Michelle Obama in a $1800 Proenza Schouler dress in Madrid: lovely or boring?

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Now that Malia Obama has graduated from high school, her mom organized some special summer plans. Michelle and her two daughters (Sasha and Malia) and her mother (Marian Robinson) are in the midst of a fun summer tour. This isn’t a vacation, per se. There’s work to be done! Three generations of Robinson-Obama ladies already toured Morocco and Liberia to highlight Let Girls Learn, an education initiative aimed at insuring quality education for girls in developing nations. These photos are from the ladies’ stop in Spain this week. Most of the pics are from their arrival yesterday in Madrid, where the ladies greeted the American ambassador in Spain. I’m also including some photos of Michelle speaking today at a Let Girls Learn event in Madrid attended by Queen Letizia. You can see more about Michelle’s work with Let Girls Learn here at the FLOTUS Twitter handle.

Michelle made a Duchess Kate-esque statement when she got off the plane and her dress and hair started blowing everywhere. Unlike Kate though, Michelle managed to wrangle her dress and so we didn’t have a real Marilyn Moment from FLOTUS. The Obama daughters were also wearing dresses, and Malia’s Nasty Gal dress was having some blowing-up issues too, but Malia held her hem down and it was fine. Malia’s dress is somewhat inexpensive – just $78. Pretty affordable for the president’s daughter. Michelle chose a more expensive look: her dress is by Proenza Schouler, and it costs $1800. To be fair though, Michelle repeats looks all the time, and she pays full-price for clothes (she has to as FLOTUS).

I like Michelle’s dress a lot, which is weird considering I usually don’t care for Proenza Schouler. What I find really interesting about Michelle’s tenure as first lady is that she’s really embraced not just American designers, but new and emerging American designers. For the most part, first ladies just go with a handful of established designers, but Michelle branched out and wore off-beat stuff from younger designers consistently throughout her husband’s administration. Just one of the many, many reasons why I’ll miss the hell out of the Obamas.

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Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.

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132 Responses to “Michelle Obama in a $1800 Proenza Schouler dress in Madrid: lovely or boring?”

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  1. Patricia says:

    It looks comfortable and casual, and as usual Michelle elevates anything she wears.

    • Jane says:

      I agree. She really looks stunning in so many of the clothes she wears.

      • mila says:

        its not the clothes. it is her face and the way she talks, stands, just above any first lady. she is amazing.

      • JenYfromTheBlok says:

        I think she’s the first first lady EVER with hip styling that actually flatters. I guess Jackie O was meant to be iconic, but JO’s styling improved after she was FLOTUS

      • Jane says:

        @mila-I’ll agree with you up to a point. I think that the late Jackie Kennedy had awesome grace, dignity and style back in the 1960s as first lady. I also believe she handled herself very, very well .

    • Locke Lamora says:

      I think her style is often lacking ( some of the dresses she wore were downright ugly), but she manages to make them look good most of the time.

    • Tiffany :) says:

      I agree!

    • Amy says:

      100% agree. She’s an amazing woman, in so many ways!

    • Sara says:

      I love it! She always looks amazing. I think she has true American style, love seeing her clothes much more than the stuffy royals. We need more FLOTUS style posts.

    • joan says:

      She just IGNORES the fact that she’s almost 6′ tall — which makes her look so comfortable in her own skin.

      But it also means she wears full skirts and “playful” things that aren’t always landing quite right on a 6′ frame and sometimes make her look bigger than she is. But she still looks radiant, always.

      I love to see her in sleeker, tailored things — it shows off her fitness and she can look amazingly several sizes smaller than in a voluminous dress.

  2. Mandy says:

    R her wedges Stuart Weitzman’s?

  3. Hadleyb says:

    Love the dress just not on her.

    Oh look, what is that I see?? Wedges? WEDGES? Nothing was said about Wedges?

    • lilacflowers says:

      I’m thinking there should be an international ban on wedges.

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      They ruin the airy dress.

