FLOTUS Style: Michelle Obama’s Inauguration Style (with Kate inspired Bangs?!)

Love or hate her husband’s politics, there is one undeniable fact about Michelle Obama: the woman knows how to dress. I tuned into the US Presidential Inauguration this morning to both hear what President Obama had to say, but ~~moreso~~ also to see what fashionistas the world over had been curious about for weeks: What would Michelle wear?

Michelle Obama Arriving at the Presidential Inauguration 2013 in Thome Browne – NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

Turns out the First Lady did not disappoint. Choosing a custom-made Thom Browne checked coat and dress, with the fabric apparently being from a men’s tie pattern, Michelle looked every inch the First Lady and yet still managed to throw in some pops of color in both her studded belt (from J. Crew), bright blue Reed Krakoff cardigan and bright colored gloves that were put on for the cooler outdoor sections of the ceremony. She also chose a Cathy Waterman necklace to finish off the look. Was she perhaps channelling another leading lady in Kate’s blue checked coat when she was pictured leaving the hospital?

Michelle in the White House ahead of the Inauguration debuting her new bangs (Picture from @FLOTUS)

But really, the big fashion news wasn’t so much her outfit this year… But her haircut! With newly shorn bangs, Michelle seems to have jumped on the bang-train that Kate also recently jumped on. While Michelle’s are much more blunt than Kate’s “new” looser and longer bangs, they are extremely flattering on her face and also very youthful. Youthful was also key in her wearing one of my favorite looks of all-time on her at the Kids Inauguration Ceremonies where she channeled her inner-Brit and wore Alexander McQueen. While probably not the article Kate would have chosen to wear, it definitely lines up with Michelle’s more hip vibe (and the bangs work marvellously!)

Michelle Obama in Alexander McQueen at Kids 2013 Inauguration Concert

Michelle is one of those women who, like Kate, were thrust in the public eye in light of the man she loved and have both done an amazing job at defining a style that is true to their personalities while also being respectful and tasteful to the positions in which they hold. The decorum involved in these roles are not easy, and both have navigated the ropes expertly. I, for one, hope that this Presidency offers up another chance for Kate and Michelle to get together!

Kate and Michelle, 2011