First Lady Michelle Obama – My Top Ten List of Fashion Dos and Don’ts
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
First Lady Michelle Obama (Click image for larger view)
I am a huge admirer of our First Lady but I find a lot of her fashion choices to be problematic. Some days she hits it out of the park; other days it’s a swing and a “fall on your face” miss. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that she takes risks, but when it comes to dressing her triangle silhouette, I do believe she should adhere to a few basic fashion rules.
Recently, one of my twitter followers posed the question “whose advising her?” With her dizzying inconsistencies, one has to wonder if she’s even being advised. Afterall, a woman of her status and stature could easily intimidate the best of stylists. But, as I sit here behind my Macbook Pro, I’m feeling quite ballsy and am willing to take a stab at furnishing Mrs. Obama with some fashion advice. So, Mrs. Obama, if you’re reading, here is my list of 10 fashion dos and don’ts, because I want to see you hit a grand slam every time you step up to bat.
- Fit is everything. As the First Lady, do pay closer attention. Everything you wear, whether luxe or less, should fit impeccably. You want your clothing to graze over your womanly curves, not cling to them.
Don't allow your clothes to talk behind your back. (Click image for larger view)
Love the color but not the fit of the sweater. (Click image for larger view)
- Avoid dresses that exaggerate your triangle silhouette.
This is wrong on so many levels. (Click image for larger view)
The dramatic flare of this dress emphasizes the First Lady's triangle silhouette. (Click image for larger view)
- Create visual spacing and make your beautiful face and swan-like neck the focal point with V, scoop and sweetheart necklines.
This dress is dead on. Love the warm autumn color. Love the asymmetrical neckline. Also note how the seam in the front takes the eye to the smallest area of her hips. (Click image for larger view)
- Look for shoulder straps that are wide set to visually balance your shoulders with your hips.
Simply beautiful! Mrs. Obama wears strong, clear blacks very well. (Click image for larger view)
The straps of this dress are not as wide-set as the picture above, but set far enough off the shoulders to work. Also, the scoop neckline brings the focus to Mrs. Obama's beautiful smile. (Click image for larger view)
- Opt for A-line and fluted skirts/dresses that flare out gradually.
Mrs. Obama looking photo ready in this purple Maria Pinto dress. (Click image for larger view)
- Wear autumn warms and some winter cools; avoid spring warm and summer cool hues.
Although this is a beautiful hue, it's not your blue boo. The color makes her look older and tired. (Click image for larger view)
- Choose low to medium contrasting color schemes over high to correspond with your natural color contrast.
These colors are gorgeous and I can even take the belt. (Click image for larger view)
Another great example of choosing low to medium contrast color schemes. That belt gets around. (Click image for larger view)
- Wear trouser style pants and boot cut jeans.
Love the fit of these pants. The flat pockets don't bring a lot of attention to her butt and the volume in the top balances the entire look. (Click image for larger view)
These pants too are a great fit and the colors are dead on. (Click image for larger view)
- Please quit it with the layering and the belting and the bows, especially combined.
Okay this is definitely layering on steroids, but I like it. Colors work; color contrast level is good; great trousers even though they're lighter; belt isn't overkill; and the fit of all pieces are on point. (Click image for larger view)
Belt bondage, but her face looks pretty. (Click image for larger view)
Bows + Belt + Layers + High Contrast = Fail. (Click image for larger view)
- Do continue to pay attention to your posture both standing and sitting. I’ve noticed a vast improvement.
Stand tall Mrs. Obama. You have so much of which to be proud. (Click image for larger view)
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4 Responses to First Lady Michelle Obama – My Top Ten List of Fashion Dos and Don’ts
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YOU GO COLOR GIRL!! Dang, you got these dead on
Mrs. Obama, I hope you’re listening — and perhaps considering a change in your personnel!
You r right!! Like ur work!!
She makes it very obvious that her mid section is a source of concern, but the belts do not cinch her waist they make it look wider.
I think you nailed these! I really like the choices and direction you provided. Actually going to forward it to a client as an example – she has very broad shoulders too. Nice job!