    • Mei says:

      Seems to be a purposeful avoidance of the wedges, when Kate wears them it’s all WEDGES OF DOOM WHY but here it’s not worth a mention. I personally dislike the dress (what’s up with the weird waist gathers), but I love her.
      Can we please have the Obamas to run the UK when they end their term? It’s literally all falling apart over here.

    • JenYfromTheBlok says:

      Is this a joke? Wedges look terrific and are far more comfy than nails on the heels.

  4. eggy weggs says:

    Always lovely. I am going to miss her so much.

    • Lahdidahbaby says:

      Yes. No one else will ever bring the qualities she brought to the White House as FLOTUS.

    • Tiffany :) says:

      Me too. I have such deep affection for her. Even after 8 years, the more I listen to what she has to say, the more I fond of her I grow. She’s just amazing.

    • Rae says:

      Me too. I love the Obamas. They are very good ambassadors for their country.

  5. LinaLamont says:

    Looks too young/girlish. Better on her daughters.

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      I love her, but she often wears silhouettes that are very unflattering to her extremely nice body. I have friends with teenage daughters who do the same thing. I think you get used to a look and lose sight of the fact that it’s too girlish for you.

      • Adele Dazeem says:

        Totally agree GNAT. I really want to love her fashion but most of the time I just can’t. With her body and her personality I think she could dominate fashion with a little more sleek tailoring, a little less girlishness and fewer cardigans. But of course that’s my bias as I don’t like twee girlie clothing anyway.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        I think she uses the more girly, bordering casual versus the sleek, more professional to differentiate what her role is. Michelle as POTUS, hospital administrator, lawyer, we would see more of the sleek, harder edge look. But as FLOTUS, first mom, good will ambassador, it is a softer, highlight the feminine side. It will be interesting to see what she does professionally and how she styles herself after the White House

      • Adele Dazeem says:

        @Lilacflowers: I am currently reading that new book, First Ladies, and based on what the author says about Michelle’s feelings about the attention she gets and publicity, I think we will unfortunately *Rarely* see her come 2017. Apparently she really really despises the attention, the focus on her appearance, the expectations, etc., and cannot wait to go back underground as a private citizen. Sad, because I think she will be even more interesting outside of the FLOTUS role.

  6. Tash says:

    Ah, they all look lovely!

  7. Skyblue says:

    I like her wedges! Ducking as a pile of wedges are thrown my way!

    • jmacky says:

      me too! they are so much easier to walk in and if i was going to be delivering speeches, i’d want my mind on that—not how to walk 😉

    • Michelleb says:

      I like them too. I do not understand why so many people are so passionately anti-wedge. I find them far more comfortable than heels when walking a lot. They have more support. And I think that the First Lady’s wedges are pretty and they fit the summery style of the dress.

      • ClaireB says:

        I like her wedges. Like others, I find them very comfortable to walk in. And hers are an appropriate height! Actually, a low height if all she was doing was walking off an airplane, instead of 4 or 5 inches for playing sports. So no, I’m not going to call Wedges of Doom!

      • Ash says:

        I’m right there with you. I practically live in sneakers though. I find wedges much easier to walk in, and I do a lot of walking around.

    • KiddVicious says:

      I like wedges too, I always think of them as a summer shoe.

      • katie says:

        Thank God for this set of pro-wedge comments. I was starting to get sad/worried about the sudden string of anti-wedge comments. I have so many, love them, and truly hate wearing any other type of heel.

    • doofus says:

      I don’t like HER wedges, but I do like them in general. much more comfy than regular heels/pumps. easier to walk in, more support, etc. also, if you’re attending some event that is on grass, they DON’T SINK INTO THE LAWN!!!

    • MizFabulous says:

      I LOVE her wedges and would love to know where to buy them! I have a hard time wearing heels but I can do some wedges and these are SUPER cute! Michelle Obama is, always has been, and always will be, a class act. I will miss this lovely family when they move out of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave come January. Unless Bernie and Jane Sanders are the next occupants of that address, there is no way that there will be ANY measure of class or dignity in that building for the next 4 years.

