First lady’s shorts draw some long, hard looks Michelle Obama’s informal look in Arizona has some questioning her choice
By Jonann Brady
TODAYShow.com contributor
updated 10:29 a.m. ET, Wed., Aug 19, 2009
First the first lady got America talking about the right to bare arms. Now people are buzzing about whether it’s right for her to bare her legs.
During a recent family vacation to the Grand Canyon, Michelle Obama stepped off Air Force One in a pair of “short shorts” that some are calling inappropriate.
The midthigh jeans shorts Obama sported are something most American women would wear without a second thought. But were they a fashion faux pas for a first lady?
Short notice
“I think the question is, what could be more appropriate than shorts for hiking the Grand Canyon with your family in mid-August?” said Mary Tomer, who founded Mrs-O.org, a Web site that monitors Obama’s style, on the TODAY show Wednesday.
Any first lady’s fashion choices are closely watched, but interest in Obama’s style has bordered almost on obsession. When Obama showed her spectacularly toned arms in a sleeveless gown at the Inaugural Ball, it sparked such a media maelstrom, you’d think she’d shown up in the nude.
So why does anyone care what Michelle Obama is wearing — other than that she’s young [45], beautiful, modern, and head of the hippest first family since the Kennedys?
“I think women have really connected to Michelle Obama, recognizing there are moments when she’s dressed down, moments when she’s dressed up, that she’s playing different roles,” Tomer told TODAY’s Matt Lauer. “That speaks to a lot of women.”
A new informality
Robin Givhan, a fashion editor and staff reporter for The Washington Post, said she was “ambivalent” about the first lady’s shorts — mainly because stepping off Air Force One makes it an “official” photo and so should, perhaps, be considered a more formal moment.
“I think in many ways it’s symbolic,” Givhan explained. “We don’t see first ladies looking informal, and I think it’s a wonderful thing that she’s bringing informality to that position. But we’re still grappling with what the first lady is supposed to be all about.”
Givhan added that President Obama, who has been photographed wearing shorts and exiting Air Force One wearing jeans and a baseball hat, has been given much more leeway in how he presents himself in public.
Many argue that it’s more important to have a first lady who is comfortable in her own skin — even if that means revealing a little more of it.
“I think people are starting to see her as someone who’s breaking a lot of barriers and boundaries in terms of fashion, in terms of what people think is appropriate for a first lady to wear,” said Nia-Malika Henderson, White House reporter for Politico.com.
Joined: 19 Jan 2006 {Posts: 223 } Location: Southern California
Posted: Wed 19 Aug 2009 23:09 Post subject:
From the photo, I think that she's tastefully dressed. In the article, when the term "short-shorts" were mentioned, one would almost think "Daisy Dukes" if the photo weren't there.
It seems to me that those people who are foaming at the mouth over her attire have way to much time on their hands to begin with. I guess that's what one has to endure as a high-profile figure-life in a fishbowl. Makes me appreciate being just a plain everyday Joe (Jane in my case ). We almost take these things for granted...
From the photo, I think that she's tastefully dressed. In the article, when the term "short-shorts" were mentioned, one would almost think "Daisy Dukes" if the photo weren't there.
It seems to me that those people who are foaming at the mouth over her attire have way to much time on their hands to begin with. I guess that's what one has to endure as a high-profile figure-life in a fishbowl. Makes me appreciate being just a plain everyday Joe (Jane in my case ). We almost take these things for granted...
True
I ask the question, what is she supposed to have on while vacationing the Grand Canyon?
and for a young 1st lady 45 she really has a nice figure and looks healthy, that's a good role model for women in general
From the photo, I think that she's tastefully dressed.
True
I ask the question, what is she supposed to have on while vacationing the Grand Canyon?
Not so tastefully dressed, in my opinion.
When the first lady walks before a standing to attention military officer, she should not be wearing sneakers and shorts. Specially, not the sneakers, the shorts could be exceptionally allowed in a extremely hot weather and provided she is going to visit some rough area. But the sneakers?! Awful, I tell you.
