Over the years, former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama [1] has been applauded for her great taste in glamorous gowns [2], and she most recently dazzled with her incredibly chic wardrobe [3] during the promotion of her bestselling memoir, Becoming, all while redefining the meaning of power dressing [4] — I mean, who could forget that blue sparkly jumpsuit [5]? But should you need yet another reason as to why Michelle Obama will forever be our style icon [6], 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 [7]. From unexpected geometrical prints and slightly more formal options (perfect for the office!) to pretty pastel colors, delicate lace, and more relaxed styles [8] 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.
Michelle's Floral Print Midi Dress
In April 2015, Michelle Obama [10] 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 Floral Dress
Oasis Curve Floral Dress [11] ($62, originally $102)
Maje Floral-Print Ruffled Crepe Maxi Dress
Maje Floral-Print Ruffled Crepe Maxi Dress [12] ($525)
Parker Kathy Floral Dress
Parker Kathy Floral Dress [13] ($398)
Michelle's Red Shirt Dress
A good shirt dress is a staple, as proven by Michelle Obama [14] in June 2015. Back then, she paired her red number with black ballet flats.
Lela Rose Ribbon-Trim Double-Breasted Midi Shirtdress
Lela Rose Ribbon-Trim Double-Breasted Midi Shirtdress [15] ($1,190)
Charter Club Cap-Sleeve Shirtdress
Charter Club Plus Cap-Sleeve Shirtdress [16] ($50, originally $90)
Proenza Schouler Crêpe Shirt Dress
Proenza Schouler Crêpe Shirt Dress [17] ($654, originally $1,090)
Michelle's Pink Gingham Halter Neck Dress
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.
Fashion Union Midi Dress With High Halter Neck in Gingham
Fashion Union Midi Dress With High Halter Neck in Gingham [18] ($56)
Solid & Striped Tiered Strappy Gingham Dress
Solid & Striped Tiered Strappy Gingham Dress [19] ($273)
Missguided Blush Gingham Cami Ruffle Hem Dress
Missguided Blush Gingham Cami Ruffle Hem Dress [20] ($30)
Michelle's Crochet Floral Dress
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
Saylor Floral Embroidered Crochet-Trim Dress [21] ($231, originally $308)
Fashion Union Drop Hem Midi Dress in Floral
Fashion Union Plus Drop Hem Midi Dress in Floral [22] ($60)
Melissa Odabash April Crochet Midi Dress
Melissa Odabash April Crochet Midi Dress [23] ($290, originally $484)
Michelle's Green Geometric Print Dress
Michelle paired her fun midi with a thin black belt.
Cefinn Matilda Belted Printed Crepe Midi Dress
Cefinn Matilda Belted Printed Crepe Midi Dress [24] ($440)
Diane von Furstenberg Farrell Printed Dress
Diane von Furstenberg Farrell Printed Dress [25] ($441, originally $504)
Etro Geometric Shift Dress
Etro Geometric Shift Dress [26] ($620, originally $1,240)
Michelle's Striped Dress
While in Spain, Michelle worked this striped midi with a pair of beige wedges.
Diane von Furstenberg Charleigh Striped Woven Midi Wrap Dress
Diane von Furstenberg Charleigh Striped Woven Midi Wrap Dress [27] ($545)
MII Striped Sleeveless Wrap Dress
MII Striped Sleeveless Wrap Dress [28] ($175, originally $250)
Calvin Klein Striped Wrap Maxi Dress
Calvin Klein Striped Wrap Maxi Dress [29] ($70, originally $139)
Michelle's Graphic Midi
Michelle paired this fun Preen by Thornton Bregazzi midi with simple flat sandals.