  8. lisa2 says:

    They all have amazing hair.. I would just love my hair to do that in the wind.. Gorgeous.

  9. GingerCrunch says:

    Everybody looks fantastic! Getting a little verklempt…

    • Esmom says:

      I know, they all look so lovely, more lovely each year. While poor POTUS looks like he needs a very long vacation.

    • Kitten says:

      Me too. Choked up a little. Will miss this lady so much 🙁

    • Janetdr says:

      Me too. They are a wonderful first family.

    • GingerCrunch says:

      Luckily, though, I live just outside of DC and since they’re staying til Sasha graduates, we’ll hopefully hear about them a lot. And I’m dying to bump into Michelle at Target in the pet aisle!!!

  10. lilacflowers says:

    I like what every one of them is wearing. The Obama girls have grown into lovely, poised young women. Great job, Michelle, Barack and Marian too!

  11. cujokay says:

    She looks lovely as usual.

  12. littlemissnaughty says:

    I know there are serious things to be said on the topic of education but right now all I got is damn, that’s an attractive family.

    • Michelleb says:

      They are stunning, aren’t they? Superficially speaking, I know that people talk about the Kennedys being the most attractive First Family, but I think the Obamas beat them hands down. I’d say something more meaningful too, but I had a wretched head cold and just cannot this morning.

      • jmacky says:

        Agreed. Most Beautiful First Family ever.

      • Sea Dragon says:

        Michelleb- I hope you start feeling better soon!
        I’m in the Kenedy-as-most-attractive canp but they’re a very, very close second, particularly due to Barack and Sasha. And Omg *fans face* Barack is the sexiest American president we’ve ever had.

      • littlemissnaughty says:

        Honestly, I think between them and the Kennedys there’s not even a contest. Obamas, hands down.

        ETA: LOL, posted at the same time as you, Sea Dragon. Okay, it’s a matter of (very superficial) opinion but especially seeing these women together makes me think Obamas, definitely.

      • KB says:

        I think the Obamas because they’re just better people. Barack isn’t carrying on multiple affairs (that we know of!) and Michelle is one of, if not the smartest First Ladies we’ve ever had, and the daughters are just so graceful and wonderful. I just love this family. The Kennedy’s have nothing on them, imo.

      • Kate says:

        I’ve never understood the comments about the Kennedy’s attractiveness. JFK really wasn’t physically attractive at all, and Jackie was striking in an odd kind of way, but far from conventionally beautiful.

      • Sarah says:

        You ever see the pics of JFK and Jackie sailing??? Just so beautiful!!! And their son? He was just such a hunk!

        I don’t find Obama that handsome, more pleasant looking. Same with Michelle. The oldest girl, Malia, gorgeous, though. The younger daughter is very cute,MBut not as beautiful as her sister. I love that she seems to have an impish personality, though! I bet she’s the rebel, although in a good way.

        This family brought class and grace back to,our White House. Trump is unimaginable, but even Bill Clinton, with all of his mistakes, will be a let down.

  13. Carmen says:

    Very appropriate for the First Lady.

  14. PunkyMomma says:

    Lovely ladies, all-around. I’m going to miss her.

  15. MrsBPitt says:

    I like the dress…paired with the wedges, tho, not so much….

    • Lucky says:

      She looks great, love the dress. The shoes though….bleh

    • JudyK says:

      A simple neutral slim-heeled pump would have been perfect. The wedges ruin the whole look.

      Do love Michelle, though, and her daughters look lovely.

  16. Rapunzel says:

    Malia is apparently going to be interning at the American embassy in Spain this summer. So cool. I’ll be in Madrid at the end of July and maybe I’ll catch a glimpse.

  17. Michelleb says:

    I am going to miss the Obamas. Michelle always looks fabulous and I just cannot believe how much Sasha and Malia have grown. I know it’s been eight years, but in my mind I keep picturing them as they were in 2008 and being excited to get a dog once in the White House. I am a Canadian, but I’ve followed them closely through the years and I just love the whole family. From my view, they’ve just been the perfect First Family. And now I’m getting teary. I wish the Americans could keep them for another term.

