Michelle Obama's Navy Inaugural Coat Is A Fashion Miss

Michelle Obama is a true fashion trendsetter and icon but her gray Thom Browne coat is too dully colored for this Inauguration Day.

Let me be clear, I usually love everything Michelle Obama wears — but not her Thom Browne coat this inauguration day.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the coat’s style. It’s sophisticated, stylish, sleek and I love the fitted form on top, with neat, narrow sleeves and a flared A-line style over the First Lady’s hips.

My one criticism is the color of the checked custom-made, gray coat, which apparently is worn with a matching dress beneath it.

It’s simply too dull. It will match the color of the pavement that the First Family will walk on the National Mall, and it matches the dull gray sky of the day.

First Lady Style Speaks Volumes

I really would have hoped Michelle would wear a bright color like she did at President Obama’s first inauguration in 2009. I loved her chartreuse Isabel Toledo mohair coat and matching dress then. It was inspired and its’ brilliant color gave a message of hope to the nation, which was in the first months of the terrifying and deep Great Recession.

Now, we could still use that fashion message of hope. A bright outfit speaks of bright hopes for the nation’s next four years. And that message goes beyond simple, great style.

Michelle Obama: Following In The Footsteps of Jackie O

Michelle has always worn bright colors so beautifully — purple, green, blue and red. So I’m not sure why she went with gray today. Nevertheless, I give her top kudos for her pretty J Crew purple gloves which perk up her coat, and those knee-high suede, low-heeled boots by American designer Reed Krakoff are so chic, millions of women are going to want them. There’s no doubt that Michelle Obama is the First Lady style torch-bearer, carrying on from former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but her outfits can set a tone just as much as her husband’s speech.

Speaking of that, maybe she should have tried yellow — because we all want sunnier days ahead! What do you think, HollywoodLifers? Do you agree or not? Let me know!

WATCH: Michelle Obama’s Gorgeous Red Inauguration Dress By Jason Wu

– Bonnie Fuller

Follow Bonnie!

More Inauguration News:

View Comment

How many homeless children could have been cared for by the cost of this dress? How many starving children could have been fed? This is excess to the extreme! Would this country not be a better place if all of the people posting to this admiring the first lady’s fashion statement instead took pity on the poor and destitute in the country? Certainly many would sleep a more peaceful sleep if they did. FOR SHAME!

Share this comment at

Bonnie,

I think you are so off. I thought Michelle Obama had a sophisticated elegance to her in the Thom Browne coat. I thought she looked smashing and smart and I love her for promoting American designers. The silhouette of the coat is beautiful and the lines were gorgeous, topped with the glitz of the belt. I thought the whole outfit was spot-on appropriate and looked stunning on her.

I hope Thom Browne does brilliantly from the exposure, he deserves it.

Mrs. Obama always looks regal and elegant; we have not had such an impressive First Lady since Jackie Kennedy. Keep doing what you’re doing, Mrs. Obama!

You are way off the mark. Everyone was stunned by this sophisticated look–regal but not flashy. This isn’t Hollywood. If you want tacky glitz, look to the red carpet. This was a solemn occasion.

Colour doesn’t have to be blaring to be brilliant. Michelle’s coat cut choice of is flattering and elegant. While her office as the wife of the President is important, on the day of Obama being sworn in, the focus really should be on him. She was smart in keeping her look understated; it’s relatable AND sophisticated.

Older Comments »