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four more years of mobama watch
November 8, 2012

Michelle Obama Can Wear Whatever She Wants Now!

By Charlotte Cowles

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Michelle Obama has spent the better part of the campaign in recycled outfits. This was probably because of two reasons: (1) It would look bad for her to swan around in flashy new dresses while the economy still sucks, and (2) new clothes were simply the last thing on her mind. But now that Barack’s second term is secure, she can relax a bit — you know, pour a glass of wine, kick off her shoes, and make some bad decisions on Net-a-Porter. She can break out those jazzy designer items — the McQueen, Hussein Chalayan, and Junya Watanabe that she wore back in the early days of Barack’s presidency but has kept stashed away during the past few months — and maybe even treat herself to some fun new purchases. 

Realistically, Michelle probably won’t dress all that differently than she did during her husband’s first term, but maybe she’ll get bolder. Just as the Obama administration is now free to quit pandering to voters and go big on the issues they’re truly committed to, Michelle can rock out with her favorite designers without fear of striking the wrong note. We’ve compiled a dream list, culled from labels that Michelle has been known to wear (Rachel Roy, Jason Wu, Thom Browne, and so forth), of spring 2013 items that she could take for a spin during her first-lady victory lap. Here’s to more shorts, more McQueen, and more straplessness over the next four years!

Related: Michelle’s Victory Dress: She’s Worn It Before 

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Alexander McQueen A McQueen beekeeper dress would be totally appropriate for a State Dinner for a country whose national color is yellow (Brazil?... Alexander McQueen A McQueen beekeeper dress would be totally appropriate for a State Dinner for a country whose national color is yellow (Brazil? Colombia?). Or, you know, while tending the beehives on the South Lawn.
Preen Michelle wore a lot of Preen during the campaign. Why not amp it up with snakeskin?
Jason Wu Wu has been once of the FLOTUS's pets from the beginning, and his latest collection was full of underwear-inspired tops, kinky fishnet m... Jason Wu Wu has been once of the FLOTUS's pets from the beginning, and his latest collection was full of underwear-inspired tops, kinky fishnet material, and bondage-y leather. It's not really Michelle's "thing," but maybe it could be.
Jason Wu, again She'd definitely wear a non-sheer version of this dress, for real. Maybe she'll even try that twirly mesh-hat-thing. Photo: Ima... Jason Wu, again She'd definitely wear a non-sheer version of this dress, for real. Maybe she'll even try that twirly mesh-hat-thing. Photo: Imaxtree Getty Images
Thom Browne Michelle repeated a gray Thom Browne dress at the final presidential debate, but we'd love to see her test the waters with one o... Thom Browne Michelle repeated a gray Thom Browne dress at the final presidential debate, but we'd love to see her test the waters with one of the designer's more out-there designs.  Photo: Imaxtree Getty Images
Junya Watanabe Perfect for a Let's Move! initiative appearance. She could totally do push-ups in this outfit. Photo: Imaxtree Getty Images
Rodarte Her Rodarte outfits could be more Beyoncé, less Elle Fanning.
Comme des Garçons Michelle has only worn Comme des Garçons once, but if she ever tries it again, she should go all out.
Hussein Chalayan Ideal for the next family trip to Hawaii.
Prabal Gurung Nothing says "win" like asymmetrical ostrich feathers trimmed with sequins.
Narciso Rodriguez Ann Romney might have monopolized the color red during the campaign, but now Michelle can take it back! With belly button! Ph... Narciso Rodriguez Ann Romney might have monopolized the color red during the campaign, but now Michelle can take it back! With belly button! Photo: Imaxtree Getty Images
Michael Kors Michelle wore a Kors dress to the second presidential debate; cloud pants might have been a bit much at the time, but not anymore. ... Michael Kors Michelle wore a Kors dress to the second presidential debate; cloud pants might have been a bit much at the time, but not anymore. Photo: Imaxtree Getty Images
Rachel Roy We can actually see her in this, for real. Inaugural ball, anyone?
Tracy Reese Nothing jazzes up a nice white blazer like sequined zigzag pants and some sternum.
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