Michelle Obama: Her New Look

• Michelle and Barack Obama were married in 1992. The youthful couple, dressed in elegant finery, share a style that is simple and sweet. The new Mrs. O's gown displayed her shapely shoulders, one of the many attractive features of her slim, tall build.
  
  
  

  NYT

• Michelle and Barack got glam to attend the 36th NAACP Image Awards in 2005. This soft, floral look was a departure for Michelle at the time. She was most-often photographed wearing very structured, dark professional attire. This look was a harbinger of changes to come.
  
  
  

  Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

• For a casual look, Michelle Obama most often stuck to neutral tones, minimal make-up and simple hair swept back from her face. These style choices would soon give way to her new fashion approach.
  
  
  

  Valerie Maccon, AFP / Getty Images

• During the middle of 2008, we were introduced to the softer side of Michelle. The dark clothes that she wore as a lawyer and university administrator disappeared. Michelle's style evolved to include bright colors that showed off her feminine shape. At a May 2008 rally in Iowa, her pear green suit by Moschino was a refreshing departure for her. Read all about this fabulous suit on the Mrs. O Blog!
  
  
  

  Kevin Sanders, AP

• At a June 2008 campaign stop in Minnesota, Michelle wore a purple sheath dress by Chicago designer Maria Pinto. This dress was one of the first looks that stunned fashion lovers. Mrs. O perfected this simple look with pearls, a favorite staple.
  
  
  

  Charles Ommanney, Getty Images

• Michelle's second fashion hit occurred when she appeared on 'The View' in June of 2008. She wore this simple sun dress from White House/Black Market, which retails for $148. The dress quickly sold out. The pin on her shoulder was an embellishment of Michelle's own. Brooches, pins and pearls are all important aspects of Mrs. O's classic presentation.
  
  
  

  Steve Fenn, AP

• As First Lady, Michelle Obama has stated that one of her initiatives will be supporting military families. While in town to meet with military families in August 2008, Michelle wore this sweater-based ensemble to cheer on local children. As you can see, ornamentation around the neckline is another hallmark of Michelle's style.
  
  
  

  Rob Ostermaier, AP

• For a Springfield, Illinois campaign stop, Michelle wore this very splashy print dress by Moschino. The full shirt of this belted dress is a silhouette reminiscent of the '50s, an era of the idealized homemaker. In addition to wearing more bold prints, Michelle's new look includes softer hair, often left loose, and bangs.
  
  
  

  Alex Brandon, AP

• First Lady-elect Obama addressed the Democratic National Convention on August 25, 2008 wearing another amazing design by Maria Pinto. Michelle is very often photographed wearing dresses by this designer, whose tailored, vibrant dresses help Michelle look polished, sophisticated and womanly.
  
  
  

  Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

• Michelle continued to wow the fashion world in the dress she wore on the night of Obama's Democratic nomination acceptance speech. This floral dress from the American label Thakoon, "signifies strength and confidence -- with a retro lady-like cut,"" according to the LA Times. Thakoon is a very high-end and much respected design house, showing Mrs. O's expanded fashion tastes.
  
  
  

  Joe Raedle, Getty Images