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Michelle Obama in Blue on Veterans Day

by Diane Davis (Subscribe to Diane Davis's posts)
Posted Nov 12th 2009 at 7:07AM  
166 Comments
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Photo: Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

The aqua blue ensemble that Michelle Obama wore to the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Wednesday may raise some eyebrows. It was bright and optimistic on a day that was gray and rainy and full of somber remembrance.

Personally, I really liked the coat (identified as J. Crew by the Web site Mrs-O) and its color. But can we talk about the belt?

Michelle Obama has always loved a belt. She wears them over sweaters (remember the transparent Sonia Rykiel belt that was a summer favorite?). Over blouses. Over dresses. And now over coats.

A winter coat is generally made out of heavy fabric, and gathering it with a belt can cause bunching and wrinkles. And even if meant to give shape to a straight coat, a belt can throw off the lines of whatever tailoring there is.

Is a black belt really a good idea here? Why not add a great scarf, pin or fabulous gloves instead to add personal style? Or go with a princess-seamed coat if she was looking for more definition?

During another part of the day she appeared to wear the same belt cinched over a cardigan and her Maria Pinto teal dress, so maybe she was just loving the belt and wanted it to be a part of her outfit no matter what. That's commitment!

Do you think the belt works with the coat?

Leave a comment, and check out other looks from Mrs. Obama's wardrobe below.





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Style Evolution: Michelle Obama
The First Lady of fashion has certainly been a risk-taker when it comes to fashion. Click through to check out some of her best (and most talked-about) looks right here!
Jewel Samad, AFP/Getty Images
New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. Pictures

Style Evolution: Michelle Obama

    Washington D.C., October 3, 2009
    Michelle leaves a romantic anniversary dinner at Blue Duck Tavern with Barack. She wore a black knee-length halter dress with a square neckline. This flowy (not clingy) style accented all of Michelle's best parts while remaining elegant.

    Olivier Douliery, Pool/Getty Images

    Copenhagen, Denmark,
    October 2, 2009

    In spite of Chicago losing its bid for the 2016 Olympic games, the First Lady is definitely a winner in this sunshine metallic silk matelasse sheath by Michael Kors and matching cardigan.

    Peter Macdiarmid, Getty Images

    Copenhagen, Denmark,
    October 1, 2009

    Michelle Obama goes for the gold at the opening ceremony of the 121st IOC Session at the Copenhagen Opera House in this luminous dress with a fitted bodice and full pleated skirt. The First Lady's neckline is adorned in a trio of her go-to accessory - brooches. Her matching gold accessories and pull back 'do round out the look.

    Charles Dharapak, Pool/Getty Images

    Copenhagen, Denmark, September 30, 2009
    Similar to the watercolor prints we saw on the Spring 2010 runway, Michelle Obama (pictured here with IOC President Jacques Rogge) wears a swirl blue patterned skirt and jacket, cinched at the waist with a navy velvet belt. The First Lady adds a metallic touch with gold kitten heels.

    Charles Dharapak, AFP / Getty Images

    Copenhagen, Denmark, September 30, 2009
    In support of Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid, The First Lady gives a speech in a custom blue jacquard sheath by Jason Wu accentuated with a pearl necklace from Erickson Beamon's "The Peace at Last" collection.

    Charles Dharapak, Pool / AP

    Copenhagen, Denmark, September 30, 2009
    Michelle Obama deplanes in Copenhagen on her quest to campaign for Chicago's bid in the 2016 Olympic games wearing a Jason Wu tweed dress with a Zero + Maria Cornejo Ivy jacket in printed tweed and grosgrain belt. The First Lady adds a pop of collar with a pair of teal kitten heels.

    Michael Tercha, MCT

    Washington, D.C. September 26, 2009
    US President Barack Obama and Michelle arrive at the annual Congressional Black Caucus Phoenix Awards ceremony. Mrs. O wore a sheer Jason Wu sheath -- one of those simple, yet elegant pieces that made her a style star.

