Sunday
Jan232011
Honoring Sargent Shriver
Sunday, January 23, 2011 at 5:59 PM 
Photos by Cliff Owen / Getty Images; Chuck Kennedy / The White House
Yesterday, Mrs. O attended a funeral service for Sargent Shriver at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland. For the occasion, the First Lady wore a Fall 2008 Jonathan Saunders dress, paired with a black turtleneck and floral pin at the collar. Mrs. O was seen with Shriver's niece, Caroline Kennedy, as they left the funeral service.
To read more about the life of the great Sargent Shriver:
"The Loss of a Good Man" [NYT]
"R. Sargent Shriver, Peace Corps Leader, Dies at 95" [NYT]
tagged Jonathan Saunders
Jonathan Saunders
Reader Comments (48)
I think Mrs O should invest in a beautifully tailored, skirted, black suit (or dress w/ jacket) for funerals and visits with the pope...
A perfect dress for a solemn event which calls for non-showy attire. I am sure the family
appreciated her attendance.
Char from Seattle
Aaaaah this outfit appears again. I think I recall it being worn at least twice;if anyone can remember more occasions, refresh my memory. Is that a new pin?
I don't really think it is for any of us to say what FLOTUS should or should not do.
Each of us will likely vary in our opinions about FLOTUS' choices. Some will admire and some will dislike; that's a given. However, if you look closely Carolyn Kennedy is wearing a cardigan. FLOTUS a jumper-style dress and turtle neck. Neither looks out of place.
Funerals--or Celebrations of Life as they have been re-styled--are not what they once were. The world has moved on from veils and dark Victorian observations followed by a year in black. Times change. Yes. They. Do. People no longer haul out their one good funeral/suit but dress just a bit more somberly than they normally would. Like it or not, that's how it is. If Americans had been set on suits they would have elected Hillary.
The pin seems to be the one from President Obama with a black ribbon enhancer! Very clever way to make it larger.
I like this dress. Furthermore, I really like that FLOTUS wears her clothes more than once. I wonder when she will start rewearing her gowns that she has worn to major events, or if the gowns are borrowed just for an event.
Mrs. O looks great. Love CK's cardigan.
This is a very appropriate yet unique outfit for this somber occasion. I remember she wore it right after election night to another funeral and later at the Kennedy Center.
@ann50
I'm sure she has plenty of those in her closet, but she chooses to wear what makes her happy. She strikes a nice balance between what the occasion calls for and her personal style. I've never seen her wear an outfit that was really inappropriate, especially to a funeral. I remember some posters said that she shouldn't have worn a cardigan to Ted Kennedy's funeral but I recall one of his nieces wore a very similar cardigan and as you can see in this picture Caroline Kennedy is also wearing one. Suits aren't always necessary to look appropriate for occasions like funerals or meeting the Pope, etc. I think thats a slightly dated definition of what it is to dress appropriatly for such events.
to each his own (and that goes for Mrs O too), but I stick w/ my opinion...although I'd be willing to modernize enough to go w/ a navy blue suit/dress and jacket combo...I just think her outfit looks like an old fashioned "jumper"....
I do not think Mrs.O is a big fun of suites, I do not blame her. I am not a big fun either.
as said before, a funeral is a celebration of someone's life. grieving and celebration are not mutually exclusive. fashion is a simultaneous record and influencer of our evolving cultures...
Very nice!
I totally agree with Ann. She looks spectacular here. And, the dress is certainly appropriate for anybody else to wear to funerals. I would wear it in a heartbeat. LOL! But, in her role, a nice suit, clutch purse and pearls (more classic gear) would have been the best choice for these occasions with dignitaries such as former Presidents, First Ladies, etc... And, like many of the folks on this board, I am one who thinks she can do no wrong-lol- but sometimes there are better choices for the ocassion. And, certainly, I understand that she can "wear whatever she wants to wear". So, don't go there. Our opionion is just as valuable as yours are.
