Michelle Obama is Runway Ready

By Broadisde Staff Writer Daniel Odom

In 2008, we here at Broadside have fawned over and debated much of the style choices of the past election.

From Hillary Clinton’s questionable coral jacket to Sarah Palin’s Chairman Mao-inspired suits, fashion from this past election has been full of some rather questionable choices.

While I marveled at the 100-times-more-expensive-than-my-entire-college-career chartreuse atrocity worn by Cindy McCain during the Republican primary, I realized that the only real political trendsetter worth discussing is First Lady Michelle Obama.

Aside from the historical circumstances surrounding her husband’s election, Obama has demonstrated a new era of fashionable change and stylized hope for us meager fashion lovers.

All one has to do is check out her signature, innovative style during Inauguration Day to see why.

First, let’s consider her infamous (or perhaps famous) Narciso Rodriguez dress worn on election night.

While this sequin-detailed red and black dress raised some eyebrows and caused many to speculate if the First Lady was concealing a pregnancy, the dress gave the public a definable glimpse into her decidedly stylish mind.

It showcased her penchant for bold colors and juxtaposed textures in her outfit choices.

Then, there was the first of the inaugural day outfits. Her sunshine yellow and olive green Isabel Toledo/ J.Crew wardrobe was refreshing for many reasons.

First, the color choice and textures harkened back to her Election Night dress; she subtly used sequins to bring interest to the cheerful jacket which made me exhale with a sigh of relief to the time-worn black, white, and camel jackets typical of most inaugural swearing in jackets.
Furthermore, in 20-degree weather with far too much wind, I could not help but think to myself, “Thank God! A First Lady who is willing to freeze her poor, Jimmy Choo-clad legs off in order to look good!”

Lastly, in dire economic times, Obama paired the designer piece with green J.Crew gloves, thereby demonstrating to all of us that it doesn’t cost over $500,000 or a crazy studded bow hat to look good.
My favorite of all of Obama’s fashion choices, however, was her beyond gorgeous Jason Wu gown worn during the Inaugural Balls.

With its fabulous color, subtle sequin details and rouching, Obama picked a gown that fit in her fashion vernacular. Additionally, I found it refreshing that she decided to avoid the skintight all sequins let’s-go-disco gowns worn by first ladies of yore.

She made a statement which left a glamorous and innovative touch on the otherwise, predictable first lady style.
Lastly, let it be known that Obama has not been immune from her share of fashion mishaps.

Recall the cerulean blue jean, canary yellow cardigan ensemble worn during her husband’s campaign?

While I appreciate the risk and appreciation for cost-effective J.Crew wardrobe, the entire outfit screamed, “The Crayola company dressed me.”

At the same time, it is this wacky sense of style and comfort with bold color choices that makes this style maven tip his sartorial cap to First Lady Obama.

Gone are the days of bland beige dresses and garish metallic suits and in their place is a simply lovely expression of fashionable change.

To see all Michelle Obama’s courageous fashion choices visit www.huffingtonpost.com and search for “Michelle Obama’s Inauguration outfits” to view a slideshow of our new fashion forward First Lady.