LONG COATS
Whether in an airy neutral tone or bursting with color, a clean-lined coat that comes to the knee makes a tasteful statement. Combine it with a matching dress or skirt (like the Narciso Rodriguez ensemble Mrs. Obama wore at the "We Are One" inaugural concert) for pulled-together polish.
Left: Wool, Juicy Couture, $398; revolveclothing.com
BOLD CARDIGANS
The new business chic swaps restrained suit jackets for spirited sweaters. Crewneck or V-neck, worn open or closed, solid or patterned—these lively knits look both approachable and office-appropriate. Plus, they're comfortable! Mrs. Obama wore a Junya Watanabe cardigan to the Office of Personnel Management.
Right: Cashmere, J. Crew, $178; jcrew.com.
WHITE SHIRTS
Feminine ruffles set these layering pieces apart from run-of-the-mill button-fronts. Case in point: the bow-bedecked Moschino blouse Mrs. Obama wore in Prague.
Left: Cotton, Talbots, $79; talbots.com.
BRIGHT SHEATHS
There's something inherently optimistic about a vibrant dress, especially when it's in a solid hue—and this classic, body-skimming shape is a figure flatterer. Anyone can pull off these juicy tones, as long as they're worn with confidence. Think of Mrs. O in her vivid yellow Jason Wu dress and vintage brooch.
Right: Silk crepe, Nicole Miller, $485; nicolemiller.com.
TEXTURED SKIRTS
The silhouette may be simple, but the fabrics are quite the opposite: rich brocades, nubby tweeds and dazzling metallics. Instead of offsetting the skirt's sumptuousness, play it up (a la the First Lady's J. Crew outfit on Leno) with a bright belt or embellished sweater.
Right: Cotton-polyester, the Limited, $70; thelimited.com
STRATEGIC ACCESSORIES
Pearl chokers are the jeans of the jewelry world—they go with absolutely everything. (See: Mrs. Obama meeting the Queen in a strand!) Wide belts give definition to boxy jackets and unstructured cardigans. A cluster of oversize brooches adds oomph to classic blazers. And a pair of low heels in snakeskin or metallic leather are in step with any occasion.
Left: Faux pearl necklace with silver clasp, Kenneth Jay Lane, $100; 646-912-8371.
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