, after all.

In that case, maybe she's just a smart woman making do with what she packed.

Perhaps she just shouldn't wear everything she packed all at once.

Tags: cardigan, Carla-Bruni, D-Day-Commemoration, First-Lady, J.Crew, layers, London, Michelle-Obama, ToyWatch

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

EB Finds 6-12-2009 @ 10:35AM

She looks like she is trying too hard...

Alex 6-12-2009 @ 10:13AM

Lol it's a funny costume. Ive heard she's gotten alot of compliments but this is just alittle too much colors and shapes to my liking. After all she's supposed to be taken seriously :)

Alex
Custom Clothing Designer

pam 6-19-2009 @ 7:59PM

OMG - it's Big Bird in drag!

Alex 6-12-2009 @ 10:15AM

You'l find my website at CustomClothingDesigner.com - Create your own customized clothes!

Caroline @ Salescoop 6-12-2009 @ 12:21PM

This is definitely NOT one of my favorite Michelle Obama outfits. However, I love that she has fun with fashion and obviously has her own style. While the tunic plus the belt plus the cardigans is little too much, I actually like her ToyWatch. It's bold and fun to look at, just like her!

Katie 6-12-2009 @ 5:04PM

As a (jewelry) designer, I would have to say TOO MUCH. And I don't say that often... The patterns/textures/layers just aren't cohesive.

It makes me feel like perhaps her daughters made it for her....

But... I must say that I applaud her for getting up in the morning with the courage to wear this out.

http://katiepoterala.blogspot.com/

Vonnie Gross 6-13-2009 @ 4:38PM

The outfit is a disaster...she needs to dress like a first lady and not a teenager.Are her daughters influencing her style? Madonna is dressing the same way looking like her daughter Lourdes...layered and tacky...but she is not the wife of our president.Michelle Obama also wears her skirts above her very unattractive knees....her legs a are bad enough without short hems.

cindy 6-19-2009 @ 8:02PM

What a miserable excuse for a first lady.

Egy Azziera 7-13-2009 @ 2:18PM

Could the huge popularity of Michelle Obama be a sign of changing attitudes in the fashion industry? Vogue featured Michelle Obama on its cover recently. Michelle Obama in particular has ushered in new era of style and entertaining.

Azziera
http://www.asiarooms.com/

lynn 7-09-2009 @ 8:37AM

Michele Obama has her "own sense of style"? Looks like she has NO SENSE OF STYLE. What an embarrassment as a representation of American women.

Krista 7-12-2009 @ 10:04PM

I actually love that outfit. It looks a little out of place on her though. . . it would probably look better on someone in their teens or early twenties. I'd wear it without the cardigan, a short jacket would look a little better; light pink leggings (to go with the white and pink in the skirt), the black throws it off a little bit, and some cute flats.

Fran Kramer 8-03-2009 @ 11:04AM

Our "First Lady" has minimal taste in clothing. Her outfits do not fit well (perhaps if she stood up straight that might help - notice the hump of her back when she is supposedly standing straight). For all her exercizing, she does have nicely defined arms, but what about her pop-belly? None of us are perfect, but with all the flap about her wonderful sense of style, I wonder if I am the only one that notices her problem areas. Proper exercize does help ones' posture and definitely can cure a pop-belly.

I cringe often when I see our "First Lady" at important events wearing "housewife duds." She can create her own style but not the way she is going. After all, she is our "First Lady" and represents this Nation. She needs to look distinquished and classy. She needs HELP!!!!!

MRS. OBAMA STRAIGHTEN UP!

RepeatPossessions 8-27-2009 @ 7:37PM

I really believe Michelle Obama can pull off any outfit. No matter what she always looks so comfortable and confident. Its no wonder Privacy Wear created the "CHANGE Tee" inspired by our very own Michelle Obama. This burn out tee is unique and beautiful. To purchase your own visit RepeatPossessions.com. Shipping is quick and world wide!