Fashion Politics of Mrs. Obama during Presidential Campaign

Dress and appearance are said to be related to power which results in in.f1uencing others. Fashion and appearance style of the first African American First Lady, Michelle Obama during the presidential campaign and the inaugural period were examined. It was analyzed how Mrs. Obama has used her appearance styling to give influence on the American people. Content analysis was applied to understand the meaning of her style. Cultural meaning of her appearance styling during presidential campaign was explained in terms of class ambivalence, racial tension, and gender ambivalence. Strategic negotiation among different classes, gender, and racial groups was shown in her styling and proven to be powerful.