Michelle Obama's Favorite Designers

The First Lady-elect is tall, elegant and slim to carry off just about any look (although we've already noted how we cringed at her Election Night choice -- it was Narcisco Rodriguez).

But Michelle Obama, like the rest of us, has favorite designers who she can confidently turn to for special occasions. These include Chicago designer Maria Pinto, Isabel Toledo (the black outfit above), Narcisco Rodriguez, Moschino, and Thakoon Panichgul (the dress above).

She's fond of bright colors (she's got the perfect coloring), as well as lively floral patterns. For solids, she's been most often seen in red and variants of the shade, but also has been seen in a purple/pinky color, as well as turquoise.

Obama has said she love to shop on line (for the convenience, and perhaps now, the privacy), and is often seen, for her more casual attire, in J.Crew and Gap.

Both Obama and her husband do share a mutual style that edges towards the preppy. But that's not say she chooses safe. She wore a Rodriguez suit in grey and white that featured large horizontal stripes, her Moschino purple floral print was a kicky 1950's retro design. Her Thakoon sheaths feature more detailed, smaller floral prints.

There'll be much speculation for the next few weeks on what she'll wear on the inauguration, but given that the ceremony is outside and it is, afterall, January in D.C., her choice of coat and/or hat and other accessories (she definitely knows how to accessorize) will be key. She'd look great in a nicely cut red wool coat. We'll pull some ideas and post them soon, although she'll no doubt be wearing a custom ensemble.