Michelle Obama's 26 best looks

Many of Michelle Obama's best looks are likely etched on your mind because - in her role as first lady of the United States - she was at a moment in time one of the most photographed women in the world. After she first stepped into the spotlight alongside her husband, former US president Barack, we have seen her style confidence dramatically evolve.

Obama, a trained lawyer, showed off her intrinsically chic dress sense from the second her other half took office in 2009, when she frequently stepped out at important political events and on official overseas visits. She famously showed off her toned arms in sleeveless shift dresses and sweeping gowns, caused pearls - her go-to accessory - to enjoy somewhat of a renaissance, and revealed that she still has plenty of affordable items in her wardrobe.

Since leaving the White House in 2017, the mother-of-two has become the best-selling author of Becoming and The Light We Carry. During the tours for both books, released in 2018 and 2022 respectively, she has displayed a cooler, more daring approach to clothes - favouring tailoring and statement accessories.

In our recap of her most dazzling outfits, we chart how her personal style has transformed.