As the Obamas kicked off a two-day visit of London this morning, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama met face-to-face with newlyweds Prince William and Kate Middleton (AKA the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge). Michelle tends to almost always look super polished and pulled together. But put her next to newlywed Kate Middleton, and well, hmm ... she's definitely got competition.
Not saying both women didn't look lovely -- there's just something about Princess Catherine that is off-the-charts magnetic. Maybe it's that post-honeymoon in Seychelles glow? Here, a style face-off to determine who truly looked best ...
The Outfits: Michelle wore a pale green, embroidered dress by Barbara Tfank paired with a cropped pink jacket, silver kitten heels, and a brooch. Meanwhile, the Duchess wore a Reiss geometric-cut bandage sheath called "Shola."
The Most Affordable Outfit: The Duchess's gorgeous dress retails for approximately $283 (or £175). Meanwhile, the FLotUS's Tfank frock is likely somewhere in the ballpark of $2,100+.
Winner: Hands down, the Duchess.
The Best Makeup: It seems that the Duchess was going for a very muted, nude effect, because when you've just come back from a 10-day tropical honeymoon, who needs bronzer? Maaaaaybe just a little lip gloss. On the other hand, the First Lady went for a glowy rosy lipstick that lit up her face when she smiled and amazing mascara that made her eyes pop.
Winner: The First Lady made the biggest impression in this category, definitely.
The Best Accessories: The ring! The ring! I'm sorry, but how on earth could Michelle compete with the famous sapphire bling on Catherine's finger? There's no way. Plus, that statement gold necklace and a black clutch from Anya Hindmarch‘s Bespoke Collection were just stunning.
Winner: The Duchess.
The Best Dress: The First Lady seemed to be channeling her inner Betty Draper. The Tfank was very chic and spring/daytime-appropriate, but I'm just more in love with the simple elegance of that beige sheath on the Duchess.
Winner: The Duchess.
The Best Shoes: Simple black pumps were the way to go with the dreamy Reiss dress, but I definitely dig Michelle's pop of metallic in those kitten heels.
Winner: The First Lady.
So, we've got Duchess: 3, First Lady: 2. Seems like Britain has won this fashion battle. But since the first couple will be across the pond for at least another 24 hours, the First Lady certainly will have a couple more opportunities to upstage the royal bride.
Who do you think won the best-dressed duel -- Kate or Michelle?
Image via WPA Pool/Getty
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Comments 30
I say the Duchess. As always, Obama tries to hard and spends too much money.
I have never understood why people talk so much about Michelle's style. I don't get it and don't think it is that great. So, no competition for me. :D
However, I do like the dress the First Lady is wearing (though it looks pale blue on my computer).
Apples and oranges....young and thin, vs mature and firm. Michelle is not a size 2. What looks good on the tiny Duchess wouldn't work on the First Lady. I think they both look fabulous, at home in their bodies and their clothes, and should not be compared.
Elle -- Two minds.....
I prefer Kate's style over Michelle's. Michelle's outfit is pretty, but it's way too shiny for my taste. Maybe one item with a little sheen to it would have worked, but everything is shiny. Too much.
Michelle Obama as a fashion icon is laughable.
I think both women wore what was best for them, the pp are right in that they are different ages, height, weight, etc. I think that Michelle has fabulous style and that she can mix high and low end pieces really well. Even though she is very fit she also has a woman's body and she dresses well for that. Kate is tiny and you could put her in anything and she'd look good, but she's done a great job of being classy yet young.