Style to Suit the Times
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 7:35 PM 
Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Tonight President Mr. O will address a joint session of Congress in what will no doubt entail painting a very serious, sober picture of our country's economic state. It's often difficult to reconcile the unprecedented crisis we're living through with the vast source of inspiration and optimism that President Mr. O and First Lady Mrs. O bring. More than ever, though, we're grateful for the latter - Mrs. O's style included of course.
We imagine the First Lady's dresscode this evening will go one of two routes - modest and understated, with respect for the times (the blue Narciso Rodriguez suit worn for the Lily Ledbetter reception comes to mind), or perhaps less expected, a bolder projection of optimism (with similar effect to the lemongrass Isabel Toledo ensemble worn for the Inauguration). In just an hour or so, we'll know the answer.
While the focus tonight isn't on Mrs. O's fashion, the First Lady's style is part of this living, evolving history, and the broader narrative shaped by these times. And as bleak as things may sometimes seem, we can always look forward to celebrating Mrs. O and her fabulously chic, modern style. As several have mentioned in the post before, Mrs. O will be joined tonight by at least three special guests. Details are posted at Whitehouse.gov.
Update: Mrs. O is wearing a plum silk and wool sleeveless dress, which we're almost certain is Narciso Rodriguez. The dress first debuted during the Inauguration, paired with the long lavender Narciso Rodriguez coat worn again tonight. The dress - with a feminine, modern cut, in a flattering color that was neither solemn nor inappropriately attention grabbing - achieved a tasteful balance.
And contrary to our earlier prediction, the dress didn't seem to make a direct comment on the economy. Rather, in a regal plum, showcasing the First Lady's enviably toned arms, it was a statement of classic Mrs. O style. Additional images here and here.
Narciso Rodriguez in Outfits
Reader Comments (168)
"Threatening?" Hmm. I'm not sure where that's coming from.
It's a matter of taste, that's been said a lot of times before. Some women don't wear pants to church, other women would think nothing of it. Is one group "right?" Is the other "wrong?" Or is it just a matter of taste and culture? It's not a strange rule any more than any other cultural more.
There are some places where I wouldn't wear a sleeveless dress. At this event would have been one of them. And I personally said nothing about a suit. Mrs. O isn't afraid to rock a cardigan if need be.
Loved Mrs. O's outfit, makeup, hair and her husband's speech!!!!
Loved the look! But...sleeveless?? I did do a huge double take when she walked in. I'm not saying she needs to be frumpy, but I do think that a little less flesh would be more appropriate.
But hey, what do I know, she's the FLOTUS and can set the style as she sees it. And boy she looked FABULOUS in the sleeveless. Those arms are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
I was not crazy about Doc Biden's outfit. Hillary looked fantastic. I was also not impressed with Nancy Pelosi, it looked like she had a camp sweatshirt on, she is normally so impeccable. What happened there??
I am looking at CNN still shots of President Obama, does it look like
HE IS GROWING A MUSTACHE (sp?) or am I seeing things?
I noticed Nancy Pelosi's bland outfit also. And I agree--she is usually so well dressed. Maybe this was another case of an outfit that does not photograph well.
I don't have any issue with Michelle Obama wearing a sleeveless dress. I just found the shiny satin to be a bit "social occasion" as someone else put it. If there had been a jacket (fitted, not frumpy) over it--it would have been perfect.
Maybe what we have here is a generational difference of opinion. I think she looked fabulous.
Admittedly I'm a guy and have always figured that one wears a suit to something like this because guys have such limited options. But something I've always envied women for is their ability to wear things other than suits to different functions. So when Mrs. Obama walked in tonight I was amazed. She looked lovely. And she wasn't wearing a brightly-colored pant/skirt suit like I've seen so many first ladies wear every year for my entire life. It wasn't gaudy. She wasn't wearing ostentatious jewelry.
I can get that some people think that sleeveless might not have been right, but I just completely and wholeheartedly disagree.
Cheers.
she looked lovely; you can be appropriate without being frumpy and i think this outfit was firmly in that vein. sleeveless is pretty much mrs. o's signature, so i'm not sure why anyone would be surprised by it at this point; this is a soft/pretty but fairly conservative look, it's very much what i expected to see her wear tonight.
