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First Lady of Fashion

The Narciso Rodriguez dress fashionistas can't stop talking about—and a photo gallery of Michelle's most elegant outfits from the trail.

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When Obama clinched the Democratic nomination, Michelle broke out one of her most beautiful ensembles, a Maria Pinto V-neck with a black patent belt. She should really wear this every day.

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Michelle's Narciso Rodriguez election night dress certainly said celebration, but it may have been too over the top.

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Michelle assured her style dominance at the Democratic National Convention in August with this flattering turquoise frock by little-known Chicago designer Maria Pinto. Pinto has now opened her own boutique and hired a publicist to handle the flood of calls for the look.

Jae C. Hong/AP
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Mrs. O’s talked-about J. Crew ensemble on The Tonight Show might have secured her husband the presidency among American women who love a bargain. “You can get some good stuff online,” she said, reminding us that while her choices may be timeless, Michelle is modern when it comes to shopping.  

Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank
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Lady O can pull off a daytime look like no one else; at a Pittsburgh rally, she paired wide-leg khakis (flattering for any woman) with a trim navy sweater and tribal belt. It was appropriate but a bit funky—pure Michelle.

Jae C. Hong/AP Photo
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On Super Tuesday, Barack and Michelle were in Chicago to celebrate, already looking like the first couple. Michelle’s bold red dress and architectural jacket are what she does best: simple colors, immaculate tailoring.

Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty Images
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At a Fourth of July picnic, Michelle connected with Montana voters in a cheery Gap sundress and nautical white cardigan. It was both aspirational and completely accessible.

Jae C. Hong/AP Photo
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This striped A-line is actually from cheap ‘n’ chic store H&M: Michelle is nothing if not a woman of the people…the people who need to make dresses look like a million bucks.

Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty Images
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Michelle’s floral Thakoon dress was one of her most discussed—some loved it, some thought it was too busy for the Democratic National Convention—but either way, it established Michelle as a patron saint of up-and-coming designers with a vision.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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A crisp white shirt, clean tailored chinos, and a chunky necklace are a well-dressed political wife’s holy trinity; but where many have gone before, Michelle goes with spunk and a creative flash of blue.

Valerie Macon, AFP/Getty Images
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Michelle played it old school on The Daily Show in October, wearing her version of a classic first lady staple; the two-piece suit with a double strand of pearls.

Evan Agostini/AP Photo
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Michelle wore Narciso Rodriguez again at the town hall debate in Nashville, this time with a subtle Christmas theme, pairing sparkly green bows with the perfectly hued garnet shift.

Jim Bourg/AP Photo
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During rallies, Michelle plays to local women by dressing down; in Miami, she wore a simple white tank, a black broom skirt, and just enough silver to keep the outfit from looking too simple or falling into the dreaded Amish trap.

Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo

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