I think the outfit Caroline Kennedy is wearing is something that Michelle Obama might wear. Here are two smart, beautiful, accomplished women who are a credit to our country.
I love Michelle Obama and all she stands for, but honestly she needs a funeral apparel coach. This outfit is too hip, the outfit in Arizona, too casual.
Caroline Kennedy looks right for the occasion. Funerals are not fashion-first arenas.
I agree with Ann O. There are times to be a fashionista and there are times to just wear something plain and elegant. I support Mrs O most times but not this time. And it does not have to be a suit. A simple black dress would be fine. Shelly
hmmmmmmmm!
Oscar De La Renta 2010 and 2011 lines seems to be have fashioned and influenced by Mrs. O. style!!!.
take a look and let me know if you agree!
http://www.oscardelarenta.com/?folderId=/shoponline/readytowear/dresses
http://www.oscardelarenta.com/?folderId=/shoponline/readytowear/knits
Whew, I'm so happy Mrs. O dresses herself because some people would have her looking like an OAL!
Keep doing you, Michelle Obama!!!
Maybe because of I'm catholic, I am in the school of thought that funeral attires should be a bit more formal, especially for dignitaries like Mrs. O. While this seems to be her go-to funeral dress, it connotes a certain lack of attention and planning on either her or her staff's part. While it was very thoughtful of her to even attend the funeral, it might be nice if she has some standard staple ensembles specifically designated for such somber occasions. Just the same way she puts a lot of care and attention into for instance, the state dinner outfits, (and would not repeat an outfit fot those occasions), there should be a little bit more thought into what she wears to funerals, especially, since as first lady she is sometimes expected to attend a few high-level ones. And please do not tell me she was trying to be humble and modest and not upstage the Kennedys (because quite frankly, nobody could do that!), and she is the First Lady, she is expected to shine (although in a more subdued way)--even at funerals.
I think the First Lady looks very appropriate.
@Ann50, yes you are entitled to your opinion, but please just comment whether or not you like an outfit----do not comment on what you" think" Mrs. Obama should wear. I don't know if "50" refers to your age or your style era, but you sound a little "sniffy".
I think this outfit is too -closed. I just don't know how to describe it but when I look I feel like I can't breath. Was it really necessary to be so covered up and have so many thick layers on each other? Also the cut of the dress reminds me of school outfit. It may only be me. but I she looks very different from other ladies in not a very good way.
Wow, I never knew there was a need for a "funeral apparel coach." LOL When FLOTUS wore a cardigan to Teddy Kennedy's funeral folks complained that it was "not funeral attire." Whew, this woman sure knows she is under a microscope. I hope FLOTUS wears a suitable outfit that is State of the Union worthy on Tuesday, before she is told she needs coaching on what ot wear to State of the Union addresses. Some people take fashion a little too seriously. Whether it's Oscar De La Renta suggesting that the type of dress that a First Lady wears helps the China/America relationship, or one declaring that there is some type of uniform one should wear to a funeral.
Men are stuck with the eternal suit/coat combination to wear to a funeral but as women we do have more options. Both ladies look great here, no need for a suit. Michelle Obamas dress is perfectly appropriate without being boring, IMO. A funeral apparel coach - pleeeeeease!!
Oh, I don't think the dress is out of place. I just think it's ugly and unflattering.
Sorry, I don't like this dress either. Michelle does look great in tailored dresses and suits - - I too wish she would find a stylist who would point her more in that direction. And I agree as well this dress is too edgy, hip, whatever, for a funeral, and maybe more so in that part of the country.
Those who are knocking the notion of Mrs. Obama in a suit forget how many she wore when campaigning.
There are suits and there are suits. To tag all of them as "old lady" clothes is naive. Some of the smartest clothes around - the most polished - are suits or dresses with jackets or skirts with coordinating jackets.
I agree that this looks a bit hip for a funeral - especially one of this magnitude - but as many post, she wears what she wears.
