Image via Complex Original
Everyone always talks about Michelle Obama as the most stylish person in the White House—and for good reason—but her husband's style is equally worth studying. From his sharp suits to his fuddy-duddy dad style, Barack Obama's clothes have been making headlines as much as his policies. While he hasn't reached the presidential style icon status of someone like say, John F. Kennedy, it's evident that when he has to, he knows how to look good.
That's why we're paying homage to him and his sartorial tendencies today. We took a look at his penchant for micro-patterned ties, and while we wish he wouldn't wear mandals, we have to admit he certainly knows how to look good in a suit. Let's get presidential. Here's our Year In Style: Barack Obama.
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Where: Columbus, Ohio Rally
When: 11/5/2012
Complex says: Between Hov and Bruce Springsteen, Obama hangs with the two musical icons in a laid-back, but still dressed-up look. The collar on his unbuttoned shirt remains crisp despite the absence of a tie.
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Where: Twitter
When: 11/6/2012
Complex says: Channeling Kanye West, Obama's patriotic shutter shades inspire kids to get out the vote.
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Where: McCormick Place
When: 11/6/2012
Complex says: President-elect Barack Obama ushering in his re-election in style: with a blue microdot tie.
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Where: Twitter
When: 11/7/2012
Complex says: The most tweeted photo of all time. Sleeves rolled up, Obama's work is clearly just beginning.
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Where: The Oval Office
When: 12/6/2012
Complex says: Obama's new official portrait, with patterned tie and visible wristwach showing he knows what he's doing. That smile? The icing on the cake.
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Where: Andrews Air Force Base
When: 12/22/2012
Complex says: Obama prepares to spend Christmas in Hawaii, outfitted in an appropriately awesome leather bomber jacket.
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Where: Hickham Air Force Base, Honolulu, Hawaii
When: 1/2/2013
Complex says: Obama returns to Hawaii shortly after returning to D.C. to resolve that whole "fiscal cliff" thing. The brown shoes, khaki pants, and navy blazer channel classic prep style at its finest. This right here is a refined man at ease.
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Where: Island Snow, Kailua, Hawaii
When: 1/3/2013
Complex says: We can't endorse the mandals or the baggy jeans, but the navy polo is all right. Obama gets a pass because he's on vacation. We've got no doubt he'll return to his normal style sensibilities soon enough.
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Where: The White House Lawn
When: 1/5/2013
Complex says: Fresh off the chopper, Obama and Malia head to the White House. Like a Drake song, he's heading back to work but still smells like a vacation—just look at his lack of a tie. It's business casual at its most presidential.
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Where: The East Room, The White House
When: 1/10/13
Complex says: Obama announces Jack Lew as the nominee to replace Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Appropriately, he's wearing a banker's stripe tie.
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Where: The East Room, The White House
When: 1/11/2013
Complex says: Obama stands tall in a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who is obviously a strong supporter of the #menswear shawl movement. Obama isn't too shabby either in a dark suit with trousers that have just enough break to not get him called out as a secret #menswear nerd.
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Where: The East Room, The White House
When: 1/14/2013
Complex says: Obama conducts the final press conference of his first term in a micro-patterned tie and patrotic lapel pin.
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Where: Burrville Elementary School, Washington, D.C.
When: 1/19/2013
Complex says: On the National Day of Service, Obama dresses down to khakis and a simple shirt in order to volunteer. Dad style at its best.
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Where: Inaugural Parade
When: 1/21/2013
Complex says: Obama keeps warm in a long topcoat during his inauguration.
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Where: Inaugural Ball, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
When: 1/21/2013
Complex says: JT isn't the only one on his suit and tie shit. Obama's tux game is on point too.
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Where: The East Room, The White House
When: 1/28/2013
Complex says: Obama welcomes D-Wade, LeBron, and The Miami Heat to The White House. He also gets to add a custom jersey to his wardrobe. Although he's surrounded by sartorial all-stars, it's Obama who's on the ball.
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Where: State of the Union Address, The Capitol
When: 2/12/2013
Complex says: Unclear if Obama's fingers are referring to minimizing spending in the new fiscal year, or the importance of flashing a bit of shirt cuff under a suit. Probably the latter.
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Where: The Oval Office
When: 2/14/2013
Complex says: How do you stand sartorial toe-to-toe with Italian President President Giorgio Napolitano, who shows up in a double-breasted suit and chukka boots? Wear a power tie and slightly higher-cuffed pants. Peep Obama's sprezzatura.
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Where: Palm Beach International Airport
When: 2/15/2013
Complex says: In Florida for vacation, a tieless Obama is ready for some R&R.