Colorado Chic
Monday, November 16, 2009 at 6:19 PM 
Image by John Moore / Getty Images
First Lady Mrs. O was in Denver, Colorado today to meet with high school students, as part of the ongoing White House leadership and mentoring initiative.
We know Mrs. O's penchant for belts has many regular readers of this blog divided. But like the trend or not, Mrs. O is most certainly having a belt moment (perhaps complemented by an updo moment too). For today's appearance, Mrs. O paired an argyle cardigan with black trousers, cinched at the waist by a neutral leather belt. A stack of beaded bracelets completed the look.
Update #1: Thanks to those who have pointed out that earlier in the day, Mrs. O paired her argyle cardigan with a coordinating skirt. See more at the Huffington Post.
Update #2: Mrs. O wears a cardigan from Moschino's Fall/Winter 2010 collection.
Moschino
Reader Comments (64)
Nice cardigan.
I love my diva FLOTUS, but the belts got to go. Its been 11 months. I don't want her to become a caricature of herself. No doubt, she is fab in every sense.
Love everything here - sweater, belt, jewelry all work together well. She looks polished, yet relaxed.
I really love Mrs. O cardigan. She is really on it today. I want to see her more without the belts all the time though.
Based on the many belts she's been wearing recently, it is clear to me that Mrs. O isn't thinking about those of us following her every outfit. So as a Mrs. O style watcher, I'm tired of the belts, as I'm sure most of us are.
But, what this phase of watching Mrs. O's style has done is reminded me that she's not a fashionista. She's the First Lady doing important things, like advocating for health care reform and encouraging mentoring. Clearly, her mind is on her family and her agenda, and whether she's wearing belts too much is probably not on her radar.
So as long as Mrs. O is happy and healthy, then I'm happy. And even on a shallow level, I think she still looks lovely with belt, even if I'm over that look.
And Mrs. T - please find out about this cardi. I want it.
become a caricature of herself??? only if silly people let it so. that woman is too smart and confident to let someone define her by her fashion choices.. having said that.. i am loving the argyle.. just bought some this weekend.. Its funny too, I have a 26 yr old niece who just graduated from Law School. She adores and hopes to follow in brilliant steps of FLOTUS in the way of her career choices... I am looking thru pics of her over the years.. That girl was wearing belts like this for the past 3 yrs.. :)) and she still does and I find it so stylish when people go against the " norm" with fashion.
it is clear to me that Mrs. O isn't thinking about those of us following her every outfit.- IVA
Agreed and she should not care. Period.
She needs to focus on her agenda and in the process wear whatever she deems comfortable. Hillary did it, Laura did it and so on.
365 days of dressing should not be to appeal to some conception of what folks think you ought to look like or wear. She did not want to be a fashion icon, it was thrust on her. She wears what she likes and folks just happened to like it. Good for her. It shows confidence in oneself not to care even after the 11month long complaints of belt this or not. Good. Heck her interns wear their belts too. I think the message is clear, you can talk all you want but I am ME.
I just saw the pictures on Yahoo of our Michelle where it seems that she started out in this outfit and swapped out the grey shell for the white Moschino blouse with the bow while at the luncheon later. I like the outfit both ways, the white cotton blouse is crisp and adds a fresh touch to the wool cardigan and pants. As for the belt, I am a belt girl so my stance is the same. I'm going to try this belted look {outside of a sweater} once a shed a few inches of the waistline (wasteland), just to see how it would look in proportion to my body type. Those multiple stretch bracelets are kinda eclectic and not something that I had seen before on women of our age, yet it works. It's chic and playful with a touch of whimsy without appearing juvenile and childish.So inspiring!
Looove the stacked bracelets. They really add some interest to an otherwise pretty standard outfit. Unlike the belt ;)
I like this belt. It's neutral and not too wide. It's amazing that now I see belts over everything in all the fashion mags and websites. There's no doubt that Mrs. O has been a major fashion influence even in the world of couture!
I'm pro-belt--just bought a wide black one and wore it yesterday.
Yes, we do see a lot of belts over sweaters and coats this season, but not on short-waisted women. Just like all fads, they do not flatter everyone. While this particular belt does not get in the way of her outfit as much as some of the other ones have, this would still be a far lovelier outfit without it. The argyle sweater is beautiful and should have been allowed to stand on its own.
oooooooh! love this co-ordination. earings pick up bracelets. Thanks Mrs T. Love
your adjectives - had to open my dictionary (smile). Enjoyed the comments.
Charlene, glad you like belts too. So true, she's sticking to her agenda and I'm glad
to be a part of this site.
Here 's a good full length view. The colors are very nice and I like this argyle sweater. But the belt doesn't sit where it should - arches up in the front.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/00XSfEg1CwdqO?q=michelle+obama
No sign of the bow blouse mentioned up the thread.
oooooo! Love this co-ordination. Bracelet picks up earings. Enjoyed the comments.
