Glam Slam: What Would You Wear?

Access Hollywood - January 22, 2009 11:52 AM PST

By Ryan Patterson

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The general consensus is that Michelle Obama nailed it when it comes to her Inauguration Style. Both her lemongrass Swearing-In ensemble and ivory one-shouldered ball gown wowed.

She makes it all look so effortless, but if you were the one standing up there for the whole world to see and analyze and pick apart, what (or who) would you wear?

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 Presidential Inauguration Balls

There are boundaries, of course, and a few UNWRITTEN rules to follow:

1. Choose an American Designer

VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Many Styles of Michelle Obama

This tradition started in the 1700's with Martha Washington, who was encouraged to wear American-made fashions over those from Europe. Some First Ladies even opt for a designer from their home state ( Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush) but I say, why limit yourself?

2. Keep 'em guessing

Up until the day of the Inauguration, no one, and I mean no one, knew what Michelle would end up wearing, which only built up anticipation. Even Isabel Toledo, who designed Michelle's daytime ensemble didn't know if she would wear it, until she saw it on TV. Toledo is not a mainstream designer, so choosing her was an unexpected choice. Ditto for Jason Wu, who designed her Inaugural gown.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 Presidential Inauguration

3. Err on the conservative side

The fashion must fit the occasion, which is one of tradition and respect. Even a style risk-taker like Michelle is smart enough not to push the envelope TOO far. Don't show too much skin. No over-the-top, outrageous outfits. Keep it simple and classic and timeless, otherwise the clothes will look dated. Keep the bling in check.

4. Image is everything

Michelle realizes that clothes have the power to speak volumes. Yellow is a color of optimism. Choosing affordable accessories like gloves from J. Crew shows she is "real" and down to earth. And the designers she picked - Toledo who is Cuban-American and Wu who is Taiwanese-American, is a way for her to represent our melting pot culture and those who are living the American dream.

5. Stay true to yourself

Easier said than done. But one thing I love about Michelle is her confidence, which shows through in what she chooses to wear. This is a woman who plays by her own rules.

So, here is who I would pick.

Michael Kors for the day look. Nobody does chic, classic jet-setting Jackie O style better. His take on American-sportswear is spot on. I picture a brightly colored sheath with matching jacket paired with simple accessories and classic pumps like the Jimmy Choo heels Michelle chose.

For the Inaugural Ball, I would go with Carolina Herrera. Her designs are elegant, ladylike and ultra feminine. With the exception of the black bustier debacle Renee Zellweger just wore to the Golden Globes, I love pretty much anything she designs and think she would make a beautiful choice to create my fairy tale gown.

Who would YOU choose?

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Meet The Man Behind Michelle Obama's Inaugural Ball Gown
PLAY IT NOW: All Access: Inside The Inaugural Balls

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Style - 2009 Presidential Inauguration - Glam Slam - Politics - TV One

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  • Jenny
    Moms stand like models. Models do so because they are so tall and thin. Not on the runway, but around. Moms stand that way because they're exhausted.
    report abuseposted March 26, 2009 7:30 AM PDT
  • GenieSouth
    Michelle Obama is a very feminine woman; I thought her inaugural gown was very pretty. She could have gotten away with a bright red ultra sleek one shoulder gown though. Remember, a First Lady has to dress to reflect the office of her husband. I would hate to be hindered that way. It's different now than when she was the wife of candidate Obama.
    report abuseposted February 11, 2009 5:28 PM PST
  • Taylor
    I would have worn red white, and blue cause I've never been ashamed to be from this country.
    report abuseposted January 23, 2009 6:34 PM PST
  • karen
    I was surprised when I saw what she wore to the swearing in because I thought she should be wearing at least one of our national colors. The outfit itself looked heavy to me and I didn't like the green gloves and shoes. The evening gown looked to promish and young to me. The outfit she wore to Arlington earlier in the day was gorgeous. She is a lovely, happy gorgeous woman.
    report abuseposted January 23, 2009 2:39 PM PST
  • Joleen L
    Ok I'm just not getting it?? I'm beginning to think this must be part of an Obama cult. Seriously the dress looked like a nightmare wedding gown gone wrong. She is a pretty women and it just looked awful on her. Why is the media and this particular site not telling it like it is??
    report abuseposted January 23, 2009 10:50 AM PST
  • Taylor
    I think she is with child and trying to hide the fact.
    report abuseposted January 23, 2009 6:55 AM PST
  • Mark
    You have to be kidding! She nailed it? If she is to be our fashion icon does that mean we all have to look dowdy in heavy sofa fabrics and stand around slumped over?
    report abuseposted January 22, 2009 8:01 PM PST
  • Mark
    Mrs. Obama looked like Mamie Eisenhower in that putrid greenish/yellow thing. The fabric looked like something an old lady's curtains would be made of and she forgot to wear appropriate underclothing. Also, someone needs to tell her to suck her tummy in and stand up straight!
    report abuseposted January 22, 2009 7:46 PM PST
  • Taylor
    Not anything I've seen so far. gross.
    report abuseposted January 22, 2009 6:02 PM PST

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