Might she look more elegant and polished in another look? Probably.
I've always liked this dress for the panel detail, and depending on the angle and light, the illusion that it's worn with a cardigan. The First Lady first wore it for a funeral in October 2008, and then to a Kennedy Center event in early 2009. I believe one time since? I think the pin is another from Alexis Bittar.
Oh, poo! You certainly have a right to think the dress is ugly or a bad design, but whether or not you like the dress, you have to at least admit there is nothing inappropriate about it or that she chose to wear it to Mr. Shiver's funeral. Sure, she could have done some simply cut suit or dress, but what she has on is just as appropriate as those would have been. No, this was not the elegant or formal choice, there is more of a personal style going on here. I dislike a number of her choices, but she has yet to wear anything that could remotely be seen as inappropriate.
I am hesitant to comment on what one wears to a funeral but I have to say that this outfit is unflattering and seems to be an example of trying too hard. The focus wouldn't be on her at this event, but rather on the Kennedy/Shriver family, etc. My overall impression is that this outfit looks like a service uniform of some sort and makes her look somehow heavier than she is. This wouldn't be the time to be a fashionista. I would have preferred a simple black dress ( perhaps wool jersey?) and as a Catholic I am wondering if an elegant cross necklace wouldn't have been appropriate? Thought the flower pin was distracting.
Oh poo indeed. The FLOTUS looks in no way inappropriate. And by the way, isn't that cardigan Caroline Kennedy is wearing?
Mind you, I am asking for a suit, but just one of her lovely tailored stylish "ensembles" that only she has the knack to put together. It's because I have seen her in such lovely attires that I know she can "bring it" when the occasion requires it. And LSD, no offense, but even a staunch catholic as I am would not pretend to dictate Mrs. O's choice of jewelry. Plus I happen to think less is more in the accessories department, so I don't know about the cross.
Anyways, I hope that my comments have not irrittated too many sensibilities. Nice sparring with you lovely Mrs. O bloggers :-)
I really like both ladies outfits. Caroline looks elegant and understated and FLOTUS looks stylish and edgy. I love the leather like details on the dress...and the pin rocks. I am more of a non traditional person so for me it's not so important what they wear to a funeral. I went to two wakes this weekned...and many folks had on jeans. What really matters is that you are present to offer condolences. FLOTUS looks great! Now I have to get me one of those dresses...I love it! Is she wearing the knee length boots?
I'm Catholic, too, and I've seen funeral apparel run the gamut -- from tailored suits, to trousers and sweaters (including sweaters of brighter hues). The Roman Catholic funeral Mass is meant to be a celebration of life -- funereal colors are no longer required, though many wear them, out of pure sadness.
Mrs. Obama is dressed very appropriately here. This wasn't a state funeral for a foreign dignitary. This was a funeral for a great American, who was beloved by his family.
A question for the Puritanical-Appropriate Committee: Did you all see what his daughter, Maria, wore to the funeral?
Here are some additional pictures on the White House blog. She was seated (standing in the picture) between Joe Biden and Bill Clinton with Nancy Pelosi and hubby to the right of them. She blended well into the scene even with Nancy's very conservative black suit. Notice Nancy's husband wore a very bright red tie.
Above someone mentioned that, as a Catholic, they would like to have seen her wear a cross. Michelle is not Catholic, but two very prominent Catholic women there, Nancy Pelosi and Caroline Kennedy, wore no jewelry whatsoever. Maria Schriver perhaps made up for it with two crosses and a long chain.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/01/22/vice-president-first-lady-honor-sargent-shriver
Anyone catch this morning's event? Tailored suit with a skirt and three strand pearl necklace with a twist. Very, very sharp in every single way.Although similar in color tones to the outfit at the funeral, today's outfit would have made her stand out more--not what you want at a funeral.
impeccable as always. The flower pin is a nice touch. I love how she is appropriately winter these days with textures and boots, blacks and greys....very nice.