Nancy Pelosi was SO excited! I definitely noticed her jacket as well - in part because I felt like she kept springing up from her seat.
Here's a picture of her jacket:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0bIn6xydKBgif/nancy_pelosi
Perhaps between the color, the woven detail, and what seems to be a drawstring (?), there was just a bit too much going on.
Maybe it's because I live in San Francisco, but I really don't get the controversy over sleeves. I think our First Lady looked stunning in every way. I applaud her individuality. To me, it feels like a breath of fresh air. And her lovely embrace of that young girl tonight was just magnificent and so moving. This is grace in motion.
Allison--yes! What was up with Nancy Pelosi??? I usually like her style, but her outfit tonight was truly strange. Was that a string hanging from her jacket?? Everytime she stood up, it actually swung. And the drab green color was blahhhhhh.
Also, I am one who liked Jill Biden's suit. I would really like to see more of her. She and Mrs. O are both phenomenal women.
What was most beautiful tonight was the recognition of Ty'Sheoma Bethea. It was so touching, made even more so by how Michelle Obama clasped her hand and embraced her. It was a quintessential Obama moment -- the two Obamas upholding and supporting a young woman and her values--a young woman who never had role models like the Obamas before.
Did anyone else think her hair looked a little different tonight? When the cameras cut to her on C-Span, I thought it seemed more layered and even smoother and straighter than usual.
LOVE the dress! My own favorite color--and gorgeous on her!
Regarding this sleeveless vs sleeves debate
Mrs O is a fashionable woman, and fashionable women understand the concept of season-less dressing, which the dress Mrs O wore tonight is a perfect example of. The notion of dressing for a specific season, other than the obvious outer wear one must don because of outdoor temps, is dated,
Notice that Mrs O does not make a habit of wearing stockings - bare legs even outdoors in the winter !
This what modern women who are fashion aware are wearing - or in this case, not wearing. Their choices are not limited to, or by, specific seasons, but what feels right for them, and what is exciting in fashion at the moment wether that moment is in July or January.
I thought Mrs O's choice tonight was original, a tad daring, but completely modern, interesting and yes, fashion forward.
The color was beautiful and the detailing on the bodice was amazing and notched the dress up from just pretty to major style.
I think it is a given now that Mrs O does not make the obvious or expected choices for many events and this is what makes her such an interesting and exciting presence - she is a fashion trailblazer.
What are we, Amish? This is Michelle's signature look and she totally rocked it while still being dignified.
I agree. While beautiful, a sleeveless cocktail dress is not appropriate for the occasion. Mrs. O seems to dress as if any after-6 function calls for a coktail attire, but she should also consider the circumstancesa and the tone of the event. Sometimes, appropriateness is worth a little personal disconmfort. Plus, it is February, at least dress to reflect the season (heat or no heat)!
Her hair and makeup were stunning. I'm glad she going for bright makeup and not so much of that plum and maroon dark colors. Love the shimmery pinkish lips. Good color on her.
And her hair was perfection. Whoever did her hair has a flat iron from God! So shiny and bouncy. Looked incredible.
First of all I think that Michelle looked lovely. The skirt and blouse was not too flashy or too dull for the occasion. And the issue of being sleeveless wasn't an issue for me since that is how we dress down here in Texas the majority of the year.
Secondly, no one on this thread knows why Michelle didn't wear a jacket or sweater. There could be many possible reasons.
1) She did want to.
2) The room was too warm.
3) She could be going thru the change and having hot spells.
4) She could have had a jacket or sweater with her and split something on it in the limo.
5) She forgot to bring it with her when exiting the limo.
6) or, She had a long day and was getting sleepy (she is a very early riser), so she thought the chill of the room would keep her alert.
Just some things to consider.
What I love about this site is that we can share ideas and learn. Already, after reading comments, I can put the sleeveless in a little bit different context (seasonless, trailblazing, "what are we, Amish?").
But gosh darn it she sure is pretty, sleeveless or not. What a statuesque form. Tall women can stand up straighter now.
I liked the whole look, the colour, her hair, the silk was a lovely contrast against the wool. On it being sleeveless I didn't even think anything of it, w/ those arms I think sleeveless should be required lol
Leah D your post was so great
I LOVE YOU !
