The skirt itself, which was selected by Michelle’s stylist Meredith Koop, was a custom Acne Studios pencil skirt that was originally seen on the FW26 Paris Fashion Week runway with a blown up photo of a young person’s face on it, captured by Paul Kooiker. For Mrs. Obama’s one-of-one version, the designer placed what Michelle deems as her “favorite portrait” of her late mother. The sepia-toned garment was the focal point of the whole look, sandwiched between a simple brown t-shirt, which was tucked into a slender black leather belt that wrapped around the skirt, brown patent leather pumps, and brown boho braids that were half pulled back. Simple, elegant, timeless, and sentimental. 

“I am so proud of my husband,” Michelle expressed in an Instagram post of a video captured at the event. “Marian,” Michelle’s mother, “would have been so proud. She was so proud of her son-in-law—of the man that he is and the man that he’s been to our family. Always dreaming, probably way too big, but always pulling it off. Thank you for doing this for the south side of Chicago,” she shared, while standing tearfully on the stage.

“I am a little shaken up by this because I love my mother-in-law,” Barack, who was next to Michelle on stage, shared. “She made a home for Michelle and Craig. Not with a lot, but with a lot of love, hope, and perspective,” he added. “They represent, to me, what’s best about this country.” And, we couldn’t agree more. Meanwhile, in the caption, Barack added, understandably, that, “I got a little tear-eyed tonight thinking about my mother-in-law Marian Robinson.” 

While this moment is epic, Michelle turning heads, and getting people talking, when it comes to fashion is nothing new—hence a whole book based on her style evolution, The Look. For one, she showed off her toned arms in a black Michael Kors dress in 2009, a time when many felt it was “too casual” for the White House. Meanwhile, the elegant look wasn’t the first time the First Lady chose to bear her arms in a gown, either. And rightfully so. Think: Brandon Maxwell at the 2016 State Dinner in Singapore, or even in a Jason Wu gown at the 2009 Inaugural Ball. 

Then, of course, there are her statement-making coats: Sergio Hudson for the 2021 Inauguration, and the iconic green Isabel Toledo overcoat for the 2009 Inauguration Parade. Today, she’s often found rocking many different braided hairstyles, laid back, yet elevated denim looks, thigh-high boots, and more. All of which are a masterclass in modern power dressing. 

With each look, she shows us the power of style as a storytelling tool—and this time as a way to even tell the stories of the loved ones who have gone before us. This moment is much like every move she makes, even in the face of adversity—she still shows up with utmost class. 

On that note, we’re reminded that, regardless of what space we’re in, no matter what we’ve faced, we’re allowed to show up boldly, authentically, and as our absolute full selves. Wearing our stories and experiences on our sleeves through it all.