Stunning in Black and White

The President and First Lady attended the 43rd annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Legislative Conference dinner in Washington last Saturday.

Per the Huffington Post, Mrs. O wore the same jeweled J.Crew belt that she debuted for the 2013 inauguration, here.

Comments

[Cheryl]

A magnificent dress. She looks wonderful.

[Auntie Mom]

Not sure it is the same belt with this gown; saw a bow on the back of the dress (?) coming from the belt (?) on The Obama Diary. This gown is a very different look for Mrs. Obama and the fabric is very different. I wonder if it is as "comfortable" as it appears?

[Eleroy]

Exquisite!!! I want to be just like her when I grow up. Beauty, brains, grace, dignity, integrity, stylish and authentic to the core. Mrs Obama ROCKS!!!
Sexy and stylish but in a most dignified way!!! Love it!!!

[Joan]

A gorgeous statement is made by 'she who is First Lady Michelle Obama'!

[SoccerNana]

I love, love, love this dress! Because of the number of photos posted on the Obama diary website I was able to view the dress from all angles. I'm afraid I don't see the resemblance in the belt on the dress above and the belt on the coat Mrs. O wore during the inauguration ceremony.

[ExLobbyist (formerly Accidental Lobbyist)]

I was fortunate to attend the dinner once again this year. My table was second row center so I had a GREAT view of the stage. When President and Mrs. Obama walked onto the stage there was a very audibly loud gasp from the audience. They are a striking couple -- Mrs. Obama was exquisite!

[Ginger Whitaker]

Only the first lady can wear a gown that is both strapless and lady-like modest. Such a great combination on her.

[trinisamba]

This is the first time that I can actually say that Mrs.O is wearing something that I cannot see any beauty. This dress looks "common or garden".
I still love her though.

[lissa]

I'm going to be one of the few people here who does not like this dress. IMO its very plain looking for this type of event.

[Jestina ( London, England)]

Not one of my favourite evening dresses for the first lady but she does look lovely, as always

[Audrey]

This has to be one of my all time favorites--
I completely love everything about this look and I'm dying to know who designed it -- absolutely stunning!
The gown was simple in its execution and silhouette, but complete perfection -
it fit like a glove--
On closer inspection, it appears to be some sort of intricate loom-woven fabric with some shiny threads interspersed throughout --

http://obamadiary.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/2013-09-22t021324z_295089790_gm1e99m0sax01_rtrmadp_3_usa-obama.jpg?w=655&h=848

http://obamadiary.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/2013-09-22t015739z_868928674_gm1e99m0rkp01_rtrmadp_3_usa-obama.jpg?w=655&h=876

It does looks white and black, but I think the black areas are actually peeks of the lining through openings in the weave pattern -- simply gorgeous! I love that with her, there's an emphasis on fabric - interesting, quality fabrics and not just complex cuts or styles --
Very beautiful! And in true Mrs Obama fashion, a very clean look with minimal accessories --
Her engagement/wedding/eternity ring trio; The most important, most meaningful and most beautiful on her---
Long drop earrings - looks sort of oxidized which gives it a muted, understated feel--
And of course the studded belt with a surprising twist: a sweet ribbon tie at the back --

It's always important to keep perspective especially with regard to timing and her appearances at these annual calendar events--
Some of these events are mandatory for the president and First Lady - even if they happen to coincide with unexpected tragedies like the Naval Yard shootings--

I'm always incredibly impressed with how mindful she is of the competing events -- and in picking her outfits at these rather tricky times, how she strives to strike just the right balance;

She again succeeds brilliantly with this look:

A simple silhouette; beautifully constructed long gown in a striking, intricate fabric - with minimal accessories and all in muted black and white, that at once respectfully conveys the celebratory nature of the evening and the sober events of recent days -- And of course a little nod to the man on her arms -- because at the end of the day, even First Ladies love the look of appreciation in their husband's eyes when they dress up---

This look hits all the high notes for me---

[Audrey]

@SoccerNana, I think the belt is more familiar from its appearance on the black and white Jason Wu dress she originally wore in Tanzania at her event with Laura Bush.

