Over the years, former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama has been applauded for her great taste in glamorous gowns, and she most recently dazzled with her incredibly chic wardrobe during the promotion of her bestselling memoir, Becoming, all while redefining the meaning of power dressing — I mean, who could forget that blue sparkly jumpsuit? But should you need yet another reason as to why Michelle Obama will forever be our style icon, I have one question for you: have you ever noticed how incredible her Summer dresses are?
With what seems to be a special affinity for floral midis, Michelle's sartorial game is, without a doubt, among some of the best out there when it comes to Summer dresses. From unexpected geometrical prints and slightly more formal options (perfect for the office!) to pretty pastel colors, delicate lace, and more relaxed styles that'll have you wishing Summer would never end, Michelle Obama has, over the past few years, managed to elevate the simple Summer dress into a sophisticated piece that we simply couldn't do without.
Ahead, get a closer look at some of her best dress styles, and shop similar pieces to channel Michelle's go-to looks — believe me when I say that some of these dresses will change your closet for the better.
In April 2015, Michelle Obama attended the Whitney Museum of American Art Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in New York, dressed in an elegant floral midi dress that she paired with black pumps.
Oasis Curve Floral Dress ($62, originally $102)
Parker Kathy Floral Dress ($398)
A good shirt dress is a staple, as proven by Michelle Obama in June 2015. Back then, she paired her red number with black ballet flats.
Charter Club Plus Cap-Sleeve Shirtdress ($50, originally $90)
Proenza Schouler Crêpe Shirt Dress ($654, originally $1,090)
On the Fourth of July of the same year, Michelle and Barack Obama hosted an Independence Day event for military personnel and White House staff on the South Lawn of the White House. For the occasion, she wore a pink gingham halter neck dress by Michael Kors, which she paired with metallic heels.
For Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day in April 2016, Michelle stunned in a pretty crochet floral dress, which she accessorized with yellow heels.
Saylor Floral Embroidered Crochet-Trim Dress ($231, originally $308)
Melissa Odabash April Crochet Midi Dress ($290, originally $484)
Michelle paired her fun midi with a thin black belt.
Diane von Furstenberg Farrell Printed Dress ($441, originally $504)
Etro Geometric Shift Dress ($620, originally $1,240)
While in Spain, Michelle worked this striped midi with a pair of beige wedges.
MII Striped Sleeveless Wrap Dress ($175, originally $250)
Calvin Klein Striped Wrap Maxi Dress ($70, originally $139)
Michelle paired this fun Preen by Thornton Bregazzi midi with simple flat sandals.
In August 2016, Michelle Obama stunned in this yellow number, complete with strappy sandals.
Boohoo Plus Heavy Lace Embroidered Ruffle Skater Dress ($42, originally $78)
Ahead of her family's annual two week vacation, Michelle stepped out in this elegant midi, which she paired with pretty floral sandals.
Kate Spade Linen Contrast Trim Dress ($349, originally $498)
Boohoo Plus Slash Neck Tie Waist Midi Dress ($20, originally $50)
When returning from vacation, Michelle kept things simple and casual with a gingham dress and white sneakers.
Calvin Klein Plus Gingham Midi Shirtdress ($89, originally $149)
Ganni Gingham Wrap Dress ($620)
Michelle paired this elegant floral wrap dress with simple black pumps.
She styled her slightly more formal chevron dress with black suede heels.
Loft Plus Chevron Strappy Maxi Dress ($85, originally $90)
We can't work out what's cooler here: Michelle's white dress, her cork wedges, or her Prada bag?
KENZO Shirting Belted Dress ($186, originally $619)
In August 2019, Michelle wore a long-sleeved number with simple white pumps.
Eleventy Short Floral Dress ($465, originally $620)
Boohoo Plus Floral Midi Dress ($25, originally $50)