• Style
  • Women
  • Huff/Post50
  • Weddings
  • HealthyLiving
  • Divorce
  • Parents
  • Sign In / Register
  • stylelist home
  • huffpost style
  • FASHION
    • Departments

      Fashion News Fashion Features Fashion Trends Designers Models Accessories
      In The Market For Intern Diaries Step Into My Office Object of My Affection Stylelist Network Stories

      Featured

      Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt? Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt?
      Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds
      Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images
  • BEAUTY
    • Departments

      Beauty Basics Beauty News Beauty Features Beauty Trends Uptown Downtown Makeup Healthy Beautiful You
      Skin & Body Fragrance Nails Facetime The Unexpected Icon

      Featured

      This Student Reveals Her Bright-But-Wearable Pink Lipstick Shade This Student Reveals Her Bright-But-Wearable Pink Lipstick Shade
      Do You Use A Facespray Like This Yoga Instructor? Do You Use A Facespray Like This Yoga Instructor?
      Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping
  • HAIR
    • Departments

      Hair Trends Hair How To

      Featured

      The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key
      Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President
      Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated? Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated?
  • CELEBRITY
    • Departments

      Style Evolution Look Of The Day Uptown|Downtown A Look Back

      Featured

      How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College
      PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
      PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup
  • CULTURE
    • Departments

      Art & Design Film Music Books & Magazines

      Featured

      How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper? How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper?
      5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without 5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without
      PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style
  • FASHION WEEK
    • Departments

      Fashion Week Spring 2012 Fashion Week Fall 2012

      Featured

      Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines
      Prada's Take On Ombre Prada's Take On Ombre
      The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine
  • VIDEO
  • STYLELIST NETWORK

Michelle Obama's Fashion Misstep?

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

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.
Read All Comments
Filed under: Celebrity, Hot or Not
Tags: cardigan, Carla-Bruni, D-Day-Commemoration, First-Lady, J.Crew, layers, London, Michelle-Obama, ToyWatch
Share

Style Around the Web

ImaxTree

ImaxTree

  • Make Up Tips For Girls With Glasses - Refinery29
  • How Celebs Work Red Into Their Wardrobe - FabSugar
  • Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions - The Daily Beast
  • Deodorants that Actually Work - Daily Candy
  • Would You Wear Long-Sleeve Shirts As Skirts? - The Frisky
  • Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair - Daily Makeover
  • Celebs Have Us Seeing Stars - People Style Watch

Related Videos

by 5min
  • Fashion Icon Michelle Obama: Altering Stereotypes Fashion Icon Michelle Obama: Altering Stereotypes Play Professor Annette Gordon-Reed, winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize in History, discusses the history of race relations in America from the first slaves to the first black president. She explores how the Obamas fit into the historical race narrative, and how they are changing it for the future.
  • Michelle Obama Fashion Icon Michelle Obama Fashion Icon Play Vogue is considered the world's most influential fashion magazine, but what role does this publication play during this time of upheaval? When "recessionista" has replaced "fashionista" as the model to emulate, how can fashion magazines, designers and retailers stay relevant? Vogue's Sally Singer talks about Michelle Obama's influence on current Fashion trends.
  • Michelle Obama's 5 Best Fashion Moments Michelle Obama's 5 Best Fashion Moments Play Fashionable First Lady Michelle Obama turns 48. In honor of her birthday, we've rounded up five of our favorite Michelle Obama fashion moments. From that stunning Jason Wu gown she wore to the Inaugural Ball to her mix and matched sweater sets, we can't get enough of Michelle's polished, ladylike style. Take a look at our five favorite outfits.
  • Learn about Michelle Obama's Style Learn about Michelle Obama's Style Play From controversial shorts to gorgeous gowns, Michelle Obama has definitely made headlines for her taste in fashion. Mary Tomer, author of Mrs. O: The Face Of Fashion Democracy is here to show us why the first lady is a true fashion icon.

READER COMMENTS

(11)Add A Comment

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

2 stars vote downvote upReport
EB Finds

She looks like she is trying too hard...

Reply »

Alex, 6-12-2009, 10:13AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Alex

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

Reply »

Alex, 6-12-2009, 10:15AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Alex

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

Reply »

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

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Caroline @ Salescoop

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!

Reply »

Katie, 6-12-2009, 5:04PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Katie

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/

Reply »

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

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Vonnie Gross

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.

