What Will Michelle Obama, Malia and Sasha Wear for Inauguration Day?

Forget speculation over the crowds and the speech on Inauguration Day - what enquiring minds REALLY wonder is what Michelle, Malia and Sasha Obama will be wearing!

In the past, Mrs. Obama has declined to use fashion advisors, relying instead on her own instincts.

But for this huge occasion, she and her daughters have no shortage of advice. At 5'11", Mrs. Obama presents a stately profile, and will be a young first lady at 44. As such, she is quickly becoming the most coveted model for designers everywhere.

Jenna Lyons is creative director of J. Crew, whose wares Michelle has been seen in. "I'd go with something simple, elegant, colorful -- something to play up her strong shoulders and beautiful skin," recommends Lyons.

Designer Anna Sui suggests an A-line, hourglass cocktail-length dress from her spring line. Its white background and graphic floral print in black and white "runs the gamut from trendy to conservative."

Many speculate that Mrs. Obama may turn to Maria Pinto, a Chicago designer whose wares she has often worn, to design the inaugural ball gown. Pinto likes using bright colors, which "flatters a woman". Obama chose Pinto creations for her first visit to the White House in November, and also for the Democratic National Convention.

There has been much discussion of what might constitute appropriate wear given the dismal state of the economy. The consensus seems to be that Mrs. Obama should look dignified and appropriate, but not over-the-top either visually or cost-wise. "I think people would understand four figures, but not five," says Valerie Steele, director of The Museum at NVC's Fashion Institute of Technology.

Whoever designs the ball gown will garner immediate fame, as the dress will be permanently stored in the Smithsonian's First Ladies Collection.

And for the girls? It's been awhile since younger children have been featured at an inauguration, and the eyes of the world will surely be watching them.

Best & Company has been outfitting well-to-do children for years. Catherine Moellering, president, says she would choose classic styles for the girls which will coordinate with Michelle's outfit. For Malia, Moellering recommends separates as they're a bit more chic and sophisticated than a dress. And for Sasha, she suggests a dress with a high twirl factor. "She's going to capture everyone's heart" Moellering predicts. For both girls, she sees jewel-tone blues capturing the moment.

Lucy Sykes envisions the girls in classic white blouses and navy velvet (a skirt for Malia and a jumper for Sasha). "Cohesive ... but not too matchy-matchy," she says.

Sources:

1. ElPasoTimes.com

2. US magazine, Michelle's Gown Countdown