Shorts in the Grand Canyon...who would have thought??

Ever since Jackie Onassis Kennedy stepped into the public’s view in the 60’s, more people have paid attention to what the First Lady wears.  Not since Mrs. Kennedy has the public cared so much as they do with First Lady Michelle Obama.

 There has been a lot of “controversy” surrounding Mrs. Obama’s outfit she wore to the Grand Canyon recently.  She walked out of Air Force One wearing blue-grey walking shorts that came down to mid-thigh.  While some people thought that this displayed that she is a normal person, some critics have said that the shorts showed too much skin.  Some even went so far as to call them “Daisy Dukes.” 

 This is absolutely ridiculous.  What else are vacationers in the Grand Canyon in the middle of the hottest month of the year supposed to wear?  It would be one thing if she was in the White House wearing this to a function, but she is on vacation.  Isn’t a vacation supposed to be where you relax a little bit and wear comfortable clothes?  It seems to me that this entire controversy is non-existent and has been created by the media.  There are much more important things going in the world to waste time reporting on shorts in the Grand Canyon – even if it is the First Lady who is wearing them.

 This type of criticism is not new to the First Lady though.  Throughout the primary season and then while campaigning for the general election, everyone applauded her choices of outfits.  Many fashion insiders claimed that she was the most fashionable politician’s wife since Jackie O.  She was known for her bold, jewel-tone colors and being able to be sexy while still remaining conservative in dress. 

 Perhaps this is why so many pundits were disappointed by her choice of outfit for the inauguration.  For the ball, she wore a dress designed by Jason Wu.  It was a one-shouldered dress with a full skirt.  The shape of the dress was very "in fashion" and has since been seen all over red carpets.  The big surprise though, was the color.  Instead of her typical jewel-tones, the dress was a striking neutral color.

 I personally think the dress was great.  It was classy and simple and fit her extremely well.  I think that news pundits should stick with real news and leave the fashion reporting to fashion magazines and journals.  

Michelle Obama's Shorts

Michelle Obama's Inauguration Gown