Michelle Obama is revisiting the intense scrutiny she faced over her wardrobe choices during her time as First Lady, calling much of the backlash “pure hypocrisy.”
The former first lady, now 61, opened up about how she navigated public commentary on everything from sleeveless dresses to her famously toned arms.
Facing Criticism with Confidence
During Barack Obama’s presidency from 2009 to 2017, Michelle often made headlines for her fashion sense.
Sleeveless dresses and tops became a signature style, and they didn’t always sit well with critics.
Speaking to People magazine this week, Michelle addressed the fuss: “I took it for what it was, pure hypocrisy.
I could pull up pictures of Jackie O in a second and see this fashion icon in sleeveless dresses as First Lady.”
She added, with a touch of humor: “At a point, you’re like, ‘Oh, this is politics.
If you can’t beat them, make everybody scared of them.’
If it wasn’t the clothes, it was ‘that terrorist fist bump.’ It was every word we said. It was my husband’s tan suit.”
Sleeveless Dresses as a Signature Statement
Even simple choices sparked national attention. In 2009, Michelle’s appearance in a purple sleeveless dress during a speech to Congress set off a media frenzy. Cindi Leive, then editor of Glamour magazine, exclaimed, “Oh my god.
The First Lady has bare arms in Congress, in February, at night!”
Chicago Tribune style reporter Wendy Donahue predicted Michelle would make bare arms her “signature statement,” noting that they were “the envy of every woman,” regardless of age.
Michelle handled the commentary with grace, proving that confidence could outweigh criticism.
Parenting in the Public Eye
Michelle also shared how she and Barack navigated parenting their daughters, Malia, now 27, and Sasha, now 24, under the intense spotlight.
While the girls were allowed to make their own fashion choices in private, public appearances came with stricter rules.
“So we had a deal – ‘You work with my stylist Meredith when dressing for public events,’” Michelle explained.
“What’s ‘in’ for a 13-year-old is not acceptable walking down the staircase of Air Force One. When you’re with us, you’re like me, you’re on a job. Your choices can’t lead, but you can be part of the process.”
Letting Kids Learn Their Own Style
Away from official events, the girls had more freedom, which sometimes caused playful friction at home.
Michelle revealed Barack occasionally expressed concern about their outfits.
“‘Those shorts seem really short,’” she recalled him saying, “and I was like, ‘Don’t say anything. Let them cook.’”
Through these reflections, Michelle highlighted her philosophy of blending guidance with autonomy—balancing the expectations of public life with her family’s individuality.
Standing by Her Style Choices
Looking back, Michelle Obama’s approach to criticism and fashion was marked by self-assurance and wit.
Whether defending sleeveless dresses or navigating her daughters’ style choices, she consistently showed that confidence and perspective can turn scrutiny into a platform for empowerment.