  18. doofus says:

    lovely family. and I think Sasha has grown an inch every time I see a pic of her.

  19. QQ says:

    Im not a fan of FLOTUS’ love for kinda High waisted stuff, cause for me it messes her proportions and she has a great figure as is?, but I find the whole group of them here so so so very pleasing to the eyes? like the prints, all of them doing dresses, super cute, I am going to cry RIGHT NOW of how much I’m gonna miss them… ya’ll.. the fact that some kids just don’t even know of any other First Daughters and that we saw them grow up is just… *feeeliiiinngggsss*

    • Esmom says:

      Yes, that’s my only problem with the otherwise lovely dress and overall beautiful look. Those waistlines are unfortunately not the best for her.

      The whole family looks amazing. Small sob, I will miss them too and wish them all the happiness.

    • LinaLamont says:

      Agree. It’s the empire waist that makes it look juvenile to me. I like the dress a lot…. just, not on her.

      • QQ says:

        YES! Young That is the word I was thinking, but is almost like her preferred silhouette no?

      • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

        Totally agree. She’s so beautiful when she gets it right, but she can’t wear every silhouette – no one can.

    • AnnieRUOk says:

      I actually shed a tear thinking about how lucky we are to have had themfor2 terms. Barrack has invested financially in trying to save the health of our nation, but even he couldn’t get the bill that he wanted to pass on our divided congress. Michelle bless her heart has invested in the people, supporting the health of our youth, their education, through a plethora of activism. Like she could have been a pretty face, or a power hungry politician, or a sideline philanthropist, just donating to charity. No, she gave her time, her sweat to things, not just her money. Youd think that this would impress fiscal conservatives, but it’s so truly see someone when you’re entire culture/ethos tells you not to look.

    • Kk says:

      Agree about the empire waist. It looks ok, but not the most flattering on her. But they look so nice as a group- coordinating but not matchy matchy. They did a nice job of this in Cuba too. I imagine they have a lot of fun planning their outfits together, and they must have a lot of awesome family photos.

      I can’t believe how much the girls have grown. Makes me feel so old. They are gorgeous and I’m very curious to see what they end up doing as adults.

    • Jena says:

      High waisted stuff is more flattering on her though because she has a tiny waist and large hips.

      • Tiffany :) says:

        Yes, I agree with this. She might even have a high waist naturally. Sometimes it comes down to the choice of highlighting a high waist, or nothing at all.

    • Alex says:

      THIS IS ME.
      January is too soon and I could cry with how much I’ll miss the First Family. So many reasons I will miss them and with the candidates we have I’m just like UGH
      The WH will never be this cool in my lifetime

    • The Original Mia says:

      Stop it! You’re going to make me cry!

  20. DLP says:

    Why wasn’t Marian’s outfit also discussed?

    They all look great.

    • Tiffany says:

      I know. Marian looks great.

      I cannot believe it had been eight years. I still remember the first family photo of POTUS and FLOTUS kissing the girls goodbye before they left for school in DC. Time is just flying.

  21. anon123 says:

    I love pretty much anything by Proenza Schouler, it is one of my favorite designers. I like the architectural approach to clothes.

  22. lucy2 says:

    They all look lovely, but more importantly are there focusing on education for girls, and I love that.

    • Esmom says:

      Yes, and it’s clearly genuine and heartfelt. Can you imagine Melania focusing on…anything?

  23. BitsandPizzas says:

    *ensuring not insuring. Total pet peeve of mine.

    • doofus says:

      ha! I proofread a LOT of reports in my job, written by scientists…not the most grammatically correct folks, but VERY smart in science…and I correct that ALL THE TIME. they also don’t seem to understand the diff between a comma and a semicolon.

  24. Looty says:

    Michelle Obama is something special all the way around. Absolutely irreplaceable. I love the wedgies, they look terrific.