She can wear like that when she does some gardening at home or some such, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.
The first lady boarding the Air Force One is not a run of the mill tourist, or should not be.
From the photo, I think that she's tastefully dressed.
True
I ask the question, what is she supposed to have on while vacationing the Grand Canyon?
Not so tastefully dressed, in my opinion.
When the first lady walks before a standing to attention military officer, she should not be wearing sneakers and shorts. Specially, not the sneakers, the shorts could be exceptionally allowed in a extremely hot weather and provided she is going to visit some rough area. But the sneakers?! Awful, I tell you.
She can wear like that when she does some gardening at home or some such, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.
The first lady boarding the Air Force One is not a run of the mill tourist, or should not be.
However, it's not big deal, she will learn.
She's not going to a presidential tea, she's at the grand canyon? Is she supposed to have on heels?
That's ^^^ stuff you put out is unreasonable, plus she's not those old wrinkled 1st Ladies, she's a young 45 in shape
People need to get over that sensless dribble of unwritten rules
USAmerican fashion sensibilities are much different than those of Europeans, so comparing Michelle Obama to Carla Bruni misses the mark. Also, if anyone cared to photograph Carla while she sunbathed on the beach or went hiking does anyone honestly think she would be wearing a Chanel suit, pearls, hat and 4 inch heels? Americans think nothing of wearing athletic gear when not exercising. Some Europeans would never wear sneakers unless they were jogging. Doesn't mean sneakers aren't appropriate to wear to the Grand Canyon. She didn't exactly wear sneakers to meet the Pope, and I'm not even sure she wore them when she and the girls went sightseeing in Europe.
Modern women who are not part of some aging remnant of feudal aristocracy are flexible. Yes, we all adhere to certain rules, but most people understand that wearing casual clothing is acceptable in certain contexts. Even for the FLOTUS.
Modern women who are not part of some aging remnant of feudal aristocracy are flexible. Yes, we all adhere to certain rules, but most people understand that wearing casual clothing is acceptable in certain contexts. Even for the FLOTUS.
It can be said that whenever POTUS/FLOTUS board the Air Force One, they are on duty. When on duty, you don't go by the "flexible rules" of a run of the mill USA tourist. When on duty, you go by the rules of the duty.
It is the duty of the FLOTUS to represent the image of the USA woman to the world. I think Michelle needs to improve in that respect.
Joined: 04 Oct 2006 {Posts: 228 } Location: CT/U.S.A.
Posted: Wed 02 Sep 2009 20:49 Post subject:
Quote:
It is the duty of the FLOTUS to represent the image of the USA woman to the world. I think Michelle needs to improve in that respect.
IMO, there hasn't been a woman as fine and elegantly dressed to the "T" as Michelle Obama in the White House since Jackie Kennedy.
You can't possibly be serious with your last assertation? The woman was at the Grand Canyon, not a formal event/place.
Also, IMO, if she came in heels and a dress the media/some people would be complaining about her being an elitist or something to that effect and would question why she went to the Grand Canyon so formally dressed.
Michelle Obama can't win for losing! I haven't seen a FLOTUS this scrutinized since Hilary Clinton. Dayum... What gives? She respresent American women very well IMO. Even the Queen of England had to give her her props.
I admit that I am mystified by the issue. My only observation is that if she plans to take the burro trail ride down into the canyon, she will have to change into jeans first, because of the brambles.
Modern women who are not part of some aging remnant of feudal aristocracy are flexible. Yes, we all adhere to certain rules, but most people understand that wearing casual clothing is acceptable in certain contexts. Even for the FLOTUS.
It can be said that whenever POTUS/FLOTUS board the Air Force One, they are on duty. When on duty, you don't go by the "flexible rules" of a run of the mill USA tourist. When on duty, you go by the rules of the duty.
It is the duty of the FLOTUS to represent the image of the USA woman to the world. I think Michelle needs to improve in that respect.
the 1st Lady of the USA is not an official position, it has no political power
The 1st usage of it was by president Taylor when he refered to his wife as 'My 1st Lady' at her funeral
a Queen may have power, but a 1st Lady doesn't
Her duty is to her husband and kids, that's what people are expecting from her.