Come on ya'll! Whatever the reasons for this informal dress (even the ones in Leah D's list above), they are not valid or realistic. I greatly admire Mrs. O's style. However, just because she is FLOTUS does not mean she dresses however she pleases, based dolely on HER own comfort, and the world be damned. (Seriously! She spilled something on it !!!) Imagine if the President came out in a white Saturday Night Fever-style suit, just because he felt confortable in it tonight! Mrs. O should be a little flexible and make an effort to adapt her style to the occasion. She does not necessarily have to wear a "frumpy" suit, but a nice stylish dress, such as the red dress she wore when she visited the white house the first time, would have been fabulousx,. And I do agree, Hillary looked superb in that pink jacket!
She looks gorgeous, she's having a fabulous time. I listened to the speech, don't worry America we have the right man in the job. Everything will be OK, the world will recover, we need to be optimistic like our amazing president.
haha! The NYT already has an article on Mrs. O wearing bare arms!! You can go to thecaucus dot blogs dot nytimes dot com to see it. I find that so funny since I guess we are not the only ones that noticed it.
I mean, say what you will about Michelle (and I do agree that she should have worn sleeves) but how delightful that she gives us all something to talk about, EVERY single time. She always looks beautiful AND she almost always wears something that's genuinely interesting. Imagine if she had worn a nice pink suit like Hillary wore.... I mean, would that really be as fun to discuss?
I think Michelle always wants to go against the grain. You saw that for the Inauguration ball. Everyone wanted a jewel toned silk dress with a plunging neckline--she gave us a fairy princess, one-shouldered gown with exquisite detailing that didn't photograph as well. "Well", many grumbled "I guess it's nice..." But it wasn't what they had expected. And the same for various other pieces like the full-skirted dress worn to the Lincoln Celebration. And even that (hideous) Narciso Rodriguez dress from Election. It doesn't always work, of course, but I love her for trying.
I think she stands in her closet sometime, finds the outfit that perfectly suits the occasion...and then just can't bear to put it on.
Besides, millions and millions and millions of people tuned in tonight saw the First Lady's arms and then made a mental note to get a gym membership! I know I certainly did. They really looked smashing.
I thought she looked nice, but I find her style to be so overrated.
Since no one else has said it -- I'm convinced she chose her dress to be in the same color family as the young girl next to her, to "announce" that the girl was her guest and to make her more comfortable -- and it's what we've seen her do with her family. It's a sign of togetherness and solidarity and charm, and thought it was incredibly considerate of her. I think she always dresses for the people she's with, not for the cameras. And the dress is gorgeous! She looks amazing. Sleeves, no sleeves, it surprised me but certainly didn't offend me; if you've got it, you've got it.
Sorry, I just can't get past the sleeveless thing. And I am relativeky young (early 30s). Imagine going to a job inteview in your favorite sleeveless spring dress!! And lord knows America has seen Mrs. O's "toned" arms enough times by now to be influenced to run to a gym. But seriously, this is one regard where Mrs. O must lead by example as well as talk--Dressing for the occasion--even if it means sacrificing a little comfort sometimes. And yes, she would have looked amazing if it were one of Mr. Obama's newly instituted Coktail party!
Lainie, are u serious? Come on! Please bea little objective and real. Dressing for the girl! She probably sis not even know what the girl was wearing and also, the girl is not one of her daughters and she would have been fine Mrs. Obama wore some other color. Sxhe was probably estatic just to be there!
I have to begin by saying that I love the way Michelle Obama dresses..I absolutely love her syle of fashion...I love that she has her own style and rocks it!!!..but there's a time and occasion for sleeveless and tonight was not it. As first lady, her choice of sleeveless was not appropriate for Capitol Hill...there was not another woman there sleeveless...and I know she does not model herself after anyone else, and I love that about her..but she is the First Lady and had distinguished guest in her box, yet she looked as if she was going to a very informal affair...HIllary Clinton, Dr. Jill Biden, and almost every other woman there were more suited for the occasion than our First Lady. Yes, she has incredible arms, but tonight was not the time to showcase them...we're not asking for "frumpy"...just dress the occasion...Pres. Obama didn't wear a white turtle neck with his black suit (which we know wouldve looked good)...she is not only the First Lady, but she represents her husband the President of the United States. I think its been too much hype about her arms and perhaps thats the determining factor when she selects sleeveless. I read that it was her choice to go sleeveless for the cover of Vogue...when her cover for Ebony was much more suitable...agree with Edwina...dress the occassion and the season!!!
