Who among us wouldn’t love to be as chic, authoritative and just downright gorgeous as former First Lady Michelle Obama? She has become a global style icon and a role model for people who want to show up as warm, powerful, femme, relatable – and beautiful. Our ace correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has curated a list of spring outfits Michelle Obama style, both casual and formal, that demonstrate how to dress like the former First Lady and channel Michelle Obama’s iconic fashion style in spring 2021.
12 spring 2021 luxury outfits to channel Michelle Obama’s fashion style
It’s hard to believe that Former First Lady Michelle Obama has only been in the public consciousness for a little over a decade. Her influence as a First Lady cannot be overstated — from her breakthrough speeches, transcendent authenticity, and of course, her iconic style.
How to dress like the former First Lady and channel Michelle Obama iconic fashion style in outfits for spring 2021.
We were reminded of the latter as the internet exploded a few weeks ago during President Biden’s inauguration when Michelle emerged in a head-to-toe magenta modern super heroine outfit by designer, Sergio Hudson.
How to dress like the former First Lady and channel Michelle Obama iconic fashion style in outfits for spring 2021. Former President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2021 Inauguration. Photo Credit: Town & Country.
Our favorite comment on Twitter was from @IAMNJERA: “Hair, LAID. Waist, CINCHED. Fit, BIG DRIP – my forever First Lady did not come to play.”
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With spring fast approaching and new styles and designer collections hitting the floors, we thought this was as good of a time as any to draw inspiration from the essential style of Michelle Obama.
How to dress like the former First Lady and channel Michelle Obama’s iconic fashion style in outfits for spring 2021.
In this edit, we’ve focused on some of her greatest hits during the “Becoming” book tour (looking at you, gold boots) and her penchant for bold, optimistic florals throughout the Obama presidency. For power dressing that embraces femininity and fearlessness, we count ourselves so lucky to have Michelle as an inspiration.
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Here are 12 must-haves in apparel, jewelry, and accessories – both casual and formal fashion – to channel the former FLOTUS’ Michelle Obama seminal style.
12 New luxury outfits to channel Michelle Obama’s style
1. harris wharf coat
I don’t know about you but I literally gasped out loud when Michelle appeared on the steps of Capitol. Oh. And hi, President Obama, you always look great too! So we begin our edit of new spring 2021 outfits in the formal and casual style of Michelle Obama with a spectacular topper that is in the spirit of that instantly-iconic look.
This mulberry colored coat from Harris Wharf has a similar fluid drape as her custom Sergio Hudson coat so that even those of average height will feel as statuesque as Michelle.
BUY NOW – $470.25.
2. le sirenuse palm print dress
Michelle always looked so youthful and pretty in a floral dress paired with flats or sandals. We could see her in this relaxed shirt dress made with an airy cotton poplin while biking around Martha’s Vineyard.
BUY NOW – $438.
3. gabriela hearst ivory suit jacket
Michelle rocks a white pantsuit with the best of them, so we had to add a tailored jacket to our edit of new spring 2021 outfits in the formal and casual style of Michelle Obama. She looked polished and sexy when she paired hers with matching white, caged Jimmy Choo booties at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn during her “Becoming” book tour conversation with poet, Elizabeth Alexander. This version from Gabriela Hearst is made with silk crepe with similar sophisticated details like notched lapels and covered buttons.
BUY NOW– $1,080.
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4. max mara trousers
A hardworking staple in Michelle’s wardrobe is the wide-legged trouser. She seemed to prefer them especially while on the talk show circuit whether she was dancing with Ellen or cracking jokes at her husband’s expense with Jimmy Fallon. As she has been quoted, ”I’m not a mom jeans kind of mom.” Max Mara’s navy pants make a statement while looking elegant and minimalist chic.
BUY NOW – $765.
5. nanushka twist shirt
During the DNC, Michelle famously wore a Vote necklace. But we also took note of her graceful mocha top which evoked a sense of dependability and warmth. While the original top from Nanushka is sold out, we think this version in a button down blouse form is even more wearable for everyday. In our edit of new spring 2021 outfits in the formal and casual style of Michelle Obama, this is the piece that’s at the top of our personal shopping lists.
BUY NOW – $425.
6. stella mccartney faux pearl necklace
If Michelle had a signature accessory, it might be the double strand pearl necklace. It was immortalized in her First Lady portrait and she wore them often to dress up sheath dresses and cardigans. We found these on The Real Real and even better, a portion of proceeds will go to Nurse Heros, an organization addressing the accelerating shortage of nurses in the workforce, and programs including scholarships for nurses and their children.
BUY NOW – $525.
7. alex perry gown
Michelle made quite a splash in another “Becoming” book tour event wearing a show-stopping canary yellow Balenciaga dress and gold metallic thigh high boots. In her own memoir, she had written, “As a black woman, too, I knew I’d be criticized if I was perceived as being showy and high-end, and I’d also be criticized if I was too casual.” This glamorous ensemble sent the message that she is a modern, multifaceted woman who could be serious and have fun, critics be damned. To capture that essence — check out this Alex Perry v-neck gown.
BUY NOW – $2,600.
8. isabel marant boots
Unfortunately, those holographic gold boots were a custom design. And we hope she wears them again! For the rest of us, there are these equally confident and sexy knee high boots made with a snake-effect metallic gold leather.
BUY NOW – $439.
9. tory burch floral belted dress
Michelle wore many frocks from Tory Burch who embodies a quintessential American style that is modern, elevated, and optimistic. This silk and wool blend dress has a gorgeous, painterly blue floral that can be dressed up with heels or look more casual and whimsical with sneakers.
BUY NOW – $268.80.
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10. sergio hudson pencil dress
Every woman needs an all-purpose black dress. Michelle’s were always anything but boring — whether it was a cut-out neckline, exposed zipper detailing or embellished belt. This stretch crepe dress features the now-iconic Sergio Hudson belt with a subtle but sexy back slit.
BUY NOW – $1,335.
11. roberto coin earrings
The former FLOTUS graced the cover of the New York Times Style magazine in 2016 in these geometric earrings from Roberto Coin. Writer Tanisha Ford eloquently expressed their significance: “Those triangle earrings. Two pieces of crafted gold communicate so much about Lady O’s unapologetic style transformation over the past eight years.”
BUY NOW – $1,960.
12. staud halter dress
We wrap up our edit of new spring outfits in the formal and casual fashion style of Michelle Obama with a really fun frock.
Who could forget Michelle Obama’s first AND second Inaugural ball gowns? Both Jason Wu gowns captured the moment and the woman perfectly. If you have Michelle’s enviably toned shoulders and arms, consider this Staud halter that is reminiscent of the neckline of her second Inaugural dress, but in a more more casual style. We also love the bold and happy Hawaiian print as a nod to President Obama’s childhood.
BUY NOW – $126.
12 New luxury outfits to channel Michelle Obama’s style
That’s our edit of 12 spring 2021 luxury casual and formal fashion outfits to show how to dress like former First Lady Michelle Obama in style. Build a couple of these into your wardrobe, and then go out there and slay it like Michelle!
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