First Lady is the unofficial title in a number of countries of the wife of an elected male head of government.[1] It originated in the United States in 1849, when United States President Zachary Taylor called Dolley Madison "First Lady" at her state funeral while reciting a eulogy written by himself.[2] Occasionally another woman, such as the President's daughter, will fill the duties of First Lady as hostess in the White House, if the President's wife is unwilling, unable, or if the President is a widower or bachelor. The current First Lady of the United States is Michelle Obama, wife of Barack Obama. In American English media the term First Lady is often applied to wives of Heads of Government of other countries, irrespective of whether or not there is such a role or whether that role is differently described.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Lady
I'm using this from wikipedia, only because I did other research to make sure it wasn't off ( and something still could be)
Modern women who are not part of some aging remnant of feudal aristocracy are flexible. Yes, we all adhere to certain rules, but most people understand that wearing casual clothing is acceptable in certain contexts. Even for the FLOTUS.
It can be said that whenever POTUS/FLOTUS board the Air Force One, they are on duty. When on duty, you don't go by the "flexible rules" of a run of the mill USA tourist. When on duty, you go by the rules of the duty.
It is the duty of the FLOTUS to represent the image of the USA woman to the world. I think Michelle needs to improve in that respect.
the 1st Lady of the USA is not an official position, it has no political power
The 1st usage of it was by president Taylor when he refered to his wife as 'My 1st Lady' at her funeral
a Queen may have power, but a 1st Lady doesn't
Her duty is to her husband and kids, that's what people are expecting from her.
First Lady is the unofficial title in a number of countries of the wife of an elected male head of government.[1] It originated in the United States in 1849, when United States President Zachary Taylor called Dolley Madison "First Lady" at her state funeral while reciting a eulogy written by himself.[2] Occasionally another woman, such as the President's daughter, will fill the duties of First Lady as hostess in the White House, if the President's wife is unwilling, unable, or if the President is a widower or bachelor. The current First Lady of the United States is Michelle Obama, wife of Barack Obama. In American English media the term First Lady is often applied to wives of Heads of Government of other countries, irrespective of whether or not there is such a role or whether that role is differently described.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Lady
I'm using this from wikipedia, only because I did other research to make sure it wasn't off ( and something still could be)
Exactly! She's not in a paid position. She represents "the image" of American women to a T, in her suits, her sleeveless gowns, and her shorts. We are versatile and, most of all, those of us who are working and raising children, as Michelle did for years (and probably still is working, behind the scenes) do not need or appreciate this level of scrutiny. Not many 45 year old American women would look better in a pair of shorts. Talk about a role model.
Speaking of scrutiny, have we forgotten what Princess Diana went through when she dared leave the gym in her workout shorts? Or the tongues that wagged when revealing pictures of Carla Bruni surfaced? Please, I'm sure that the first noblewoman who refused to bind her feet in ancient China sent tongues wagging too.
When this "issue" first came up I thought it was a joke. There are two wars, a recession, and extremely important legislation under consideration and what gets talked about is Michelle Obama's wardrobe and what it "represents."
When this "issue" first came up I thought it was a joke. There are two wars, a recession, and extremely important legislation under consideration and what gets talked about is Michelle Obama's wardrobe and what it "represents."
The issue gets talked about in this thread because it is the subject of this thread. If you consider it irrelevant and have better things to do, by all means do not waste your time in this thread.
I do not post in threads which are not of my interest to say the issue discussed there is irrelevant. That usually adds little to the debate.
Going back on topic: whether Michelle is fit for her age, or not, has nothing to do with her wearing properly, or not, in the face of standing to attention military officers in the custody of her and her family while touring in the Air Force One. What kind of argument is that? I guess, reductio ad absurdum, she could just walk around in public naked, as long as she is fit and slim?
Michelle Obama is no longer just a mom with kids. She better get used to it and step up to the challenge.