    Nicholas Kamm, AFP/Getty Images

    Pittsburgh, PA, September 25, 2009
    Michelle Obama poses with the G-20 leaders' spouses in a Zero + Maria Cornejo dress, cinched at the waist with a Sacai belt.

    Jewel Samad, AFP/Getty Images

    Pittsburgh, PA, September 24, 2009
    Mrs. O hosted a dinner party for the spouses during the G-20 Summit in a silk ruched Thakoon Resort 2010 frock (that showed off her chiseled physique!) and a pearl necklace.

    John Moore, Getty Images

    Pittsburgh, PA, September 24, 2009
    Michelle Obama deplanes Air Force One in a sheer Diane von Furstenberg dress. The First Lady paired the sea green dress with metallic flats.

    JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

Read All Comments
Filed under: Celebrity, News, Celebrity Style
Tags: belts, J.Crew, maria pinto, MariaPinto, Michelle Obama
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READER COMMENTS

(166)Add A Comment

Judy, 11-12-2009, 8:45AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Judy

WHO CARES????! And WHY!!???
People, this country is in trouble, and maybe if everyone quit spending their time and energy on celebrity gossip, we could start to get it together.

Whether Michelle Obama wears a black belt over her blue coat on Veterans Day is of absolutely NO significance.

Wake up, America!

Reply »

Lyzz, 11-12-2009, 5:32PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Lyzz

Finally, someone sees this nonsense of american habits. Who cares about what the first-lady wore to a ceremony?? Only those who think trends and fashions are more important than the fact that the majority of americans can't afford even decent clothes.

»

Kiki, 11-12-2009, 8:46AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Kiki

She should have worn the coat over her head!

Reply »

Chelsea, 11-12-2009, 11:38AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Chelsea

It looks really nice.
Personally,
I think it's a nice opposite from everyone else and shows that we should be happy our vetrans fought for our freedom,
not mourning that many are now dead.

Reply »

Nanny, 11-12-2009, 8:48AM

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Nanny

Ohmy god she looks terrible. Her belly looks like she is pregnant. You would think with everyone at her becon call she would dress with just allittle more style.

Reply »

pepsimom62, 11-12-2009, 9:45AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
pepsimom62

Who gives a darn what she looks like or if she was pregnant. That wouldn't be the end of the world and the way Congress is running this country they will do that all by themselves. I happen to think we got more things to thing about than what she wears. The concern right now is do we have healthcare and money to buy ourselves something to wear.

»

Debra, 11-12-2009, 8:50AM

Half a star vote downvote upReport
Debra

You may be BIG but you have a small mind and a small heart. Barack and Michelle Obama have people in their families that are VETERANS.

If she wants to wear her favorite belt, then so be it. Maybe she feels comfortable in it.

Like you probably feel comfortable in a recliner with a six pack by your side.

This is STILL America where we can wear whatever we damn well want. If she had been in all black with a black hat and gloves, you stupid Repugs would say she was pretending.

So get over yourself!

Reply »

hobbles, 11-12-2009, 8:54AM

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hobbles

Good grief, I don't like the obama's But, what is the big thing about her wearing a bright color coat? It was Veterans Day not Memorial Day. Veterans Day is to thank and appreciate the ones that are still alive (Me for one). Memorial Day is to remember the all who didn't come back.

Reply »

campb2m, 11-12-2009, 8:53AM

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campb2m

I just don't get it why people think Michelle O is such a fantastic dresser! I'm no fashion expert, but she always looks "cobbled up" -- like she is a little girl playing dress-up --getting into her Mommy's closet! A belt over her coat?? Her style of dress (in this and in other past venues) show's she has no fashion sense at all. She's been given a pass by the press in the past, but I dunno... I think that is wearing thin now.