Reply »

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

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Egy Azziera

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/

Reply »

lynn, 7-09-2009, 8:37AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
lynn

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.

Reply »

Krista, 7-12-2009, 10:04PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Krista

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.

Reply »

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

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Fran Kramer

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!

Reply »

RepeatPossessions, 8-27-2009, 7:37PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
RepeatPossessions

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!

Reply »

 
ADD A COMMENT
  • NEW USER
  • RETURNING USERS
  • AOL/AIM USERS

Got something to say? Say it!

Simply enter your name and e-mail address, and you'll receive an email confirming your comment and issuing you a password. Use that password, and you're good to go.

If you already have an AOL/AIM screenname, log in under the other tabs.

Happy commenting, and keep it classy.

Members enter your username and password.

Enter your AOL or AIM screenname and password.

ADVERTISEMENT

STAY IN THE LOOP!

Most Popular

 
 
WATCH: We Find The Real Difference Between LA & NY Street Style
Like

7

First Woman To Command A Warship In Royal Navy History
Like

C.Z. Guest's Unusual White Accessory
Like

13

'American Idol' Changes Record Contract Policy: Runner-Up No Longer Guaranteed Major Bucks
Like

The Richest Woman in the World: How Gina Rinehart Earns her Billions
Like

Look Of The Day: Solange Gets Garden Party-Ready
Like

10

America's 10 Highest-Paid CEOs of 2011 (and How They Earned It)
Like

What Happened When Alex Kenjeev Paid His Student Loan in Cash
Like

Carrie Fisher's All Tied Up
Like

0

Samsung Galaxy S III review
Like

Country Star Yearbook Pics
Like

Hawkeye and the Blue Ear Help a Mother and Her Hearing Impaired Son
Like

Safeway Worker Stops Man From Beating Pregnant Woman, Gets Suspended
Like

Mary J. Blige, Charity Lawsuit: Singer's Foundation Sued for Failing to Repay $250K Loan
Like

Hot on Facebook

 
 
Stacy London Reveals The 7 Style Rules Never To Break
PHOTOS: 54 Ultra-Chic Warm Weather Hairstyles
C.Z. Guest's Unusual White Accessory

MORE ON Stylelist

Garden Tips
Gardening and Landscapes Your Garden Design Questions, Answered
Room Makeover
Know-How 3 Life-Changing Room Makeovers
Weekend Diys
DIY Weekend DIY Ideas: 8 Ways To Fix Up Your Home In 2 Days Or Less (PHOTOS)
Ray And The Ro Ksubi
Stylelist Network Ksubi 'Bad Sports' Lookbook: From The Stylelist Network
Memorial Day Sales
Projects Memorial Day Sales 2012: Home Decor And Outdoor Furniture Sales At Macy's, Sears, Home Depot And More (PHOTOS)
Pier Liautaud Home
Design Inside A Gorgeous '50s Style Home In Haiti (PHOTOS)

SITES WE LOVE

Denim Dossier: The 20 Best Jeans For Summer

10 Cheap-Chic Pieces To Transform Your Closet

Eddie The Gun's Favorite '80s Accessory? Her Pup

PHOTOS: Nicole Scherzinger Almost Reveals Too Much

Tommy Smythe, Sarah Richardson's Sidekick, Gives Us His Top 5 Design Tips

Sexiest Fashion Week Ever?

Carine Roitfeld, Janet Jackson, Karl Lagerfeld, and More at Last Night’s amfAR Gala in Cannes

Natalia Vodianova Was Royal in Blue

Cathy Horyn Deems Mickey Drexler’s Life ‘Not the Stuff of Novels’

Scrub Down: Hadali Detoxifying Body Scrub

Dressed In White: Sophie Theallet Sea Island White Cotton Gown

Patriotic Purse: Edie Parker Red, White and Blue Jean Clutch

Heat It Up: 5 Cool Outfits Inspired by Our Favorite Summer Movies

One Awesome Thing: A Swimsuit to Make You Feel Like a Bond Girl

Look of the Day: Leopard Meets Brights

Kim Kardashian a Kopy Kat?

Priscilla Chan’s Wedding Secret

Mozart Meets the Future

EVEN MORE ON Stylelist

Clean Home
Beauty
Inspiration
Home Design
Beauty Basics
Hair Highlights
 
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trademarks
  • Advertise
  • About Our Ads
  • Get AOL
 
 
© 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved