Moments of Mourning
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 8:21 PM 
Images by Alex Wong / Getty Images
The President and First Lady traveled to Arizona this afternoon to attend a memorial event at the University of Arizona Tuscon. As Mrs. O left the White House, she wore a purple tie neck wool coat with black trousers.
Landing in Arizona, the First Lady had changed into a dark plum skirt, black top, L'Wren Scott lace cardigan, low heels and pearls. In the past two days, purple has become the First Lady's color of mourning. As reader "Mademoiselle H" so eloquently put it:
Michelle is so fervent ... full of pain, deeply wounded, deeply hoping. The colour ... conveys something both icy and soft like the bruise, the moral pain.
While fashion may not seem important in moments such as these, we should be careful not to dismiss it too quickly. The First Lady shows it can be strikingly powerful and full of message.
L'Wren Scott
Reader Comments (75)
Oopsie, that was supposed to be *filled* ;-)
Here is a letter that First Lady Obama wrote to Americans today:
http://theobamadiary.com/2011/01/13/a-letter-from-the-first-lady/
@ Nyon,
I mirror your sentiments exactly, and even though I'm tempted to respond directly to some of the idiotic comments by the "usual suspects" in the "appropriateness police", I will refrain from doing so in the spirit of the event and what the President asked us to do as citizens, that is to elevate our level of discourse. But I must say that it's difficult to give some the benefit of the doubt when they insist of making the same silly comments over and over again even though it has been pointed out to them that either they don't have all the facts, their observation is biased or stated only for effect, or that their comments serve no purpose other than to stoke the flames of discord, along the lines of the quitter governor Wasilla. But I will say this, the people of Tucson, as well as the greater community across the country welcomed the presence of the president and first lady, appreciated their kindness and their words of comfort and could care less whether they dressed in satin or silk. Instead they welcomed and celebrated the presence of the first couple who was clearly there to offer comfort, to honor the fallen and to celebrate those still recovering as well as the first responders, the medical staff, and those who risk their lives to ensure no greater loss of life. That's what this event was all about, and for that, the first lady was most appropriately attired!.
Kentashi, you took the words right out of my mouth. I totally agree with you.
The event was both a rally cry for peace and unity and a memorial. It seemed very informal to me. I think the first lady dressed true to herself and the occasion. The emotion of the first couple was real and palpable. Mrs. O dressed accordingly.
Our First Lady looked lovely, serene, caring and approachable. I'm so thankful that she IS the First Lady of the United States and therefore, she HAS learned and displays what is appropriate for all occasions. God bless our President, our First Lady, the First Family and God bless America. Thank God we have REAL people representing us...those who know how to express compassion, love and comfort.
@dlk
I will venture to say that I don't totally disagree with you.
Mrs O was really sweet at that service, hugging and comforting people. What a nice lady!
I'm shocked by the comment posted by dlk. The preachy tone is exactly what President Obama was talking about. We need to pull together instead of pushing each other away. Our FLOTUS knows what's appropriate and demonstrates it daily. This is 2011. We have a younger generation in the White House. Dresses and dressy cardigans have replaced suits in major cities in the U.S.
Adear, Michelle wears clear nail polish. I saw no purple!
I agree with Nylon. I was so moved by the president's speech, Michelle's tears, and their embrace after the speech. The crowd was respectful, yet received the president's message with enthusiasm. Well done Arizona! We must be a better nation.
History tells us that First Ladies of the US generally use their wardrobe to reflect the mood or tone they wish to set. Whether traveling overseas and choosing to wear clothing from a particular designer or choosing a color to signify hope, or peace. I think Michelle gets that and wanted to set a gentle tone for the memorial service. After all, a 9-year old child died.
Mrs. Obama was appropriately dressed for the setting. most of the people were not formally dressed and she fit right in. If she had been decked out some would have criticized her for not considering those around her. She did just fine, the president was on point and I appreciated his words and this from a conservative, fundamentalist republican who did not and will not vote for her husband but I do believe that credit the Mrs. Obama and her outfit should be given credit where credit is due. She looks just fine!
@adear, very perceptive, yes she is. http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/108012444
I thought all was listening to the President, obviously michele's attire was more important. Michele loves herself, pleases her self. Does anyone realised that if she had a worn a jacket etc., there would also be critism. Style is a persons choice and how we wear our choices.
Wondering if the purple tie neck wool coat is from Wallis?
http://www.ivillage.co.uk/winter-coats/91887#38
Purple is the perfect color for unity - and for the liturgy of a funeral.
To me, a sweater means approachability, softness, comfort, familiarity. As I recall, the last time a controversial sweater was worn, it resulted in a certain octogenarian monarch putting her arm around Michelle Obama as naturally as she would a member of the garden club or even a daughter. If you look at some of the photo streams from the day, from the airport tarmac to hospital to the memorial, look how many people she hugged. While a tailored jacket may have looked great or "more appropriate" in photos, it surely wouldn't have felt as nice to all the people she literally touched on the day.
I honestly don't think she will "ever learn." She knows already.
You guys are the most beautifull people ever. Obama and Michelle you are simply the best.
I don't understand how peoplr are leaning on the "Purple is a color of mourning" point when we've seen her wear black to various funerals in the part few years as First Lady.
If she always wore people then this point would make sense but to bring it up now seems odd.
I think the purple is a sign of unity between blue and red, and has nothing to do with it being a mourning color.
All that said, I find discussing her outfit to be unimportant when compared to the fact that she was there in the first place. Her being there is more important than any fashion statement.
@dasie, thanks for confirming what I believe was some colored nail polish on Lady Michelle's fingers. I thought it was my moniter but I guess she did not have her usual clear nails that day....
That being said this whole event was so distressing for me I had to stop watching TV and being on the computer. May God heal the hearts of those who have lost so very much. President and First Lady Michelle I hope you both continue to lead us with dignity, grace, wisdom and respect.....
@Patricia Based on the link posted from Dasie, Mrs. O. is wearing purple nail polish.
I love her purple coat! Does anyone know the designer?
New pic from October: http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/5098332591/in/set-72157625204864390/
That coat is AMAZING. Do we know who the designer is? Is it something "off the rack"? Mrs. O has such amazing style and grace, she's my idol.
Pure CLASS... inside and out......
I agree with everyone who said that both the FLOTUS and POTUS were a comforting presence. I also agree that the color of dress of Mrs. Obama was appropriate and that she doesn't have to dress like everybody else. However, having said that I think that the dress as well as the sweater were completely unflattering. The cut of the dress did not work for her. She could have mitigated the situation by wearing a long black coat instead of the sweater. She looks best in better tailored clothing. She should do herself a huge favor and employ a competent stylist, an excellent tailor and purchase a three-way mirror. She is the FLOTUS and should have access to the best in the world. I personally like her best in some of her Michael Kors choices. However, it's not how much you spend that matters; it's how you work it!
The dress, yes. A cardigan, yes. But a dark cardigan, even with a little jet trim, would have been more fitting to the occasion. I wonder if she mistakenly thought Arizona, sun, and packed something lighter-colored. And I don't think this is generational -- I'm Mrs. O's generation.
I find myself agreeing with SLD that Mrs. O. would be well served by a good stylist (or a savvy personal shopper), a good tailor and some gentle advice. She is 90% on target; just a little bit extra and she will be unbeatable.
Stylish, even at the time of mourning and a tragedy. This time is particulary hard for everyone who knew the victims of the Tuscan Shotting and who resided in Tuscan. For the Obama Family and for any great stranger. The death of a 9 year old girl is so sad and i'm sure that Mrs. O feels a great deal of compassion because her own daughter is 9 years old. God bless the victims of the Tuscan Shooting, may God be with you. I know I am, you are in my thoughts and prayers.