  25. Almondjoy says:

    I don’t necessarily like the dress but Michelle is just so well put together that she looks amazing no matter what she wears. She elevates everything. And is it wrong that wish more pictures of the girls were posted? They looked so adorable yesterday. I’m honestly shocked that they don’t get more attention than they do but I also like that the Obamas do a pretty good job of keeping them out the public eye.

  26. meme says:

    I won’t miss seeing all of them, including grandma, in their designer clothes jetsetting around the world.

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      Right. Most presidents and First Ladies wear Salvation Army rejects and travel by donkey cart, so I can see why this disturbs you. I mean, you’d never catch Jackie Kennedy or Nancy Reagan in a designer dress.

      • doofus says:

        DYING.

      • meme says:

        and when did I say it “disturbs” me or they should travel by donkey cart? I didn’t. Not everyone loves them. “DYING”????? seriously?

      • GingerCrunch says:

        Oh god, GNAT. That’s funny.

      • doofus says:

        yes, seriously.

      • Tiffany :) says:

        Lol, GNAT!
        meme, she wasn’t quoting you. She was illustrating through hyperbole how silly your original comment was.

      • meme says:

        @tiffany…I know she wasn’t quoting me. So now I’m silly for not liking the Obamas? And not thinking Michelle is a fashion queen? Then, I’ll be silly rather cry a tear knowing, sigh, the Obamas are leaving after 8 years.

    • Adele Dazeem says:

      Are you looking forward to seeing Melania in designer clothes?

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      @meme
      You can like them or nor like them. That doesn’t make you silly. I just thought it was silly that you have a problem with the President of the United States and his wife and children “jet setting around the world in designer clothes.” That’s sort of what presidents do. Jet around the world. And what on earth do you expect them to wear? Rags? I think no one is perfect and everyone could do better, but come on – you’re criticizing them for looking nice and traveling. It’s odd.

      • meme says:

        I think too much time is spent on their appearances and what clothes they wear. I don’t recall people discussing Hillary and Chelsea’s clothes and Bill, despite his flaws, was a far better president than Obama. I think the Obamas travel excessively and grandma, really, she has to everywhere with them? Still babysitting the girls.?

      • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

        Well, you’re entitled to your opinion, but I disagree with everything you said. People focused and still focus on Hillary’s clothes because they are generally pretty awful. It shouldn’t matter, but it does.

  27. CareBear says:

    She is stunning. Such a presence. I always think Goddess when I see her. She has such a classic beauty to her.

    • doofus says:

      I also love the fact that she, and her daughters, totally own their tall stature.

      I have two tall nieces and one (who is close to 6 feet tall) does the same thing, walks tall and proud. the other, not so much…she slouches and rounds her shoulders, like she’s ashamed of her height. lately she’s gotten better though.

  28. Harryg says:

    Lovely! They all always look good!

  29. a reader says:

    I too am going to miss this family so much! All these ladies radiate class. Think about it… no scandals, no issues, beautiful and well behaved daughters… I don’t see how anyone could criticize their parenting skills. The Obamas have clearly done a wonderful job with the girls.

    And i LOVE Michelle’s dress… then again I think she could rock the heck out of a paper sack you know?

  30. ClaireB says:

    The picture of three generations of accomplished, poised black women getting off the plane together nearly brought me to tears.

    I can’t believe we’re facing down Melania Trump in place of Michelle Obama, and some consider it an improvement just because she’s white.

    • Giddy says:

      Pardon me while I throw myself on the floor sobbing. Please not Melania. She and the Donald would gild everything possible. Heaven only knows what she would wear.

  31. Dr. Funkenstein says:

    Doesn’t do anything for her.

  32. KiddVicious says:

    I like the dress, it looks great on her. They are all beautiful…even MOFLOTUS (mother of first lady….), the girls need to work on their posture though.

  33. COSquared says:

    I just want Letizia’s closet. And Sheikha Mozah’s. Also most of Countess Sophie’s. Gaaaaahd!

    • notasugarhere says:

      Letizia wore a flattering red Ricci for this event and gave a strong speech. All that journalism work pays off in her public self-presentation.

