January 2009

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First Lady Chic

The speculation. The sketches. The discussion of style. Forget about Barack. What (or rather, who) Michelle Obama wears to the inauguration is the topic du jour. While we’re waiting for that answer, here are three fashion lessons from the next First Lady.

You could reserve your grandmother’s fancy ring for handful of fancy events. Or you can wear it regularly and smile at every sparkle. Likewise, Armani and Levi can coexist in the same outfit. Stop siloing your wardrobe and start enjoying it.

Think feminine, fashionable and professional. No stodgy pants suits or staid skirt suits here. Nor are there nose bleed inducing platforms or micro-minis. Instead, Michelle seems to live in knee length dresses that accentuate rather than flaunting or hiding her curves.

Why spend a lifetime in black or navy suits when you can make in history in canary or cyclamen? You can start small with a striped shirt under a black suit, a coral waist sash with a navy dress or scarlet heels with a grey skirt. But do start living in color.

Resortful

Finished with fireside hot toddies and furs? Pining for poolside pina coladas and pareos? Traditionally geared towards well heeled women who traded St. Moritz for St. Barts, resort collections are now wonderfully upbeat and accessible. Get a jump on spring trends, pick up some sensational transition pieces and revel in the reassurance that warmer days are coming.

Jones New York

Beat spring flowers to the punch line with a floral coat. Keep the look bloomin’ fresh with a clean graphic and minimal colors.

Newport News

Few things scream summer quite as loudly as lemonade. Mute citrus hues with grey for now and then crank up the volume with navy in a couple months.

Old Navy

Tuck them into wellies on stormy days, roll ‘em up for beach days, add a turtleneck or a tank top. Bright colored chinos demonstrate pragmatic good cheer.