Late Tuesday night
President Barack Obama was re-elected to a second term in the White
House, defeating former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney by securing
the swing state of Ohio. Both men had their wives on hand for support,
and—forgive us for being a little shallow— we were dying to see what
each woman was wearing.
In four quick years, First Lady Michelle Obama
has become one of the most influential women in fashion, catapulting
small name designers like Rachel Roy, Jason Wu, Thakoon, and Prabal
Gurung to fame, and putting mall brands like J.Crew and the Gap back on
the map. President Barack Obama took the stage with his family and was
greeted by thunderous applause from his supporters as he signed on for
four more years as commander-in-chief.
The first lady always keeps us guessing when it comes to clothes, but
one quick glimpse at her outfit and we knew exactly what she was
wearing: A red brocade Michael Kors shift dress she's worn publicly at
least twice before—once to a 2009 holiday event at the White House, and
again at a November 2010 Medal of Honor Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Just as she did in 2010, Obama paired the high-neck, knee-length frock
with a cropped, three-quarter-sleeve cardigan and a large, purple
jeweled brooch. She accessorized with very pointy black kitten heels and
a dark-colored manicure.
Shopping her closet for this momentous occasion was a calculated move
that we—and probably many women—could appreciate. Obama has expressed
her love for affordable shops like Target, and while we're sure this
Michael Kors dress didn't come cheap, the first lady is getting her
money's worth by wearing it again and again. Michael Kors, whose company
went public nearly a year ago, is one of the most celebrated and
successful American designers, something that also may have encouraged
the first lady to wear his design.
See more: Michelle Obama stuns in pink frock
But
the first lady did not shine alone. Her daughters were dressed in
colorful, age-appropriate, girly outfits. Malia Obama, 14, wore a black,
fitted scoopneck top paired with a shiny, pleated, blue silk skirt,
black flats, and a playful, hot-pink belt. Sasha, 11, wore a
green-and-black abstract printed skirt, a black blouse with a sweet bow,
and a grey cardigan. Her finishing touches: a layered beaded necklace
and green-and-black cap-toe flats.
Looking across party lines, the would-be
first lady Ann Romney has also worn many noteworthy ensembles while on
the campaign trail. Though her $990 Reed Krakoff bird blouse
was critically panned, we've admired Romney's desire to take fashion
risks and her many stunning outfits, like the green ombre Oscar de la
Renta dress she wore to the last presidential debate in October. After
Mitt Romney gave his concession speech to supporters in Boston,
Massachusetts, Ann took his hand wearing a bright red bateau-neck sheath
dress with three-quarter-length sleeves. She accessorized with black
patent pumps, her gold watch, the clear beaded necklace she wore at the
last debate, dark nail polish, red glossy lips, and a bouffant updo. Red
is the official color of the Republican party, and a color that Romney
has favored throughout the previous months, including the memorable silk
taffeta de la Renta dress she wore to the Republican National
Convention.
Only one man was elected into presidential office in 2013, but all ladies were style winners on election night.
More on Shine Canada:
Michelle Pfeiffer's great style
