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Whatever Happened to the Michelle Obama Effect?

Throughout the eight years she occupied the White House, the former first lady had an outsize influence on American fashion. A new book demonstrates how much work that took—and why it hasn’t happened with another first lady since.

michelle obama Official White House Photo
On Tuesday, Obama released her fourth book, a glossy volume on her fashions called The Look, written with Meredith Koop, her longtime stylist, and published by Penguin Random House imprint Crown. Photo: Chuck Kennedy
Teri Agins
November 4, 2025

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Michelle Obama was already a fashion influencer when she entered the White House in January 2009. Her well-toned arms in sleeveless dresses went viral on the campaign trail. Her signature cardigan sweaters, wide leather belts, and bare legs in kitten heels were copied by millions of American women who looked forward to her outfits and listened to her urgent messaging. As first lady, she hardly ever spoke about her clothes. But now she’s talking.