Obama family fashion: Color-coordinated for all their big events

The president’s first term made a style superstar out of Michelle Obama, but have you noticed? The entire first family has a way of turning out in the same palette almost every time they’re photographed. It’s a subtle color-coordination that manages not to look too matchy-matchy.

The Obama familycelebrates his re-election Tuesday in Chicago. See how the president’s tie perfectly matches Malia’s skirt? The latest example: Tuesday night, when the Obamas came on stage in stylish outfits that complemented without overtly duplicating each other. This time it was jewel tones: The first lady in a wine sheath dress by Michael Kors (she’s worn it twice before) and short black sweater; Malia in a black top, bright blue skirt, pink belt and ballet flats; Sasha in a charcoal bow blouse, taupe sweater, green skirt and green-and-black flats. The president’s tie matched the color of Malia’s skirt.

The first impression? Nice-looking family! It’s only when you study the clothing that you realize how together they all look.

“I call this style ‘comfortably confident,’” said Lauren Rothman, a fashion consultant based in D.C. “It’s not about a particular piece of clothing, it’s about the overall look. A true style statement comes from great presence.”

The future first family at the 2008 convention in Denver. (Ron Edmonds/AP) On Election Night 2008, the Obamas rocked red and black: Michelle wore a red and black Narciso Rodriguez dress and black sweater, Malia a red dress and black tights, Sasha a black dress, and the president a black suit and red tie.

Pay attention and you’ll see they do this all the time: The 2011 portrait with the family in blues, violets and black — the president’s plum tie picks up the purple in Sasha’s dress. The 2008 convention appearance with Michelle and the girls in teals and lilac. A Fourth of July with everyone in (of course) red, white and blue; a vacation shot with a palette of white, blue and navy.

Happy coincidence? Doubtful. The first lady has used a stylist, Meredith Koop , to fine-tune her closely chronicled look; presumably the family has taken pointers when they’re likely to be photographed.

“Studying how this family dresses and knowing how girls have their own thoughts about what they wear, I don’t think they’re assigned a uniform but given options,” said Rothman. Her guess? After the first lady and daughters select their outfits, the president probably gets his assignment. “The tie is the easiest thing to match at the last minute,” she said.

The White House didn’t release any information about Tuesday night’s looks (so no, we can’t tell you where to buy Sasha’s skirt) but did confirm the designer of the first lady’s dress.