On a repeat showing, she wore the Jason Wu dress this time with this belt, for her visit to New Orleans for the La Raza conference and to tour the Sterling grocery store opened up by Wendell Pierce to help counter food deserts in an underserved New Orleans neighborhood.
Here are a few shots, not very clear, but she's wearing the same belt:

http://flotusnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/61f1deb8ac6d197d.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0diu1bweVieWJ/350x.jpg

http://obamadiary.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/2152a1bbfcb5121f3e0f6a706700c4eb.jpg?w=655&h=442

[a Mom in MI]

This one doesn't quite compare with the First Lady's normally stunning evening looks.

Today's Obama Diary includes a photo of Mrs. O with the wife of the Indian PM. She's debuted several stunning dresses this week, but this is a repeat of a Moschino Cheap and Chic mixed-print she has worn several times now, most recently http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2013/3/16/new-from-the-white-house-flickr-stream.html Not one of my favorites, but it shows up nicely in the warmer light of this flower-filled room.

[Kywstgal]

Chic, but airy and light...perfect. I love, love, love this....very youthful without being inappropriately so. Wow!

[Jason C]

Are there term limits for First Ladies? She will be a hard act to follow.
I am enamored.

[Fern Gullie]

This dress is stunning – absolutely unique. The skirt looks elegant IMO because it flows and moves with her body so gracefully. Has a vintage, 19th century “crinoline skirt” or petticoat look (or old movies which I love) mixed with a modern “trendy top” and belt – amazing as usual.
Mrs. O always looks great in a strapless gown. For me a necklace would be a must but she beautifies her clothes with her glowing skin and figure.
@trinisamba, nice to see your post – just a few days ago I thought, wonder how your’e doing. I remember when you spoke about your wedding and returning home.
.

[Renee]

I've gotta say, I don't like this dress at all. She has worn much more beautiful gowns. This one is just lacking in any kind of elegance whatsoever IMHO.

[Fiona]

Me likey very much. Great gown, great hair, great make-up, great smile, great woman.Two thumbs up. That's all.

[Avjosj]

Who is the dress designer?

[Margie O]

Who designed this lovely dress?

[Audrey]

21 moments in pictures to celebrate the 21st wedding anniversary of our fantastic First Couple:

http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/gallery/2013100314847/michelle-barack-obama-marriage-aniversary/1/

http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2013100314847/michelle-barack-obama-marriage-aniversary/

Many more beautiful, happy, loving, wonderful years to this sweet, inspiring, devoted couple -- and may God bless the Obamas on this their 21st anniversary and always--

[Sally]

Oh Audry, you have piqued my curiosity. What do you do? What is your career? Do you do anything useful with your time?Or do you just stalk and comment on the first couple?

[Betty J Thompson]

What a beautiful couple. Her wardrobe selections are colorful and complimentary and set an example for young girls. Her husband is an outstanding young man, articulate, brilliant, and compassionate. He's a trend setter for a great cause and it needs to be given a chance, just as Social Security & Medicare encouraged our citizens to be productive, to save and invest and retire with dignity. Affordable Health Care, also called Obamacare, is one shining example of how he is pulling this country out of third world classification in that area and both supportive all from encouragement of good health practises to valuable education for children. We in this country are blessed by their leadership quality. Wish there were more like them. Think about encouraging other leaders to follow these examples for the benefit of our country.

[Kathy Aldinger, Global Fashion Ambassador]

This is a very beautiful gown, worn fabulously by a very beautiful woman! At times understated glamour and elegance is all that is needed. The First Lady chose wisely. http://ease-collection.blogspot.com/

[Tracy]

Seems similar in terms of fabric and the shape of the skirt to this custom Prada dress Kerry Washington wore on October 3 at the premiere of Scandal: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2013/10/03/kerry-washington-prada-scandal-season-3-premiere/

[Bevi]

This is demure, glamorous, and chic all at the same time.