I changed my outfit 3 times this morning. Michelle Obama just wrote 200 pages about why
Michelle Obama is creating waves with her new book, titled The Look. During her time at the White House, the former first lady of the US was known for her elegance and style — a signature bob with the ends curled inward, A-line dresses, and choice of practical heels.
She’s been a little Kate Middleton-esque in her approach to new designers and mixing up fast fashion with designer dresses.
Her latest book talks about being free and not held back or defined by White House protocol and critics. In the same vein, Michelle recently shared a casual photo on social media shot by Annie Leibovitz, where she’s seen in long braids and wearing baggy jeans. And it’s, of course, creating a stir.
The underlying thought — and I don’t know if a book was needed just to document the 200 or more looks — is the pain of figuring out what to wear and how to style oneself for every occasion. Politics and race aside, that’s something everyone can resonate with.
It’s true that we are judged by how we choose to dress, the image we portray, and how we fit into societal standards for a certain occasion or setting.
While my occasional experimentation has been appreciated — sporting a new colour or a standout jacket — if I veer completely to the other extreme of my usual business attire, I draw a strange reaction from family and friends. It’s almost as if they are hinting, “Who are you trying to be?”
Initially, I used to get super conscious and feel like I had somehow embarrassed myself. Today, when I see so much choice on social media and everyone choosing to be what they want to be — including Michelle Obama, who’s suddenly in goddess braids after a decade — I am less worried about anyone’s reaction.
We should be exactly who we want to be, when we want to be, and that could be many different things one week to the other.
As I grow older, I prefer neutral colours, clean silhouettes, and I’ve always been a fan of convenient dressing. The more I have to pair/match/layer, the more I get flustered and end up being distracted the whole day.
I would say — keep the focus on the conversation and less on the outfit, which is actually what Michelle Obama is saying as well. Except that she has now also gone and written a book about ‘The Look’. Did we mention the first-world paradox?