Charlene in Detroit, glad to see you like belts too, try stretch belts, or chain link while
(shedding the inches) smle.
Uh-oh. When she switched to the Moschino Big Bow Blouse she also seems to have swapped her nice black trousers for a skirt.
Judge for yourselves.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2009-11-16-mobama.jpg
This photo on Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/16/michelle-obamas-denver-ou_n_359727.html shows a corresponding argyle skirt besides the white blouse noted by Charlene. Looks like metallic in both the skirt and sweater -- a fresh twist on an old look.
I gotta try Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers along with P90X before I attempt that or else just like Houdini's magical rabbit....they too shall DISAPPEAR !!!
I have a dark green argyle cascade cardigan (bought at Kohl's!), and last week for the first time I put a wide brown woven belt over it.. I'm not thin, but i had a number of people tell me the belt made me look that way...without it, I sure didn't! So thanks, Mrs. O! It would never have occurred to me to do that otherwise.
LisaRoy, do you even know what caricature means? Perhaps you should study my sentence a day or two for it to become clear. I understand some of us are much slower than others of us. Anywhoo, its nice to learn about your niece. But, I am accomplished in addition to having accomplished nieces. Step out of the shadows. You may find that light is a good thing. (eyes rolling)
I just saw that picture on Huffington.......THAT IS SHARP!!! I love that skirt with the cardigan. It continues the pattern all while breaking it up and making it seem like two distinct prints. The skirt being a different fabric and texture gives it balance and makes this a three dimensional outfit. PERFECT!
The argyle sweater on argyle skirt is daring! Young! I love it!
I think she looks a little dowdy in this outfit. Not her sparkly self.
Listened to you on GSF tonight. Congrats on your amazing site and book!
MRS O LOOKED NICE AS ALWAYS LOVE THE BELT.
If Michelle wants to be a mentor and a role model, which she does, then she has to think about how she looks. Her sense of proportions is weak. There are clothes that show the slimness of her waist that don't use belts for this purpose. She looks ridiculous when she belts a short cardigan or a coat--especially when seen in profile. Somebody needs to advise her. Knowing what you like is not the same thing as having style. I love her, but this is trugh.
I love Mrs.O look here, the cardigan, belt and jewellery. NICE VERY NICE.
I really do think she's growing her hair out. I've decided that is behind all the updos. :-)
So now according to some on this blog, Mrs Obama has to dress a certain way to be effective as a mentor or role model? God help us!
Mrs Obama, remains a fantastic role model/mentor no matter what she wears. Stay on it Mrs Obama, we salute your efforts and marvel at your ability to stay so grounded and unfazed through it all. Adorable and lovely as always!
Love Mrs. Obama
But, wish the belts would be retired....too much, too often
That belt (in the full-length view) looks like it's giving her the Heimlich maneuver.
SPARKLY FITTED BLUE DRESS, MRS. O ON COVER OF PREVENTION MAGAZINE
NOV./09. TO ME THATS PICTURE PERFECT - NO BELT GREAT FIGURE.
LOOK IT UP IF INTERESTED...FOR THOSE WHO QUESTION THIS BELT ISSUE.
CHEERS.
Some may never hop on the belt train, but what if you think about it as more of a corset?
I like Mrs. O's trend of wearing argyle cardigans to meet with school kids. It's a look I imagine they get quite a kick out of. Sort of Mrs. O's version of Mr. Rogers. It's also a trend they can follow really cheaply.
But Eleroy, what do you think of her FASHIONS?
Look at this picture on the Huffington Post....looks like she was wearing a skirt, then changed into the pants. The skirt looks to be argyl also! Hmmmmmmmm....I don't know about that combo.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/16/michelle-obamas-denver-ou_n_359727.html
Mrs. Obama looks lovely. I admire her for the work she is doing.
As she has stated in many interviews, she wears what she likes. She is aware that many people do not like her choices. In essence, you are entitled to your opinions and I will wear what I like.
"Confidence: self assurance; belief in your ability to succeed; poise; buoyancy; coolness."
Yep, Mrs. Obama certainly exudes confidence.
How many of us confident, independent, "I'm every woman" kinda woman have received negative comments about how we dress or how we do our hair ?? How many of us have had a right dig about an item of clothing that WE happen to like or even LOVE ? And how many of us continue to wear that item of clothing regardless ? I bet there isn't many. I know I have fallen into this trap.
Michelle and her belts have had more airtime then the Health Reform. Nothing gets people worked up like BELTGATE. Michelle loves them and I happen to like this look that she is sporting today.
