In New Book ‘The Look,’ Former First Lady Reveals the Meaning Behind Her Most Iconic Outfits
Michelle Obama says her clothes were never about perfection. During her eight years in the White House, she went from speeches to foreign meetings to digging in the garden with schoolchildren and her wardrobe needed to roll with that chaos. Raising Sasha and Malia didn’t leave much time to agonize over outfits, so she relied on practicality: Could she hug people? Could she get dirty without worrying?
Growing up on the South Side of Chicago shaped that approach, and becoming the first Black woman to serve as first lady heightened the pressure and scrutiny. She learned early that clothes either open doors or shut people out. Looking too precious or untouchable wasn’t an option if she wanted Americans to feel close to her. White outfits were a no-go on rope-line days; hugs mattered more than photographs.
These stories shape Michelle Obama’s new book, “The Look,” created with longtime stylist Meredith Koop. The project expands through “IMO: THE LOOK,” a six-part companion series taped live with her brother, Craig Robinson.
Michelle Obama also opened up about the evolving style dynamic with her daughters, who didn’t exactly admire her designer closet when they were teens living in the White House. While the world labeled her a fashion icon, Malia and Sasha were firmly in their Brandy Melville era, rolling their eyes at luxury hand-me-downs.
She recalled offering Sasha a vintage Alaïa dress only to be met with, “Why would I want that?” Like most teens, they preferred mall brands and online trends and thought designer clothes were “for old people.”
Now that they’re adults—Malia pursuing film and Sasha recently graduated—the fashion tables have turned. “They go in my closet a lot,” she said. “As they get older, they’re starting to respect what I have.”
The two sisters have developed different aesthetics, and Obama said it’s been “fun” watching them refine their own styles. They now swap fashion tips with their mom, trading jackets, shoes, and ideas. “We’re starting to develop a more shared fashion story together.”
Obama also credits their generation for inspiring her to wear braids more often in her post-White House life. Seeing young Black girls embrace natural textures pushed her to do the same. As the first former first lady to wear braids in the White House, she said the choice was deliberate—a signal of authenticity and support for young women pushing past old expectations.
Her first major moment in the national spotlight came at the 2009 inauguration, where she wore a white, one-shoulder chiffon gown by then up-and-coming designer Jason Wu. Introduced to Wu by the late André Leon Talley, she chose the dress simply because it was the best one. But the ripple effects were undeniable.
Obama reflected on the backlash she got simply for showing her arms—a reminder of how closely her body and presence were policed. That scrutiny made it even clearer that every look carried meaning. Choosing Wu’s gown wasn’t a “DEI hire,” she said pointedly to the Grio. It was beautiful, and it changed his life.
For the last state dinner of the Obama administration in 2016, she wore a rose gold Versace gown. After years of relentless public inspection, her mood was simple: Bye. She tried on the dress and immediately felt its confidence and glamour.
The message was intentional. “I put that on. I was like, this is sexy. It’s the last one.”
Obama’s maroon Sergio Hudson coat and pants at Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration nearly shut down the internet, but she chose it for far more serious reasons. Two weeks after the Jan. 6 attack, she openly considered the possibility that something else could happen. She didn’t bring her glam team; she didn’t want anyone else at risk.
She needed to be able to run if necessary. Low-heeled boots. Warm layers. Pants for mobility. A design that made her feel strong and ready for anything. The viral reaction was never the point.
Obama also revisited memories of the East Wing, recently demolished by Donald Trump to build a ballroom. For her, that wing was the heart of the White House—a place filled with kids, apples, puppies, laughter, and the work she cared about most: childhood health, military families, and girls’ education globally.
She and President Obama never saw the White House as their personal property. They viewed themselves as caretakers with responsibilities to the country. And for that reason, she said, Americans must stay clear-eyed about who they choose to let into that house.
