The First Lady's fashion is staying all-American

By ALEXANDRA GIROUX Published January 22, 2013 at 11:50pm Updated January 22, 2013 at 11:50pm

It’s very seldom that we find women in politics who can carry the title of fashion icon without resorting to the standard women’s navy pantsuit and blouse day in and day out. The first such lady to come to mind is usually the lovely Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, with her signature hairstyle and sunglasses.

This is a new era, though, and the dawn of a new political and fashion icon: Michelle Obama. She’s taken the role by storm and commanded the media’s attention.

At the Inaugural Ball, her stunning Jason Wu ruby silk gown with halter detail earned her the name of “First Lady in Red.” Following the event, the gown will be sent to the Smithsonian to be put into a collection, as is traditional.

Obama’s color choice was a topic of much discussion. Considering the cooler tones that she and her lovely daughters usually wear, the color red was unexpected — especially considering she was once accused of sympathizing with communist China when she wore a red garment to a state dinner.

It’s difficult for female political figures to break out of the fashion mold. What is so inspiring about our First Lady is that her fashion sense is incredibly relatable. Though she does wear designer clothes, she also sports clothing from J. Crew and Target, which makes her style accessible to fans working with a smaller budget.

As far as brands go, her choice of Jason Wu came as something of a surprise. She has worn his designs before, but it seemed strange that she didn’t give another designer an opportunity on this occasion. Her designer choice aside, in her ruby gown, her radiance seemed to fill the ballroom.

Michelle Obama has successfully shown the world that it is possible to be fashion-forward, proper and extremely well-spoken and intelligent. Jackie O may have had her large sunglasses, but she sure didn’t have that ruby-toned dress.

The First Lady is an icon of femininity, properness and fashion: it’s definitely now the era of the Lady in Red.