What we should celebrate as Mrs O admirers is that the first lady is confident within herself to do as she pleases and wear what she likes. I know she isn't glued to the internet but she must have heard and read the mixed messages about her election night dress (which I loved). Some women would have been in a tailspin over it. I know I would. I would have lost weight stressing over the right DRESS for the inauguration. But for all the comments that she must have picked up on, she remains unfazed. What a woman !!!!
I wish I was more like Michelle growing up - comfortable in myself and strong enough to handle negativity. Just think how much we could all achieve if we weren't so obsessed about what others think of us and focused on being the best we could be.
As Michelle starts her mentoring programme, I wonder how many of those young girls will look back on their experience in years to come. I wonder how many of them will obsess over what the first lady wore and whether the belt with the argyle swaeter was fitting and appropriate.
Oh Look! Mrs O is wearing a belt for a change. Wonders never cease. Hey, it's good to laugh!
Jestina's point is well taken; however I do believe the way you dress says a lot about a person, especially in the business world. If a girl wants to exude confidence and be "the best that she can be", then her clothing should reflect that. If you insist on wearing sweats, ill-fitting, or totally out-of date clothes, that does say something about you. A person can put together a decent outfit even at Walmart. Even tho I quit watching "What not to Wear", (it just got a little obnoxious) the show did have a good message.
Full length closeup:
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2009-11-17-michelleobama2.jpg
Just noticed this dress at J. Crew online. Looks to be a graphite (grey) version of the black dress worn for the Fort Hood memorial. What do you think? (This occasion was not the subject of a main post here.)
Merino Maya Dress - $138.
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/sweaters/merino/PRDOVR~20301/20301.jsp
jestina your point is superbly made and I agree with you on all points. I also find myself wondering whether you're going to get your head verbally cut off for daring to suggest that we be constructive about Michelle's clothing!!! Like I do when I suggest it!!!
This is a lovely outfit, beautifully constructed. I like it a lot. ALL of it. (Even if it is the devil's Argyle.)
***
babs you forget something. Clothing isn't objective. Therefore it is impossible for everyone to agree on what constitutes "exuding confidence" or "being the best that she can be".
Mrs O is and always has been a consummate professional in her job as First Lady. In how she has addressed the role, how she does the role and what she wears for her role.
For some people, the fact that she doesn't wear what they consider to be professional attire, means that she is never going to hit their standard for "the best she can be".
For Mrs O, I think she is "the best she can be". And we should accept that.
Even though I could not see much of it, I think the skirt is really interesting. I also believe it would not have worked as well with the cardi, if not for the belt.
That said, I'm a sucker for MO in those great black trousers. They play up her long legs, and she looks fantastic. I wonder if these are the same ones she wore in Moscow.
Posh & Babs, thanks very much for the feedback.
I love FLOTUS' general style and her very new approach to fashion.
BUT.. the WIDE BELTS MUST GO! They are very unflattering and always worn just under her breasts above her waist. This outfilt (and many others) would be lovely without the belt. Some of the belt looks are great but she is going too far now.. Wide belts with short cardigans look messy.
I thought you fine folks would appreciate this article from the Denver Post.
@ Jestina and Posh Tater,
Hoorah, finally some common sense and perspective. I agree with you both on all points. It's interesting and laughable that some posters relate intelligence, confidence and professionalism with whether you are a "fashionista" or whether you are a "slave to the latest fashion trend", or worse yet, that you should respond like a puppet on a string to the fickle and highly subjective opinions of others to get through the day. Thankfully, the First Lady is none of these things. Instead, she's a classic example of a woman who's "comfortable in her own skin", wears what she likes (even repeats them sometimes), and effortlessly strides through her day. So for those of you who have a problem with her belts, you need to realize that your opinions are just that...yours, and they are very subjective to you and no one else. On the contrary, many of us enyoy these belts and don't have a problem should the First Lady chooses to wear one 365 days a year. Now I realize that should that occur some of you may comtemplate mass suicide as a result. So be it!
To the First Lady, keep the belts, disregard the critics!
Hey Guys, you know by now that I'm a beltaholic (smile) and I ran across a site that has over 1000 of them from all over. They are also a fashionista's dream site for clothing and shoes as well. See www.beso.com. You'll find something that you like, I guarantee it. HAPPY SHOPPING !!!
@ BeeGee: that merino dress is one of those styles that I look at and think, "looks good on the model, not on me." I have a bit of "junk in the trunk" and I've never realy liked how I looked in sweater dresses. Just a little clingy -- I know Spanx could fix that, but I can't be bothered. :-) Also, the neckline in the front appears to plunge too much for my comfort -- I'm just speaking about myself now, I'm kind of conservative. But it's a pretty dress all the same. I'd probably be a bigger fan if it came in a more appealing color.
Pos, you know I am actually a fan of the argyle...but I'm not sure how I feel about the argyle sweater PLUS an argyle-style skirt. I haven't seen a full length shot of it, though. Has anyone else?