When this "issue" first came up I thought it was a joke. There are two wars, a recession, and extremely important legislation under consideration and what gets talked about is Michelle Obama's wardrobe and what it "represents."
The issue gets talked about in this thread because it is the subject of this thread. If you consider it irrelevant and have better things to do, by all means do not waste your time in this thread.
I do not post in threads which are not of my interest to say the issue discussed there is irrelevant. That usually adds little to the debate.
Going back on topic: whether Michelle is fit for her age, or not, has nothing to do with her wearing properly, or not, in the face of standing to attention military officers in the custody of her and her family while touring in the Air Force One. What kind of argument is that? I guess, reductio ad absurdum, she could just walk around in public naked, as long as she is fit and slim?
Michelle Obama is no longer just a mom with kids. She better get used to it and step up to the challenge.
Don't get offensive, She was not dealing with this thread or you, but the discussion in cyberspace about this topic,
This topic did not originate at the SofR.org
reread the original post, click on the link and read what others are saying at MSN
And I still don't think you get it, so far here your the only one who thinks she is out of place
time to make some changes and I think along with the majority of people throught cybersapce and real space, that she fits the role 2 a T
And I still don't think you get it, so far here your the only one who thinks she is out of place
time to make some changes and I think along with the majority of people throught cybersapce and real space, that she fits the role 2 a T
I might be the only one posting in this thread saying she could improve her style in that photo. That is not the same as saying I am alone in my thinking about that photo in the broather physical world.
If I were alone, this thread would not exist to begin with. The fact that it does exist, points to the fact that a significant enough group of people think as I do about this matter. Therefore, the case is not as obvious and clear cut as you make it to be.
I do not think Michelle should be subjected to any lower standard than previous Presidential wives.
And I still don't think you get it, so far here your the only one who thinks she is out of place
time to make some changes and I think along with the majority of people throught cybersapce and real space, that she fits the role 2 a T
I might be the only one posting in this thread saying she could improve her style in that photo. That is not the same as saying I am alone in my thinking about that photo in the broather physical world.
If I were alone, this thread would not exist to begin with. The fact that it does exist, points to the fact that a significant enough group of people think as I do about this matter. Therefore, the case is not as obvious and clear cut as you make it to be.
I do not think Michelle should be subjected to any lower standard than previous Presidential wives.
Let me say it again, click on the MSN link and read the MAJORITY of response that say the opposite of what you say
You have to take into account age as well, most '1st Ladies' were old
Let me say it again, click on the MSN link and read the MAJORITY of response that say the opposite of what you say
So what? I do not know what bias MSN may have, so I don't know what kind of information I could gather by the comments of its users. That is just annecdotal.
Let me say it again: no bulleting board in the Internet can be considered to be a mirror of the real physical life. In fact, forums and similar places in the Internet tend to be places were like minded people meet to reinforce themselves.
No matter how much you insist: when I look at that picture, I see something which needs to be improved. It's a question of style, so it's subjective. And that is my personal opinion. I don't know if I'm in the majority on this issue, but certainly my opinion about that photo is not a fringe one in real life (unless I live in a totally lalala land).
Many people seem to consider this some kind of anti-Obama opinion. It is not. In fact, I am an Obama fan (not hard, after having suffered through 8 years of the worst ever President in the history of USA), but that does not make everything around Obama automatically just fine and dandy.
The issue gets talked about in this thread because it is the subject of this thread. If you consider it irrelevant and have better things to do, by all means do not waste your time in this thread.
Calm down. As Ty helpfully pointed out, you missed the point of my comment entirely. A good indication of what I consider relevant or worth spending time on is what I choose to post about, but that doesn't mean that I think this manufactured issue is one that should dominate the discussion of the FLOTUS and what she has done to support the Obama administration.
The day that the world cares more about what women have to say than what they are wearing when they open their mouths will be a welcome one in my book.
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). We almost take these things for granted...
IMO, there hasn't been a woman as fine and elegantly dressed to the "T" as Michelle Obama in the White House since Jackie Kennedy.
She respresent American women very well IMO. Even the Queen of England had to give her her props.