Statement Accessories

As part of Black History Month, Mrs. O hosted a White House workshop to celebrate the film Beasts of the Southern Wild today. On the fashion front, Mrs. O's look was defined by her accessories. Wearing a basic black top and pants, the first lady accessorized with a layered mixed stone statement necklace and gold hoop earrings.

Update: Mrs. O wears woven gold earrings with gunmetal spikes and an 'Elements' druzy stone necklace, both by Alexis Bittar.

State of the Union

In the audience of President Obama's State of the Union address this evening, Mrs. O wears a Jason Wu custom red organza tweed flounce dress from the designer's Pre-Fall 2013 collection. An Alexis Bittar lucite flower pin in warm grey and gold at the shoulder accessorizes the look.

It seems Mrs. Obama is in a Jason Wu kind of mood to start 2013. The back to back to dresses, for the inaugural ball and now the State of the Union, certainly furthers the affiliation between Mrs. Obama and the young designer.

I'm reminded of this article from a few weeks back:

"Michelle Obama's Public Endorsement of Jason Wu" [New York Times]

Update (2/13): In this Official White House Photo by Pete Souza, Mrs. O can be seen wearing a coordinating red coat.

Must Read Mrs. O

"Many designers were recommended to the first lady by her assistant and style adviser, Meredith Koop. Many created clothes for the big event. Only Mr. Browne’s were chosen to represent a day whose symbolism underscored both the Obamas’ transition from Beltway outliers to establishment fixtures and some unmistakable Camelot echoes in the current presidency."

"Being Thom Browne: His Moment Is Now" [New York Times]

The Buzz

Coming soon: Mrs. O in Vogue! Per the Washingtonian: "Spotted Thursday morning at the White House: a team from Vogue moving cameras into the residence. What could that be about? Well, it turns out it’s a photo shoot of First Lady Michelle Obama for the magazine’s cover, most likely the March issue."

For the full scoop:

"Spotted: A 'Vogue' Photo Shoot at the White House" [Washingtonian]

"Vogue White House Shoot For Obama Cover Happening Right Now" [Huffington Post]

Color and Creativity

There is no doubt that first lady Michelle Obama wowed us with her gorgeous outfits throughout the inaugural festivities. But which other notable female attendees hit the right notes?

I was impressed by the complimentary color coordination between Mrs O and Dr Biden. Dressed in a gray silk and wool bow coat by Lela Rose, the steely color picked up the pattern in Mrs O’s custom made Thom Browne coat. Dr Biden’s soft white shift dress continued the theme with subtle gray floral detailing. The shift was purchased at Neiman Marcus, per the New York Times, and for this outing, was accompanied by gray suede pumps. The classic choice of color perhaps reflects the somber times we are facing, with the oversized bow providing Dr B’s outfit with the right amount of ‘fun’ always required on inauguration day.

Dr Biden’s choice of Vera Wang for the inaugural balls certainly lit up the stage, and it was great to see both FLOTUS and SLOTUS wearing patriotic hues. Biden’s sleeveless satin purple draped gown, complete with a simple black ribbon belt packed all the right punches, and once again, reaffirmed her status as a stylish woman to watch.

Whilst FLOTUS and SLOTUS veered towards classic shades (with a twist!), others fully embraced the use of color in daywear. Malia and Sasha Obama are perhaps the best examples, wearing jeweled colored J Crew and Kate Spade coats respectively. It was their accessories that made their outfits extra special, and I especially loved Sasha’s awesome jeweled necklace!

Similarly, I loved what House Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi, wore to the inaugural ceremony. Pelosi’s love of bold color is well known throughout Washington, and her selection of a blood-orange coat, dress and matching pumps made her stand out from the crowd. Pelosi accessorized her outfit with one of her signature, oversized bead necklaces in similar complementary tones. Secretary Clinton similarly continued the trend of color, selecting a bright red scarf to provide a burst of color on her classic black coat.

Fashion wise, we will always remember President Obama’s second inauguration for the classically stunning outfits of the first lady, but let’s give a thought to other attendees too! Who stood out for you in the inaugural festivities?

Laura-Emily Dunn is the founder and editor of Political Style. Follow her on Twitter, here.