Michelle Obama [1] looks absolutely radiant on the December cover of Elle [2]. In the magazine, we got to read an exclusive excerpt from her upcoming memoir, Becoming, where she revealed her White House style [3] strategy. Michelle openly spoke about the issues she faced during her time in the White House and how all of a sudden it was her clothes making headlines [4], not the issues she stands for.
"I'd stepped offstage after having been moved to tears while speaking to the girls at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, only to learn that the first question directed to one of my staffers by a reporter had been 'Who made her dress?' This stuff got me down, but I tried to reframe it as an opportunity to learn, to use what power I could find inside a situation I'd never have chosen for myself. If people flipped through a magazine primarily to see the clothes I was wearing, I hoped they'd also see the military spouse standing next to me or read what I had to say about children's health," Michelle wrote.
Keep reading to see more gorgeous pictures from the editorial and read more fashion-related quotes from the exclusive Elle excerpt.
Meeting Her Stylist, Meredith Koop
"During the campaign, I'd done most of my shopping at a boutique in Chicago where I'd had the good fortune of meeting a young sales associate named Meredith Koop. Meredith, who'd been raised in St. Louis, was sharp and knowledgeable about different designers. After Barack's election, I was able to persuade her to move to Washington and work with me as a personal aide and wardrobe stylist. Very quickly, she also became a trusted friend."
Paying For Clothes
"I paid for all my own clothes and accessories — with the exception of some items like the couture-level gowns I wore to formal events, which were lent to me by the designers and would later be donated to the National Archives, thus adhering to White House ethics guidelines."
Finding a Balance
"I was supposed to stand out without overshadowing others, to blend in but not fade away. As a black woman, too, I knew I'd be criticized if I was perceived as being showy and high-end, and I'd also be criticized if I was too casual. So I mixed it up. I'd match a Michael Kors skirt with a T-shirt from Gap. I wore something from Target one day and Diane von Furstenberg the next. I wanted to draw attention to and celebrate American designers, especially those who were less established, even if it sometimes frustrated the old guard, including Oscar de la Renta, who was reportedly displeased that I wasn't wearing his creations. For me, my choices were simply a way to use my curious relationship with the public gaze to boost a diverse set of up-and-comers."
Getting Ready For Events With Barack
"It required time, thought, and money — more money than I'd spent on clothing ever before. It also required careful research by Meredith, particularly for foreign trips. She'd spend hours making sure the designers, colors, and styles we chose paid respect to the people and countries we visited. Meredith also shopped for Sasha and Malia ahead of public events, which added to the overall expense, but they, too, had the gaze upon them. I sighed sometimes, watching Barack pull the same dark suit out of his closet and head off to work without even needing a comb."
The Importance of Backup Outfits
"When I traveled, I brought backup outfits, anticipating shifts in weather and schedule, not to mention nightmare scenarios involving spilled wine or broken zippers. I learned, too, that it was important to always, no matter what, pack a dress suitable for a funeral, because Barack sometimes got called with little notice to be there as soldiers, senators, and world leaders were laid to rest."
Going Sleeveless For the Official Portrait
"I wore a sleeveless aubergine dress to Barack's address to the joint session of Congress and a sleeveless black sheath dress [6] for my official White House photo, and suddenly my arms were making headlines."
Dealing With Critics
"Late in the summer of 2009, we went on a family trip in the Grand Canyon, and I was lambasted for an apparent lack of dignity when I was photographed getting off Air Force One (in 106-degree heat, I might add) dressed in a pair of shorts."
Michelle's Inaugural Dress
Michelle asked Jason Wu to design her dress [7] for both of the inaugural balls she attended, but her white, one-shoulder piece glows in a glass case in the center of the room at the Smithsonian.