Michelle Obama: Fashion in the White House

The official portrait shows off Michelle's toned arms: we reckon she does boxercise classes Photograph: Joyce Boghosian/AFP/Getty Images

The Obamas on their way to the White House's East Room to watch Earth Wind and Fire perform. Michelle's spangly dress is very suitable indeed, although we were hoping for a catsuit and a bop down the red carpet to Boogie Wonderland Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Separately, we like the elements of this outfit: the biker boots would look great with jeans tucked in, the cut-off trousers would work well with a pair of ballet pumps or low heels, and the coat - with its petal-like lapels and wide sleeves - is just lovely. However, when it's all put together it just doesn't gel Photograph: Michael Reynolds/EPA

We love the cut of this boxy houndstooth jacket. Michelle means business Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

Michelle attends a performance for school children at the White House, which somewhat excuses this rather mumsy look Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Wow, what's not to love about Michelle's dress in this picture? The colour is amazing, the detail around the neck makes it look interesting and the cut is super-flattering. Lovely Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

There's just way too much layering going on in this outfit, and that collar is far too high and complicated Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP

The picture of emerald elegance, Michelle Obama hosts a Stevie Wonder tribute Photograph: Ron Sachs/EPA