Ye old fashioned women!!!! Even conservative India of the 70s had no problem with a woman President (Mrs. Indira Gandhi) who wore sleeveles clothing http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/photographs/large/c9397-20.jpg . Makes me wonder whether there isn't an agenda (you are forgiven if you are just old fashioned women ;)) behind these posts...bah!
The Huffington Post has a nice slideshow of tonight's look. It's under the Style section. And the title for it is perfect! "Well-armed".
They have some nice close-up shots that show her make-up, which is flawless. Even if we debate whether she looked "appropriate", she certainly did look beautiful.
Mrs.T, may I know why my posts are being moderated? Thanks.
Suji, it's not you! Everyone's posts that includes links are moderated. The blog probably gets a lot spam comments that we never see.
If you don't want to wait for it to show up, you should try resubmitting the comment and camouflaging the link by writing "dot" instead of placing a dot. Or just direct people where you want them to go, by giving out a Google search term or pointing them to a website.
Love the color, but I'm not feeling the outfit. Too monotone. I particularly don't like the top. Too puffy.
**raising my eyebrows** Sleeveless for hubby's speech addressing a joint session of Congress?!?! An avante-garde look, while the country is tightening its belt?!?!
Look at my First Lady, looking good for no reason. Love her!
I'm a huge hugexxx fan of Mrs O & love her to bits & I think she looks absolutely stunning & beautiful here but I agree with the comments about her sleeveless top not looking to be being quite the thing for this occasion ...
The dress is gorgeous, glamorous, a beautiful colour, and amazing fit. I do agree with the comments about the sleeveness though... Why a sleeveless dress in February to an official state function such as this? I would certainly not be surprised if she had indeed color-coordinated with the little girl next to her. But what's with Jill Biden? That color is absolutely horrific, and so eighties. What a difference in style between the First Lady and the VP's wife. I am curious to see the pictures of Hillary that everyone is raving about. Where are they?
Love, love, love this woman! Love, love, love her style!
And for all these "new posters" subtly dissing the first lady while "offering" a few reluctant "compliments" in a lame bid to disguise their true motives - WE ARE NOT FOOLED!
These would be the same people who might've jumped at Mrs. Obama for being too show-offy, too strong, attempting a co-presidency etc. if she'd worn a suit.
Actually, for many of these "posters" there is absolutely nothing the first lady could have worn that might've met with approval. They would have still found someway to throw a dig or two at the first lady. Dastardly PUMA'S!
Mrs Obama has a very strong presence and in her role as first lady (a non-elected office by the way), she tonight dressed her role and the nation's tone as opposed to that of the ELECTED women in office in that space...
She was subtle, unintrusive, soft, understated, feminine, simple, supportive, yet put together, classy, modern, effortless but still uniquely stunning and breathlessly fun and different!
Love it!
Lovely dress or ensemble, would have been better with a jacket or sleeves though. Sleeveless is not appropriate for the serious/ formal ocassion.
again, i don't mean to belabor the point, but what is with the sleeveless hoopla?
someone please direct me to the rule where is says no sleeveless in winter? (with citation please!)
No? no such rule? I DIDN'T THINK SO!
When did a style icon ever follow rules, THEY SET THEM!!! GO MRS. O!!!!
I said something about the sleeveless not being what I would have chosen, had it been me. Personally, I think that Mrs. O chooses sleeveless BECAUSE she knew very few, or no, women there would make the same wardrobe choice. (And because she likes them.) And I think that's kind of cool that she chooses to stand out.
I think it's awesome that people love sleeveless dresses (as do I, just not for last night) but please, let's not talk as if those of us who would have made a different choice are silly, old-fashioned people bound by useless rules. What if she had chosen to come in a bathing suit and a colorful sarong? Would you have said "hey, that's great! Show me where there's a rule that says you can't do that!" Of course you wouldn't. I think most of us generally would feel that it was inappropriate to the occasion.
So, like it or not -- we all have "rules." It just so happens that this issue of sleevelessness is one where there's some disagreement. But the fact is, "rules" exist for everyone.
