Michelle Obama Wore an Ornate Braid and Divisive Shoes at DNC

Michelle Obama is redefining what the classic power suit looks like. It’s no secret that the former first lady is a political style trendsetter in Washington, D.C., popularizing arm-baring styles, vibrant hues, and high-low outfits from emerging designers during her time in the White House. As Obama made an appearance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention on August 20, she continued to push boundaries by pairing a waist-length braid with a very unconventional suit.

As the Becoming author headed to the stage in Chicago, she showed off her sartorial skills in navy blue separates from Monse’s Resort 2025 collection. The sleeveless jacket, which featured a crossover design in the front, bared Obama’s arms and cinched in her waist with a matching belt studded with silver hardware. The effortless silhouette of the blazer played into the peplum trend, thanks to a longer fit and large pockets at the bottom that flanked a row of buttons. The fitted matching trousers contrasted the relaxed shape of the jacket, and hit just above Obama’s ankles, framing her divisive footwear. She showed her support for team kitten heels, wearing a pair of pointy-toed black Jimmy Choo pumps with just an inch of extra height.

While Obama’s chic DNC outfit set her apart from more traditional sartorial choices at the event, like Kamala Harris’s camel brown Chloé separates and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s lilac purple sheath dress, it was the former first lady’s hairstyle that really had people talking. She debuted a chic braid that reached past her waist, a far cry from the coiffed lob that she wore during her White House years. 

While Obama—who shared a sweet PDA moment with her husband and former president Barack Obama during the event—might be several years out from the White House, it’s safe to say that she still knows how to nail political style.