Election Night Style: Michelle Obama Vs. Ann Romney

Late Tuesday night President Barack Obama was re-elected to a second term in the White House, beating out former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney by securing the swing state of Ohio. Both men had their beautiful wives on hand for support, and -- forgive us for being a little shallow -- we were dying to see what each woman was wearing.

In four quick years, First Lady Michelle Obama has become one of the most influential women in fashion, catapulting small name designers like Rachel Roy, Jason Wu, Thakoon, and Prabal Gurung to fame, and putting mall brands like J.Crew and the Gap back on the map. President Barack Obama took the stage with his family and was greeted by thunderous applause from his supporters as he signed on for four more years as commander-in-chief.

The first lady always keeps us guessing when it comes to clothes, but one quick glimpse at her outfit and we knew exactly what she was wearing: A red brocade Michael Kors shift dress she's worn publically at least twice before--once to a 2009 holiday event at the White House, and again at a November 2010 Medal of Honor Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Just as she did in 2010, Obama paired the high-neck, knee-length frock with a cropped, three-quarter-sleeve cardigan and a large, purple jeweled brooch. She accessorized with very pointy black kitten heels and a dark-colored manicure.

Shopping her closet for this monumentous occasion was a calculated move that we -- and probably many women -- could appreciate. Obama has expressed her love for affordable shops like Target, and while we're sure this Michael Kors dress didn't come cheap, the first lady is getting her money's worth by wearing it again and again. Michael Kors, whose company went public nearly a year ago, is one of the most celebrated and successful American designers, something that also may have encouraged the first lady to wear his design.


But the first lady did not shine alone. Her proud daughters were dressed in colorful, age-appropriate, girly outfits. Malia Obama, 14, wore a black, fitted scoopneck top paired with a shiny, pleated, blue silk skirt, black flats, and a playful, hot-pink belt. Sasha, 11, wore a green-and-black abstract printed skirt, a black blouse with a sweet bow, and a grey cardigan. Her finishing touches: a layered beaded necklace and green-and-black cap-toe flats.

Looking across party lines, the would-be first lady Ann Romney has also wore many noteworthy ensembles while on the campaign trail. Though her $990 Reed Krakoff bird blouse was critically panned, we've admired Romney's desire to take fashion risks and her many stunning outfits, like the green ombre Oscar de la Renta dress she wore to the last presidential debate in October. After Mitt Romney gave his concession speech to supporters in Boston, Massachusetts, Ann took his hand wearing a bright red bateau-neck sheath dress with three-quarter-length sleeves. She accessorized with black patent pumps, her gold watch, the clear beaded necklace she wore at the last debate, dark nail polish, red glossy lips, and a bouffant updo. Red is the official color of the Republican party, and a color that Romney has favored throughout the previous months, including the memorable silk taffeta de la Renta dress she wore to the Republican National Convention.

Only one man was elected into presidentail office in 2013, but all ladies were style winners on election night.