The passing of Sargent Shriver was sad news; however, both the memorial service and the funeral were not somber events; but, uplifting celebrations of his life. Therefore, I think that Michelle Obama dressed accordingly.
The outfit worn by Mrs. Obama was, in my opinion, appropriate and beautiful. Reflecting on the speeches made at both events, I think that Sargent Shriver would have approved of what she wore.
I'm glad someone else said "is that a cardigan that Maria is wearing?" On balance, the comments about Mrs O not being formal enough are laughable in the face of an unbuttoned cardigan over a shift dress... I like Mrs O's dress although I do think that she has now worn it to two memorial/funerals and it runs the risk of becoming The Funeral Dress.
I like this outfit though. It's fitted and detailed enough to be chic without being dull and it is far better than the unending boredom of the suit. God save us from suit HELL.
Perhaps.............just perhaps............without the flower pin?? But other than that, I'm comparing what the FLOTUS is wearing To Caroline's outfit. No one knocked Caroline for not being in a more traditional suit and she's family. So really.
This photo of Mrs. O in her ensemble is more flattering of the outfit than the one above -- http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/imagecache/embedded_img_full/image/image_file/shriver_smiling_92U5532.jpg
Speaking of suits, any information on her suit worn here - http://photos.upi.com/slideshow/lbox/b96112390e6baa896927285c4474b04f/Obama-Military-Care.jpg? I like Jill Biden's suit with Mrs. O's necklace.
The dress is simple, appropriate and nice. The occasion was to celebrate the life of a great American who died at 95, I dont think she needs a suit to show respect. Mrs. Obama and Caroline Kennedy looked very graceful to me. I didn't realize Catholicism had something to do with it.
I've said it before and I'll say again, I'm so glad Michelle Obama is so comfortable in her own skin that she wears what she feels comfortable in and what she deems appropriate for the given event. So for the rest of you sanctimonious, self-appointed fashion police, who can all take a flying leap somewhere. Some of your comments make no sense, and show a clear bias toward a style of dress that you probably coudn't carry off even if you tried, so needless to say your comments are clearly suspect. From some of your commentary I wonder if some of you are not still stuck in the dark decade of the 50's where conformity and repression ruled the day. The dress FLOTUS wore to Sargent Shriver's memorial service was very appropriate for the occasion. Maybe some of you don't like it, so be it, to each his own, but don't try to characterize her choice as somehow unworthy for the occasion because then you just come off sounding utterly silly, uninformed, or worse yet, dumb!
Remember what she wore to the Fort Hood memorial? It was a black sheath and a little bolaro type sweater with pearls?
Wow. Lady O has the greatest figure. That black dress looks beautiful on her. I like how she can take anything and make it into a suit that every woman covets. Way to go First Lady Obama.
How do you "shine" in a subdued way? The dress is black, comfortable and I think that the dress gives the appearance of being approachable. Caroline is wearing an outfit similar to what FLOTUS wore to the Arizona Memorial. I'm thinking MIchelle Obama 2; The haters, fuddy duddies, etc.. zip zero.
Jay frm Memphis
The dress is too tight, the flower is out of place, and the thing is just not flattering. Appropriate for a funeral is a black simple dress. She is the presidents wife ... It matters what she wears. The rest of you are social idiots if you don't understand that one dresses for the occasion. A funerals focus is on the deceased and. Not on the living. Therefore the clothes should be subdued, not call attention to the wearer and be black to show mourning and respect to the deceased. Mrs o dresses very well in her evening wear, but all of her other clothing choices consistently miss the mark. Whoever is advising her is a total idiot...the clothes are too tight unflattering. Mrs Obama generally looks lovely in evening wear, there is no reason that she ant look just as nice in her other outfits. She needs to fire her stylist, have photos taken from all angles when she tries on outfits to avoid these unflattering shots. She also has to learn that you dress for the occasion ... Not just put on anything you happen to put on...
That's an interesting dress. I don't think I care for it at a funeral, but I like the dress.