Loewe Aubrey Beardsley-Print Shirtdress
Loewe Aubrey Beardsley-Print Shirtdress [30] ($2,100)
Lafayette 148 New York Augustina Piazza Print Shirtdress
Lafayette 148 New York Plus Augustina Piazza Print Shirtdress [31] ($948)
Marina Rinaldi Dalia Graphic Print Cady Dress
Marina Rinaldi Dalia Graphic Print Cady Dress [32] ($995)
Michelle's Yellow Lace Dress
In August 2016, Michelle Obama [33] stunned in this yellow number, complete with strappy sandals.
Keepsake The Label Imagine Lace Midi Dress
Keepsake The Label Imagine Lace Midi Dress [34] ($216)
Boohoo Heavy Lace Embroidered Ruffle Skater Dress
Boohoo Plus Heavy Lace Embroidered Ruffle Skater Dress [35] ($42, originally $78)
Maje Embroidered-Lace Midi Shirt Dress
Maje Embroidered-Lace Midi Shirt Dress [36] ($445)
Michelle's Navy Dress With Contrasting Piping
Ahead of her family's annual two week vacation, Michelle stepped out in this elegant midi, which she paired with pretty floral sandals.
Lela Rose Cold-Shoulder Ruffled Crepe Midi Dress
Lela Rose Cold-Shoulder Ruffled Crepe Midi Dress [37] ($1,490)
Kate Spade Linen Contrast Trim Dress
Kate Spade Linen Contrast Trim Dress [38] ($349, originally $498)
Boohoo Slash Neck Tie Waist Midi Dress
Boohoo Plus Slash Neck Tie Waist Midi Dress [39] ($20, originally $50)
Michelle's Black and White Gingham Dress
When returning from vacation, Michelle kept things simple and casual with a gingham dress and white sneakers.
Calvin Klein Gingham Midi Shirtdress
Calvin Klein Plus Gingham Midi Shirtdress [40] ($89, originally $149)
Ganni Gingham Wrap Dress
Ganni Gingham Wrap Dress [41] ($620)
Zalinah White Alice Swing Skater Midi Dress
Zalinah White Alice Swing Skater Midi Dress [42] ($155)
Michelle's Floral Wrap Dress
Michelle paired this elegant floral wrap dress with simple black pumps.
All Saints Delana Caro Floral Wrap Dress
All Saints Delana Caro Floral Wrap Dress [43] ($305)
Missguided Plus Black Floral Wrap Midi Dress
Missguided Plus Black Floral Wrap Midi Dress [44] ($47)
Bardot Floral Print Faux Wrap Chiffon Dress
Bardot Floral Print Faux Wrap Chiffon Dress [45] ($109)
Michelle's Chevron Dress
She styled her slightly more formal chevron dress with black suede heels.
Ted Baker Flissie Zip-Front Striped Midi Dress
Ted Baker Flissie Zip-Front Striped Midi Dress [46] ($315)
Loft Chevron Strappy Maxi Dress
Loft Plus Chevron Strappy Maxi Dress [47] ($85, originally $90)
Live Unlimited Chevron Print Shirt Dress
Live Unlimited Chevron Print Shirt Dress [48] ($121)
Michelle's White Cotton Midi Dress
We can't work out what's cooler here: Michelle's white dress, her cork wedges, or her Prada bag?
KENZO Shirting Belted Dress
KENZO Shirting Belted Dress [49] ($186, originally $619)
J. Crew Rudbeckia Belted Dress
J. Crew Rudbeckia Belted Dress [50] ($120)
Mara Hoffman Luna Belted Maxi Dress
Mara Hoffman Luna Belted Maxi Dress [51] ($350)
Michelle's Pink Floral Midi Dress
In August 2019, Michelle wore a long-sleeved number with simple white pumps.
Eleventy Short Floral Dress
Eleventy Short Floral Dress [52] ($465, originally $620)
Boohoo Floral Midi Dress
Boohoo Plus Floral Midi Dress [53] ($25, originally $50)
Karo Kauer x NA-KD Balloon Sleeve Mini Dress
Karo Kauer x NA-KD Balloon Sleeve Mini Dress [54] ($60)