Behind the Scenes of Michelle Obama’s Iconic Looks

By Kat La Mantia | June 5 2025 | AdultsGeneralAllGiftPop CultureBlog

Beautifully illustrated with more than 200 photographs, including never-before-seen images, The Look is a stunning journey through Michelle Obama’s style evolution, in her own words for the first time–on sale November 4, 2025.

In this celebration of style, from the moment she entered the public eye during her husband’s U.S. Senate campaign through her time as the first Black First Lady and today as one of this country’s most influential figures, Michelle Obama shares how she uses the beauty and intrigue of fashion to draw attention to her message.

Featuring the voices of Meredith Koop, Obama’s trusted stylist, as well as her makeup artist Carl Ray, hairstylists Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway, and many of the designers who have dressed Obama for notable events, The Look brings readers behind the scenes not only to reveal how her most memorable looks came together but also to tell a powerful story about how we present ourselves.

Obama’s intimate and candid stories illuminate how her approach to dressing has evolved throughout her life—from the colorful sheath dresses, cardigans, and brooches she wore during her time as First Lady to the bold suits, denim, and braids of her post-White House life and all the active looks and beautiful gowns in between.

In The Look, Michelle Obama explores the joy and the purpose of fashion and beauty and how—when wielded with grace and care—they can uplift and affirm the values one holds most dear. Confidence, she concludes, cannot be put on. But when you’re wearing something that’s intentional or beloved, clothing can make you feel like the best version of yourself.


Michelle Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Mrs. Obama started her career as an attorney at the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin, where she met her future husband, Barack Obama. She later worked in the Chicago mayor’s office, at the University of Chicago, and at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Mrs. Obama also founded the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an organization that prepares young people for careers in public service. She is the author of the #1 bestsellers The Light We Carry, Becoming, and American Grown. The Obamas currently live in Washington, D.C., and have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

9780593800706
Beautifully illustrated with more than 200 photographs, including never-before-seen images, The Look is a stunning journey through Michelle Obama’s style evolution, in her own words for the first time.
$50.00 US
Nov 04, 2025
9 x 10-7/8
Hardcover
304 Pages
Crown

Overcoming in Uncertain Times
9780593237489
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - In an inspiring follow-up to her critically acclaimed, #1 bestselling memoir Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares her most valuable practices to help us better navigate change and remain steady in a turbulent world.
$19.99 US
Apr 16, 2024
5-1/2 x 8-1/4
Paperback
336 Pages
Crown

A Workbook
9780593237496
A stunningly designed workbook based on Michelle Obama’s #1 New York Times bestseller The Light We Carry, featuring practical tools for navigating life’s challenges and fortifying oneself in the face of uncertainty, obstacles, and self-doubt.
$19.99 US
Dec 03, 2024
6 x 8-1/4
Hardcover
208 Pages
Clarkson Potter

9781524763145
The iconic memoir by the former First Lady of the United States—now in trade paperback featuring a new introduction by Michelle Obama, a letter from the author to her younger self, and a book club guide with 20 discussion questions and a 5-question Q&A. #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • MORE THAN 15 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE • OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • NAACP IMAGE AWARD WINNER
$18.99 US
Mar 02, 2021
5-1/2 x 8-1/4
Paperback
464 Pages
Crown

9780593303740
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Michelle Obama’s worldwide bestselling memoir, Becoming, is now adapted for young readers.
$18.99 US
Mar 02, 2021
6-1/8 x 9-1/8
Hardcover
432 Pages
Delacorte Press
Age 10 and up

9780593139127
What's your journey of becoming? Based on Michelle Obama's bestselling memoir, this gorgeous journal features an intimate and inspiring introduction by the former First Lady and more than 150 inspiring questions and quotes to help you discover--and rediscover--your story.
$19.99 US
Nov 19, 2019
5-11/16 x 8-1/4
Hardcover
208 Pages
Clarkson Potter

The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America
9780307956026
Through telling the story of the White House Kitchen Garden, First Lady Michelle Obama explores how increased access to healthy, affordable food can promote better eating habits and improve health for families and communities across America.
$30.00 US
May 29, 2012
8-1/2 x 9-1/8
Hardcover
272 Pages
Crown