First Lady's Fashion: Overated??

So I know I will probably get a lot of flack for this but is it just me or is first lady Michelle Obama's style slightly overated?? So I just had a conversation with a girlfriend of mine. She and I both came to the conclusion that while Mrs. Obama's choices have been flattering, fun, and really chic, can she really be deemed a fashionista??

I wonder if there is a subtext of race and class...In other words, is she a fashionista because most people don't expect or don't know that black women also have refined taste or is there a genuine sense that her style influences trends??

Let me know what you think!!

Comments

May 20. 2009 02:25

Personally, it's been so long since the United States has had a First Lady with any sense of style (can we say Jackie O?) that Mrs. Obama's ability to clothe herself appropriately for any scenario is catching all eyes. I, for one, am thankful that our President's wife is cognizant of how appearance create critical impressions...perhaps with all the focus she receives, other women will now take notice and check themselves prior to departing their homes!

kyra

May 20. 2009 02:44

I think I understand your views. It seems it's shocking the world that a black woman could be so fashionably adept instead of the believed norm of being tacky. However, I personally feel transformed by the US First Lady's sense of style. She's conservative, stylish, chic and most importantly for these times price-conscious. I am a Ghanaian and yet when I look at her I feel a sense of pride because not only has she elevated the image of the Black woman she has made her a trend-setter!

Phoebe

May 20. 2009 02:54

Michelle Obama is classy and intelligent but she is no fashionista. I believe that people label her as a fashion icon status because of the fact that she is supporting American designers and typically wearing clothes that middle America would.
I find 6 out of 10 of her choices to be a bit on the matronly side. She dresses no different then anyone her age. There are tons of professional women who dress the way she does and better.
Another problem I have with her choices are that they are not always appropriate. Her clothing choices are mostly cute, colorful, all American and different. Dressing appropriately for functions is a big factor in determining who a style icon is; looking cute does not.
Another school of thought will say that she is comfortable in her skin and so confident that she doesn’t let her role as first lady define her but rather she defines the role thus her clothing choices. BUT she is still a public figure.
Without a doubt she’s classy, brilliant and a strong woman. But to say she is a fashionista or a style icon is a hyperbole at best. However, it is great to have such a well educated woman in the spotlight who will inspire younger girls to greatness.

Hillsy

May 20. 2009 03:20

I personnally think they are making a big fuss out of her clothes...I don't anything impressive in what she's been wearing..I'm not saying she doesn't dress properly but to me as a first lady she's normal

Edward

May 20. 2009 03:35

Indeed it has been years since a first lady brought style and pizzazz to the WH. That probably accounts for the seeming fuss she tends to generates once she steps out.
I do not sense a race subtextual reference here at all...my sense is that the nation is truly wow-outed by by her bold choices which usually hit the mark if you are being fair. Or better yet, the nation has been starved of stylish first ladies for so long that when she dresses, she appears extra-O, no pun intended.
Whatever the case, she dresses just as women her age who love fashion would dress. She gets a lot more attention, not simply because she is the first lady but also because her sense of self-worth, confidence, grace, natural beauty and humility is largely unparalleled. That! is what makes her stand out so much.

Klorkor

May 20. 2009 04:32

Micelle Obama dresses with confidence and that in itself says a lot about her fashion sense. I totally agree with Klorkor, the attention is warranted simply because her sense of style is enhanced by her intelligence, strength, grace and elegance. She may not be the best dressed woman in the US, however in her new league (the firstlady league) she definitely is a contender for one of the best dressed first ladies. Her predecessors were bogged down with trying to look sensible then looking feminine. However she is more with the times and injects more style and versatility into her wardrobe. Nevertheless, I would prefer the media to be more focused on her intelligence and strength and not soley on her sense of style. It is the combination (intelligence and style) that really makes her stand out from the long list of other first ladies! BTW, I personally was not fond of the white gown she worn at the inaugural ball. Not flattering at all!!! She lost mad cool points in my books.

May 20. 2009 07:35

I think what makes her clothes stand out isn't the fashion, it's her style. To me the clothes doesn't make the women entirely but the women the clothes. I like the fact that she's her own person and she's not trying to keep up with what the world calls beautiful. Her clothes fits her curves in the most sophisticated and glamorous way because that is who she is.
Adona

Adona L.

May 20. 2009 09:02

I feel the first lady dresses appropriate for all occasions. She dresses according to her age and never over does it. She very conservative and can be a little flashy when she wants too! Good role mode for the American women!

Charlene Brown

May 22. 2009 03:34

I think she’s an amazing dresser with an appropriate fashion sense.

Ms. RPK

May 22. 2009 06:27

The question then becomes "what is considered appropriate"? Has being dressed appropriately become subjective? Business casual at a formal event no matter how cute or fabulous the attire is is still inappropriate.

Hillsy

July 15. 2009 07:57

Well atleast she doesn't wear those ugly first lady/female politican skirt suits. If a women were president I surely hope she wouldn't wear a skirt suit.

Gray

April 6. 2010 14:07