Recently, the Washington Post held a First Lady Formalwear Contest, allowing readers to submit their designs for Michelle Obama's inaugural gown. Robin Givhan was the Washington Post writer in charge of selecting a winner, and while there were a couple of others we might have picked, we have to admit she made a pretty good choice with Katie Ermilio's deep forest green creation. It's elegant, appropriately youthful, striking, and sexy without showing too much of anything. And, with the suggested floor-length cape in dove gray, it's positively regal.

The Post isn't the only publication wondering what Michelle should wear for the big night -- check out the sketches WWD got from some of the country's most prominent designers below!

What Should Michelle Wear?

    On January 20th 2009, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President -- instantly becoming one of the most significant leaders in United States history. What will he say? How will he act? And, most importantly, what will Michelle wear?

    Style bible Women's Wear Daily has been wondering the same thing, and enlisted the world's most prominent designers to sketch ideas for the future First Lady. Check out our favorites from the American designers.

    Women's Wear Daily

    Purple is undoubtedly the "it" color of the season, and Isaac Mizrahi offers a fashion-forward option that (at least to us) seems the most in keeping with what Michelle normally wears. Bonus points for offering options for Sasha and Malia, too!

    Women's Wear Daily

    Regal, elegant and timeless -- a stunning formal gown from Michael Kors.

    Women's Wear Daily

    The First Family would certainly be the center of attention in Oscar de la Renta's trio of red, white and blue confections.

    Women's Wear Daily

    Peter Som channels Jackie K. to offer Michelle O a totally timeless, utterly sophisticated "winter white" gown.

    Women's Wear Daily

    The President-elect has sworn to work closely with both parties to unite the country. And with Reem Acra's brash, take-no-prisoners gown in Republican red, his wife could show her support for that agenda on her first night as First Lady.

    Women's Wear Daily

    Tracy Reese suggests a delightfully elegant, classically feminine gown for the lady of the hour.

    Women's Wear Daily

    Betsey Johnson's gown gives a nod to her punk-rock sensibility, while boldly embracing the patriotism of the occasion.

    Women's Wear Daily

    A marked contrast from Betsey's in-your-face, inauguration-ball bananza is an ultra-refined evening gown by Diane Von Furstenberg.

    Women's Wear Daily

    And that's just the beginning. For all 42 sketches by the world's most famous designers, .

    Women's Wear Daily

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