Inauguration 2013: What Michelle Obama is wearing
Fans of fashion force Michelle Obama had their eyes peeled Monday morning for the first lady’s choice of Inauguration Day gear.
This second inauguration of President Obama hasn’t been accompanied by the hoopla of the first historic inauguration ceremonies in 2009. The crowds on the National Mall on Monday morning weren’t as plentiful, yet the atmosphere -- as the Los Angeles Times reports -- was enthusiastic.
The official swearing-in, however, took place Sunday. Michelle Obama reportedly wore a Reed Krakoff dress in blue. This was fitting, as the ceremony took place in the Blue Room. Daughters Malia -- leggy in black tights -- and Sasha were in complementary shades of purple and dark pink. Holding the Bible for her husband, the smiling Obama looked up at him from under sporty new bangs.
Photos: Michelle Obama on inauguration day
For Monday’s day of public celebration, the first lady started off with a custom-made Thom Browne fit-and-flare checked coat and J. Crew shoes. Malia, in flats, wore a pink J. Crew coat, and Sasha was in a periwinkle Kate Spade coat as the family arrived for a morning church service.
A White House official said the fabric for the navy Thom Browne coat and dress the first lady wore was developed based on the style of a man’s silk tie. Her belt and gloves were J. Crew and her earrings were designed by Cathy Waterman. As for her boots, they’re Reed Krakoff.
Photos: Inauguration gowns through the years
At the end of the inaugural festivities, according to the White House, the outfit and accompanying accessories will go to the National Archives.
The start of President Obama’s second term apparently isn’t going to mean a fashion turnabout for the first lady.
As the Los Angeles Times’ Booth Moore reported Sunday, the facets of Michelle Obama’s personal style are quickly recognizable -- such as the cardigan the first lady wore at Sunday’s event.
“Do I think now that she’s in a second term she will go Goth, get tattoos or suddenly start wearing all European designers? No,” said Cindi Leive, editor in chief of Glamour magazine, which featured the first lady on the cover in December 2009.
“She’s stayed true to her personality,” Leive said, with consistent shapes, fitted bodices, fuller skirts and sleeveless tops.
Meanwhile, fashion lovers are awaiting Michelle Obama’s bow at the Inaugural Ball.
At 2009’s ball, she wore a white chiffon one-shouldered gown by Jason Wu, which gave the designer a boost. What will it be this time around?
Kate Betts, author of “Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style,” told The Times’ Moore she thought the gown would be one that the first lady has previously worn.
“She’s sending the right message,” Betts said, “that it’s not really a time to buy a lot of new clothes. So many people are in such trouble economically and she’s in tune with that.”
That’s one theory.
Mikki Taylor, author of “Commander-in-Chic: Every Woman’s Guide to Managing Her Wardrobe Like a First Lady,” predicted a gown that’s “colorful” and “celebratory.”
Stay tuned.