Reply »

plotkinusa, 11-12-2009, 8:56AM

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plotkinusa

We Americans are odder than most about how we "see" things. And, to boot, some folks confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the more somber day ... though, with all the drunken parties, you'd sometimes never know that. It is the day for remembering those service men and women who gave their lives in service of their Country. Veterans Day honors, particularly, the living veterans of wars and military conflicts. You have probably noticed ... over and over again ... that most people, from politicians, to military big-wigs, to the average Joe say, "Happy Veterans Day!" Michelle Obama's blue coat was beautiful and totally appropriate. RonP, founder of DearDemocrat.com.

Reply »

Jeoffrey, 11-12-2009, 11:50AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Jeoffrey

And you are completely out of your mind! I have two grown sons...both of which served in the military (14 total years). Memorial Day has been twisted far away from its roots of being a day to honor fallen members of the armed forces. Veteran's Day used to be called Armastice Day-- you know....for the end of World War I?

»

DodieBug, 11-12-2009, 11:40AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
DodieBug

Except that they were at Arlington National Cemetery. That is the cemetery of our fallen soldiers. Remember? Oh, and The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located there.

»

MIKE, 11-12-2009, 6:27PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
MIKE

SHE IS A LOSER AND DOES'NT BELONG THERE

Reply »

Wilma, 11-12-2009, 9:44AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Wilma

Geesh how dare the first lady wear something optimistic on a somber, gray rainy day? I think we have alot more things to be concerned about in this country than what the first lady wears. I personally don't care. I am more concerned about the gov. running my health care when they can't seem to do a very good job running anything else except the trail that puts money in their pockets. Everyone is so quick to place all the blame for the mess we are in on the president but Congress is where the crooks are and alot were there lining their pockets before I even heard of Obama. People on SS are not gonna get a raise for the immediate future but Congress found some money to give themselves one. Time to put the blame where it really belongs in Congress. Hurrying an passing something that is not good in order to say "we are doing something" does not sit well with me.

Reply »

Joan, 11-12-2009, 9:13AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Joan

Blue coat is fine but, as much as Michelle likes belts, I dislike what they do to her figure. All the belts she wears rise slightly in the front making her like she has a big belly or is pregnant I like most of her outfits with the exception of the belts

Reply »

amymay273, 11-12-2009, 9:13AM

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amymay273

Maybe the belt should of been a different color. Visually the black belt cuts her in half making her look disproportioned.

Reply »

Jacqueline, 11-12-2009, 9:21AM

Half a star vote downvote upReport
Jacqueline



That belt is sooooooo First Lady Obama. She has a different style and likes loud colors and belts to add the finishing touch. Most African Americans like loud colors where Whites are more into earth tones. Why can't we just live and let live? She isn't Jacqueline Kennedy and she is different in regards to how she dresses and goes for more Bling! It is Obama style and fine. Accept her different style of dress and move on to a more indept subject already.

Reply »

LadyMorgi, 11-12-2009, 5:05PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
LadyMorgi

Unfortunately, she is supposed to be representing every woman in America, when she's out there looking "ghetto fabulous" like she is in that too small coat with the belt holding it together, it reflects badly on us all.

She's no Princess Diana, though its rumored that she is emulating Di, she's certainly no Jackie-O, who almost exclusively wore Chanel to state occasions, even Roslynn Carter always looked elegant, Barbara Bush and Laura both tended to look a bit matronly, but carried it off well, and Nancy Regan always looked a bit overwhelmed and emaciated, but she did it in Adolpho. Hillary always looked better in pants because she has cankles and lumpy knees.

With the money she has for clothes, Michelle could do a lot better.

»

GPUPPY1, 11-12-2009, 9:18AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
GPUPPY1

Love the color of the coat, but the belt is all wrong for it - the fabric of the coat is way too thick and the look here is frumpy. A nice long scarf under the collar of the coat in a contrasting colored print would have worked a lot better.

Reply »

MichaelMajiik, 11-12-2009, 9:21AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
MichaelMajiik

The belt doesn't work for me.

Reply »

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