Even though the ensemble would not be quite my choice for the occasion, though, that's FAR different from saying that it's a bad dress. I think it was a gorgeous dress. I am struck again by the detail. That softly folded bodice was lovely. If only Narciso could design for Target! That's the closest I could ever get to affording one of his pieces.
Conservative India could tolerate a sleeveless President, Mrs. Gandhi, back in the 70s http://wwwDotreaganDotutexasDotedu/archives/photographs/large/c9397-20.jpg . Crying about Mrs. O's sleevelss blouse in 21st century America seems a bit, what shall I say, old fashioned?
Please put a period where the word dot shows up for the image of Mrs. Indira Gandhi
Did you see Michelle O's People cover on the Today show this morning? GORGEOUS!!!!
From an international perspective . . . the American First Couple make me smile every time I see them. Don't underestimate the impact of that beyond your borders.
Like knowing spring is just around the corner, a glimpse of the First Lady made me feel refreshed and calm. Everything will be ok in the long run. Be patient. Spring, and economic recovery, is on the way.
And I'll say it again . . . in a sea of conformity, there was no question who is First Lady in any of the photos I've seen. Mrs. Obama knows how to stand out in a crowd. Change can be scary to many, but there is no doubt there is something different going on in Washington and America these days. Sleeveless in February? That is change for which the world is truly thankful.
Plum is such a great color, too.
I have no difficulty with the lack of sleeves, and I like the contrasting fabrics and the concept of the dress. It's a beautiful color, too, and one that is very flattering to Michelle.
However, the dress seems oddly ill-fitting. I think it is the manner in which the bodice meets the skirt. It is almost as though there are two pieces, with the skirt being slightly too big and the blouse creeping out of the waistband.
Can we not agree to disagree? There is no need for name-calling (I am not even sure what PUMA means)! The new postings are likely a result of earnest, regular people who feel strongly enough about the sleeveless issue to make a comment for the first time. I think that should be appreciated; also, from the comments I have read, even the dissenters seem to praise Mrs. O.'s style. And even Mrs. O's staunchest defenders must admit that in real-life, there are certain occasions (and seasons) that require a more serious tone of dress (a job interview for instance). And we are only saying this, because we KNOW and have seen Mrs. O look business appropriate without being dowdy or frumpy. That first red dress she wore to the white house kncoked it out of the ball park!!! Let's say the first lady is interviewing someone for a job, do you not think that even she would expect the candidate to come in appropriate business attire as required by etiquette. Come on! Look at Carla Bruni, (the French first lady who is the furthest thing away from being a conservative dresser), even she would not wear a coktail dress to a Joint Session of Congress! And she is younger than Mrs. O and a very youthful dresser. Just admit that it was a tad too much and that she should compromise a little and dresss not just for herself, but for the entire "United" States of America, even those of us who have sleeve concerns :) At least bring the jacket or sweater with you and take it off once you're there if the room is too warm.
It is so interesting to see the wide differences of opinion! I think that makes this site all the better. How boring would it be if we all thought the same! I just hate it when I see some of us ascribe sinister motives to those who are not positively gushing with every post. I may not post every day, but I do read everyday (as a matter of fact, as I was watching last night the 1st thing I thought about was this blog and what the feedback would be....how lame am I??)
Anyway, I am in the "great dress, just not for last night" camp. No sleeves certainly would not have been my choice and was not the right tone for me. The blue suit with the belted waist that she wore on one of the cable talk shows (cannot remember which one. Colbert maybe?) Remains one of my favorites of all times and would have been more appropriate I think. Fitted, shows of her style, but, for lack of a better word, appropriate. I thought it was wonderful though how she was beaming at her husband and the fact that he acknowledged her at the beginnning. Loved that!
On another note I thought Nancy Pelosi's knit suit was beautiful! The color was fresh and since it was not a typical suit it was not as if she was trying to look like one of the boys. I did find the string a little distracting based on where she was sitting.
Dr. Biden's dress/suit looked dated and Sec. Clinton's pants suit was utterly predictible and boring.
I thought the First Lady looked radiant! I loved the contrast of fabrics, and the color compliments her lovely mahogany complexion. Simply Stunning!
Brook --
I so agree about Nancy Pelosi. That woman has impeccable style. It's my understanding that she and Mrs. Clinton don't get along, but for the sake of fashion I wish they would put aside their differences and go shopping together.
Beeeeeautiful dress. That's it, nuff said!