Michelle Obama Reveals Why She’s ‘More Vibrant Than Ever’ in Her 60s, Spills Untold Secrets from Her First Lady Years

It could have been a flashback to her Let’s Move! campaign days — Michelle Obama, fingers snapping and hips swaying to the music. But this time, she’s not surrounded by cameras or schoolchildren. Instead, at a photo shoot near Washington, D.C., the former first lady — now simply “Michelle” — moves freely to her own rhythm, dressed in a colorful Jason Wu top and vibing to GloRilla, Beyoncé, and Cardi B.

“Fundamentally, I’m the same person,” she says in a new interview. “But with each decade, I’ve grown wiser. I’ve become more confident about who I am. This version of Michelle probably cares less about what other people think.”

That evolution — from lawyer to first lady to bestselling author and podcaster — is the focus of her upcoming coffee table book The Look (out Nov. 4). Written with her longtime stylist Meredith Koop, it chronicles how she navigated the public eye through fashion, balancing celebration with scrutiny. “I purposefully did not talk about fashion and beauty during the eight years in the White House,” Michelle explains. “I was afraid it would take over everything.”

Now, at 61, with Barack, 64, and their daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, living independent lives, Michelle says, “It was time to talk about that journey.”

Finding Her Style and Strength

Michelle traces her earliest sense of beauty and style to Soul Train. “As a little girl, I’d marvel at the moves, the color, the style, the flair. I thought, ‘That’s what cool is.’”

Growing up tall — 5’11” — she credits her father, Fraser Robinson, for helping her embrace confidence. “He was very clear: ‘You do not slouch. You are tall, you are beautiful.’ I think it started there,” she says. “Every day, I remind myself that I’m smart and kind and worthy. That work never stops for women, especially women of color.”

From Power Suits to Public Symbol

Back when she met Barack at a law firm, Michelle’s wardrobe reflected the era: “Some kind of ’80s power suit, a shouldered jacket, pantyhose I hated. I don’t know what he saw!” she laughs.

Her fashion choices became more strategic when she entered the White House. “The role of first lady is a kind of job, non-job. You’re supposed to be inspirational yet accessible,” she says. “As a Black woman, I wanted to make sure people could see my feminine side, especially when early attacks tried to define me otherwise. I took the role seriously — the clothes could never speak louder than what I had to say.”

Even so, her influence was undeniable. Outfits sold out in minutes. “I didn’t pay attention to it,” she says. “But in hindsight, I liked that people connected with what I wore — that it was accessible. I wanted everyone, of every background, to feel they could relate.”

Handling Criticism and Embracing Freedom

When controversy arose over her sleeveless dresses, she brushed it off. “Pure hypocrisy,” she says. “Jackie O wore sleeveless dresses as first lady. It was politics — if you can’t beat them, make everyone scared of them.”

And yes, she still laughs about Barack’s infamous tan suit: “I loved that suit! When I saw it, I said, ‘You look so cute.’ Later I was like, ‘Welcome to my world.’”

Style, Love, and the Everyday Moments

Michelle fondly recalls treating state dinners as “date nights.” “You’re getting dolled up for your man,” she says. “It was like a wedding every time. We’d look at each other and go, ‘You’re cute.’ Then walk into the cameras like, ‘Stay in this moment.’”

These days, date nights are simpler. “We’ve been married 32, 33 years — I always forget,” she laughs. “Now, it’s dinner at home with candles and music. We work from home, so when it’s a special night, we save things to talk about over dinner.”

Guiding Her Daughters — and Herself

When raising Malia and Sasha in the White House, Michelle set clear boundaries. “You work with Meredith [Koop] for public events,” she told them. “When you’re with us, you’re on the job.” But she also gave them space to express themselves. “Barack would say, ‘Those shorts seem short.’ I’d say, ‘Don’t say anything. Let them cook.’”

Now, she’s embracing her own freedom through style — especially with her braided hair. “Braids mean freedom. When I’m not in the public eye, I’m swimming, playing tennis. In the White House, I wasn’t sure the country was ready for it,” she says. “At our portrait unveiling, I wanted to send a message that this too is an appropriate, beautiful way to wear your hair.”

Living Fully in Her 60s

Michelle laughs about her gray hairs — “I color them!” — and credits her mom, Marian Robinson, for the habit. “Black don’t crack,” she says with a grin, “but health has always been paramount — what I eat, workouts, regular checkups.”

Today, she feels free and fulfilled. “My kids are grown, my husband’s doing fine, and for the first time, every decision I make is for me. When I write this book or sit for an interview, these are my choices. That is freeing.”