Red Carpet Rewind: The Obama Inaugural Balls

In a sea of black dresses, our First Lady stood out in a white Jason Wu one-shouldered gown at the inaugural balls. Some found Michelle Obama‘s dress breathtaking and sexy. Others said it looked like a chenille bedspread or like it was made of toilet paper. But clearly a smitten President Obama loved the way his First Lady was dressed. And that’s all that counts, isn’t it? Getting the Presidential seal of approval?

First Lady Michelle Obama‘s sparkly lemongrass-hued sheath and matching coat by Isabel Toledo sparked the second style controversy of her new position (the first being the red/black election night dress). Some felt sequins were inappropriate for day. Others found the color heinous while still more loved the darker olive J. Crew gloves. But wasn’t a celery hued dress a refreshing change for First Lady in this ecologically aware era? And aren’t we all ready for a change? Didn’t we vote for one?

At the interdominational inaugural prayer service, First Lady Michelle Obama chose a Tracy Feith scoop-neck fitted oriental print dress. Again, a little known surfer-turned-designer and an unusual choice for such a serious and national occasion. But c’mon, folks. Isn’t it nice to have a break from eight years of boxy, boring solid color wool skirt suits and ditzy pearls?

Vice President Joe Biden’s East Coast look got a youthful boost from his wife Jill Biden’s kicky high black suede boots, tweed Milley dress and Fleurette red wool coat with a asymmetrical collar. It doesn’t scream Target or Oscar de la Renta. But it shows the individual fashion flair we haven’t seen in the White House… well, for a long time.

Did we mention Jill Biden looked amaaazing in a vibrant scarlet Reem Acra strapless gown with loose tousled hair at the balls. Look out, Michelle, Jill’s on your fashion tail!