  34. I Choose Me says:

    I agree that she’s worn far better dresses in the past. The dress by itself is great but not suited her body type. And yeah, those shoes are fug. Still it’s MOBAMA and her hair is on point, wind be damned.

    Love what Malia and Sasha are wearing.

  35. Joanie says:

    She looks very feminine and pretty in that dress. Her girls too,

  36. Joanie says:

    I should have said daughters. Girls refer to a body part around here.

  37. RedWeatherTiger says:

    I love the whole look, but I adore her, so it is hard for me to find fault with her. 🙂

  38. siri says:

    This outfit does nothing for her, she even looks quite big in it, which she is not. It’s Spain, so I guess the idea was to make it look light and flowing, but for her shape, something more tailored seems to be better. The high waiste is unfortunate looking. And I personally prefer her in stronger colours. All this said, she’s a pretty woman.

  39. Pandy says:

    Another wedge lover here!! I love her dress – love her mother’s as well. I think MO has fantastic style! Accessible and funky, not a boring stuffy suit (looking at you NR!!). Will miss her fashion. You know Melania will
    Either be tight suits or pseudo minis so she looks hot. Just the way Donald Drumpf likes it.

    • meme says:

      You know NR is dead, right? And for her age and lifestyle, she dressed just fine.

      Anyone who thinks Michelle Obama is a classic beauty needs glasses.

  40. abby says:

    I like a wedge on her, I don’t love the ankle strap. Not that flattering. Overall looks good and summery I think.

  41. Juniper says:

    Must be nice to get all that free stuff. (Is that appropriate?) Otherwise I don’t think the First Lady has any business spending so much money on a dress. Poverty in America and homelessness is off the charts. Why is she behaving like the 1%???

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      Because she’s the First Lady of country? Because it’s appropriate that dress in a manner appropriate to her position? Because every First Lady in the history of the United States has worn designer clothing? Because her clothes are not paid for by the American people so it’s really none of our business how much she spends on a dress? Because she would be torn to shreds if she showed up in cheap looking clothes? Honestly, what do you want her to wear? Jeans from the Gap? A sandwich board? What good would that do the homeless or the poor?

    • meme says:

      Because she IS part of the 1%. And enjoying it immensely.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Her salary, before he ran for President, ranged from $100,000-300,000. She earned it, but let’s not let that get in the way of the Obama bashing.

    • Adele Dazeem says:

      If I recall correctly, as the FLOTUS she is not allowed to accept gifts above a certain price point (clothing included) and so she has had to pay for said clothes.

  42. Taxi says:

    For “public” occasions, the Obama women often dress within the same color palette, which looks nice. We’ve seen this before when they disembark. Not matchy-matchy, just pleasantly coordinated. And yes, this First Family has been scandal-free, well-behaved, and an asset to the Office.
    Michelle has championed non-political issues important to average citizens – fighting childhood obesity, better nutrition, literacy, etc., without ever being strident & always participating actively herself. She’s the best First Lady in decades & I remember them as far back as Mamie Eisenhower. Eleanor Roosevelt was the last to do as much but she didn’t become active until much later in life, long after Franklin died in office.

    • rudy says:

      Thank you!!!!

      Unbelievable that people believe Michelle is all about clothes and jet setting.

      WE ARE ALL ABOUT CLOTHES HERE.
      Michelle is out helping the world. And she dresses very nice as well. so there.

    • lucy2 says:

      She’s been very involved with military families as well, from the very start of this administration.

  43. Barbara says:

    I agree re the shoes. Dark blue strappy heels would have been better.

  44. Kath says:

    God, I’m going to miss the Obamas. I can’t believe how quickly the last 8 years have gone.

  45. cindyp says:

    I know everyone on this site hate wedges but they’re really comfortable. If you want a heel & spend time standing, they’re the best.

  46. Addison says:

    Although I do like the dress, I would not pay more than $100.00 for this. $1,800.00 is insane.

    • Mika says:

      Let’s push it to £150. It has intricate design, but 1800 dollars for this is insane!

  47. Argirl says:

    I think you mean ensuring, not insuring.