A Repeat in Michael Kors Sparkle
Monday, January 21, 2013 at 12:17 AM 
The first lady attended an inaugural reception at The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. tonight wearing a dress that might strike longtime readers as familiar: a black sequin Michael Kors boat neck dress, which she debuted in September 2009 for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute dinner. Tonight Mrs. O refreshed the look, adding an eclectic mix of bracelets and, of course, her new do! See below, and the original post here, to compare.
The media has been ruminating on several theories as to why Mrs. O is "shopping her closet" with greater frequency - deference to the economy, a strategic image shift for the second term. From a different lens, I've wondered if the pieces that Mrs. O rewears are her favorites. In this case, a perfect little black sequin dress waiting patiently in her closet, eager for another time out on the town. What an honor for Michael Kors and team that Mrs. O loved this dress so much she wore it twice, especially considering the special occasion.
From 2009:
Michael Kors
Reader Comments (21)
Ah! I think you're onto something with your theory, Mrs. T. :) FLOTUS has favorite outfits that she enjoys wearing, and so she'll wear them more than once with different accessories, and still look pulled together and fabulous, just as if the outfit were entirely new. There's probably a practical and fashionable lesson in there somewhere, as well. ;)
Thanks for all you do, Mrs. T. I can't wait for tomorrow. Enjoy all, especially those of you lucky enough to be in D.C.!
FLOTUS looks so fresh, sparkling and sublime in that gorgeous dress. BTW, I wonder since Mrs O is re-wearing a brand new looking Kors tonight, then tomorrow odds are she'll be wearing two different designer creations. FLOTUS certainly has been partial to Kors quite often this season though. :)
Personally, I just think that the reason she's been shopping in her closet is because she's been SO busy this last year. I mean, think about it, if you were campaigning for your husband's second term, raising two daughters, and trying to keep up with your duties and responsibilities as first lady, would going shopping be the first thing on your mind when you have hundreds of things to wear in your closet?
She looks amazing. With so many events, it seems right to mix the repeats and the new (I think the swearing-in dress earlier today was new, yes?). And sometimes you just feel better in clothes you know work for you, are comforable, and you look great. Can't wait for tomorrow!
Love the arm candy on Mrs. O.
The bangs look like a wig, made her look older too. Hope she does not shop her wardrope for toda's ceremony too, we will be dissapointed!
I knew I recognized this dress! She really does know how to recreate great, fresh looks from wonderful pieces she already owns. Smart woman (but we desperately want her in new outfits for the inauguration and the balls - she more than deserves and has thoroughly earned the right!)
Th recycling thing was previously unheard of but she's done it with such ease and grace and made it all look so good too.
Mrs Obama is a very sexy woman and oozes it without trying. She's got the most gorgeous and expressive eyes that are just lovely and seductive and innocent and sweet even with the strength she exudes.
There's just something about her and it is effortless but most importantly, authentic. She's herself. No affectations or phoniness or air of self-importance. She's confident, self-assured, consistent, whip smart and very honest.
Her love of and devotion to her husband is eternal and fierce, but even fiercer is how much she believes in him and not in that silly, flimsy way most women tend to support their husbands.
With Mrs Obama you get the sense that you can trust her implicitly. You feel that she would never attribute qualities to her husband that he doesn't possess. You know that if he is a jerk or an asshole, there's no amount of prodding or pleading that would make her say otherwise. She'd instead stay quiet.
She vouches for President Obama, his character, his ability, his heart and his mind in a way no one else ever could.
She got him so many votes and the love and support of so many people by vouching for him in a most passionate and convincing way. And he by publicly and unabashedly showing the world how much he adores and respects his wife. He doesn't just love her, he is in love with her. Something that's very attractive and validating in any married man and particularly, a politician especially a president.
As many have said often, President Obama is a very, very lucky man to have this amazing woman by his side.
Are you kidding? Those bangs rock and make her look refreshed and very current....love them! Morning coffee in hand, ready to turn on the Today Show to begin fashion coverage, oh and the Inauguration, too. What was I thinking.....
President and First Lady Obama are each others greatest cheerleaders. I love my President and First Lady. I pray for our First Family; may God bless them and our country!
Good morning, Mrs. T and all here on this most exciting day!! Mrs. Obama, POTUS and VPPOTUS and Dr. Jill were absolutely fabulous last night.
Mrs. O has such an exceptionally gorgeous wardrobe, I can imagine she would love to keep wearing a LOT of those pieces, each time looking equally or even more striking. Love her accessories this time and her glow is stunning. Squeeeeeee!!
The bangs make her look older? I don't understand how anyone could say that. I thought it took years off, and she already looked great before!
Just saw Mrs-O arrive at church. Beautiful blue and white checked coat!
I will not let anyone still my joy!!! I am pumped to see my First Family today!! They all look BEAUTIFUL today!! Mrs.o is wearing a blue checkered Thom Browne structured coat. I think Malia has on J. Crew and Sasha has on Kate Spade. Grandma is looking lovely as well!
She's wearing Thom Browne!
A gorgeous, structured coat and dress!
Gorgeous!
The girls look beautiful too in J.Crew and Kate Spade - surprise!
Not that she needed it, but her new do has taken a few years off her look. I think she felt like she needed a change and she's enjoying it. I love the dress this time around. It's a great basic and she really got into the party spirit with that bunch of bracelets.
Still loving this Michael Kors......and the woman wearing it!
In more ways than one, it's refreshing to see someone wear a favorite outfit, or piece that looks familiar, and new at the same time. My impression of the previous presidential wives was pastel, 'safe' (inoffensive and decorous, as well as maintaining the decorum of position), and pretty. Mrs. O's fashion-selections vouch for her good sense and taste in color, style, and vibrancy! It is a valid and self-validating trend to re-wear favorites.
Her hair is awesome!! I love her new look. She looks great in everything she wears. President Obama, Mischelle, and their daughters looked great today. God Bless the Obamas and God Bless America!!
I love that she shops her closet adn why not? What is the big deal? Looking good and dressing appropriately for public (and offical) appearances as our First Lady is important and she does that. Comfort has got to be part of it! Who wants to go to these functions and be worn out from dealing with uncomfortable clothing? No one!
This dress is simply gorgeous, and she's absolutely right to wear it again. And again, if she so chooses! She has flawless fashion taste, and it seems to come effortlessly.
Thanks for all the pictures, love your site though I don't usually have time to comment.
I love that she repeats outfits. That's what real women do! Do any of you have clothes you wear just once and throw away? I certainly don't!
Major thanks for the article post. Really looking forward to read more. Want more.