There are so many things to say about the inauguration and our new president and first family, but this article is just going to focus on the fashion aspect of the inauguration. We got an early glimpse of Michelle Obama’s outfit this morning, as she attended church services with her husband in Washington. She wore a textured yellow-gold shift dress and long, matching jacket. The dress, I believe, had a built-in jeweled neckpiece, and when the sun hit the dress and jacket, the fabric gave off a sparkle that made me think there was some beading. While on the podium, Michelle donned lime green gloves that looked snazzier than it sounds. Life & Style had details on the Isabel Toledo dress and coat.

A friend of Isabel Toledo, who designed the yellow dress that incoming First Lady Michelle Obama wore on Inauguration Day, tells Life & Style that Michelle’s choice is a reflection of her great sense of style. “I wasn’t surprised at all that she [Michelle] chose Isabel Toledo,” Patricia Mears, deputy director of the Museum at NYC’s Fashion Institute of Technology, tells Life & Style. “Mrs. Obama is an unusual woman with great fashion instincts and innate style. And she has always supported lesser-known designers like Thakoon, Narciso Rodriguez and Isabel Toledo,” adds Mears, who has been friends with Toledo for 15 years.

“Isabel was very cognizant of two things when she designed this outfit. She knew all eyes would be on Michelle. And she knew that it would be very cold out. So she designed something that was very sophisticated and very warm. The upper part of the coat and the back of the sleeve are all lined with a pashmina lining for extra warmth around the torso. The fabric and color are also very sophisticated. There’s an intricate layering of lace laid over wool. And Isabel calls the color lemongrass, which I think is so elegant. I saw the original pattern a few weeks ago. At that time even Isabel didn’t know if Mrs. Obama would wear this design. Unlike other first ladies, Mrs. Obama didn’t choose a suit. She chose a sheath, something that skims the body. Isabel Toledo is considered the ultimate designer for designers. She calls herself a dressmaker, not a designer. She really looks at the artisanal craftsmanship of every single garment.”

“When Mrs. Obama wore Isabel’s jersey tunic and pants to a fundraiser in New York City, she didn’t work with Isabel. So Isabel was completely surprised. Isabel was really hoping that she’d wear something of hers for the inauguration. But she wanted to make sure it was a day outfit. Isabel is really down to earth, and she wanted this outfit to be something American women could actually wear. Isabel’s design shows Mrs. Obama truly wants to create a balance of the new and innovative with things that are classic and traditional. And that’s the ideal for every first lady. To have someone supporting this unique voice will really give American fashion a boost.”

[From Life & Style]

The Obama daughters weren’t seen until they arrived at the inaugural podium. J. Crew announced ahead of time that both girls would be wearing specially-designed J. Crew coats. Malia, the older daughter, looked absolutely beautiful in a bright blue-purple coat with a satin belt at the waist. Sasha wore a lovely pink coat with a complimenting pale orange scarf. Both girls wore their hair down and looked angelic.

Most of the guest were wearing drab and dark colors, but there were a few pops of brightness. Both Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi opted for shades of lavender, with Pelosi going for a beautiful violet, and Hillary going for a more “royal” purple. Jill Biden went with a striking red coat. Laura Bush looked a little boring in a double-breasted dove-gray suit and matching coat. Mary Robinson, Michelle’s mother, pulled on a bright red knit cap and scarf on the podium, and Craig Robinson (Michelle’s brother) looked like an average guy out walking his dog, just wearing a simple coat and striped scarf.

I can’t wait to see what everybody’s going to wear for the inaugural balls - that will be when we see all of the better fashions. But for now, I have to admit, even though I’m not that crazy about Michelle’s outfit, she was probably the best dressed woman there.

Here are the Inauguration fashions. Images thanks to Newscom.