Millions scrutinise First Lady's inauguration outfit
As her husband was sworn in as American president, Michelle Obama found herself in the unenviable position of having her choice of outfit scrutinised by millions of people.
The First Lady wore a gold patterned shift dress with a matching long jacket for the inauguration, finished with a sparkling necklace.
She also wore green shoes and gloves.
Her outfit was by Cuban American designer Isabel Toledo, who has been working in New York for more than 20 years, the Los Angeles Times said.
Executive fashion editor of Vogue Calgary Avansino said: “It was such a fabulous choice, a bright, upbeat colour. I knew that she would choose a bright colour and a simple shape because that’s what works for her.
“She wore teal shoes and I guess it was kind of daring for her to wear shoes that did not match.
“It was the perfect choice, it’s simple, it’s respectable and elegant, but colourful and upbeat.”
There was a widespread expectation that Obama would go for something demure, in keeping with the troubled world economy.
However she opted not to follow in the footsteps of Rosalynn Carter, who recycled an old outfit in 1977 when there was also an economic slump.
The response to Obama’s fashion sense was warm during the electoral campaign, perhaps bar the Rodriguez red and black number she wore on election night.
But her daytime choice for today did not spark a purely positive verdict.
Karen Foster, fashion director of She, said: “I’m quite surprised, she looked really quite regal. It was a little bit disappointing because what I’ve always liked about her is that she wears a lot of colour. And I know it’s his big day, but I wish she’d emphasised her fantastic waist; it was a bit sack and box-like.
“There was a metallic shot through the fabric which gave it a shine without being too flashy. But it looked like something our Queen would wear.”
Obama, who stands at 5ft 11in, was named as one of People magazine’s best dressed people last year.
She has been noted for choosing unexpected fashion designers, including Narciso Rodriguez, Zero + Maria Cornejo and Chicago designer Maria Pinto.
During the election, as a potential First Lady, she did not attract the criticism levelled at Sarah Palin, who was given $150,000 (€116,000) to kit out herself and her family.
Celebrity stylist Ceril Campbell of Discoverthenewyou.co.uk, said: “She looked good. What she’s worn suits her, but I think it’s a bit bling. Maybe she’s gone for the colour gold because it’s going to be visually exciting on the television and she’s aware of the power of the media.
“In the current economic climate I would have expected something a little less bling, but maybe there’s so much hope about what her husband can do she felt that she should rise to the occasion by almost over-dressing.”
But the fashion expert said Obama was on trend for the spring by wearing a metallic colour with an Eastern influence.
Daughter Malia, 10, wore a double-breasted blue coat with a ribbon bow at the waist, while Sasha, seven, chose a pink coat with orange scarf and satin belt.
Obama will attend a series of 10 balls this evening, and history has focused on the gowns chosen by first ladies.
Obama’s choice of colour for her suit echoed outfits donned by Lyndon B. Johnson’s wife Claudia, known as Lady Bird, and Patricia Nixon.
Johnson chose bright yellow for her big moment, while Nixon went a shade paler and topped her dress with an embroidered jacket.
Comparisons have been drawn between Obama and style icon Jackie Kennedy, later Onassis, who wore a white dress and cape she designed with Ethan Frankau for the inaugural ball in 1961.
There is excitement within the fashion industry about how Obama’s own fashion will develop in the future.
Ms Avansino added: “It’s good that she’s confident to wear what she wants to wear, and to see someone in that office that has a real fashion identity.
“She has the innate ability to choose what is good for her.”
Ms Foster said she would be like Lady Diana, starting off with a conservative style but then growing to enjoy her own fashion choices.
She added: “The bit that I really liked was that she went for green kitten heels and gloves and a reddy pink bag.
“She’s gone for this mis-matching look which is quite quirky. We are going to expect a lot of surprises from her because she’s got style.”
Traditionally, the first lady’s ball gown goes to the National Museum of American History in Washington.
