A Look Back at President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments

Before Barry passes the torch to Donnie.

Fashion 
10,984 Hypes 0 Comments

You are reading your free article for this month.
Members-only

Tonight, President Barack Obama returned to his adopted hometown of Chicago to give his presidential farewell speech after serving two terms in office. During that time, The POTUS has definitely impressed those around the world with his smooth sense of style and personable demeanour. From his exploding fist bumps, shopping at the Gap, and his help in the rise of the Dad jeans, President Barack Obama has managed to make it through his two presidential terms without being too scrutinized for his fashion sense — though a popular meme did hit the web about him and his ever-popular Dad jeans. But it’s safe to say that Obama has earned the right to be called one of the best-dressed, if not the swaggiest president to have ever existed thus far. Even back in the day, Obama had some serious style with his film noir roll necks.

Having a great sense of style has no doubt added to Obama’s popularity, especially since politicians are not usually known for their dress sense, which makes Barack’s genuine care about his appearance so refreshing. So before he is officially out of the office — and Trump begins his reign over America — we’ve decided to take a look back at some of Barry’s best fashion moments.

The Dad Jeans

President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments POTUS Barry Michelle Obama FLOTUS Suits Normcore Dad Jeans Tan Suits Sunglasses athleisure
Obama has shown a knack for looking good on the baseball field. From his first pitch back in 2005 for the Chicago White Soxs to 2009’s MLB All-Star game, the president looks good in everything from slim and dark washes to spacious and light. “The truth is, generally I look very sharp in jeans,” Obama has stated.

Black Tie Affairs

President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments POTUS Barry Michelle Obama FLOTUS Suits Normcore Dad Jeans Tan Suits Sunglasses athleisure
One thing is for sure, the man knows how to do black tie right. During his UK state visit in 2011, Obama was dressed to impress in a dapper tailcoat, joining the Queen and other royalty at the Buckingham Palace for an honorary banquet. Also staying away from a big fashion faux pas, he never wears a ready-tied bow tie.

Cowboy Hats

President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments POTUS Barry Michelle Obama FLOTUS Suits Normcore Dad Jeans Tan Suits Sunglasses athleisure
Not many people can pull off a cowboy hat, let alone a president… well maybe Bush had it going on too, but somehow, Obama effortlessly manages to make them look cool. During a visit to Dallas earlier on in the year, the current president himself was able to cause quite a stir when he borrowed a cowboy hat from a local supporter. Well the rest is history as the photo quickly became an Internet phenomenon, showing up almost everywhere.

That “Canadian Tuxedo” Outfit

President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments POTUS Barry Michelle Obama FLOTUS Suits Normcore Dad Jeans Tan Suits Sunglasses athleisure
His casual cool, not quite off-duty look is something to take note after. Pairing together dark jeans with a lighter wash button up shirt, Obama effortlessly crafts the perfect modern day take on the denim-on-denim look. Canadians everywhere applaud.

Dadcore Look Meets Athleisure

President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments POTUS Barry Michelle Obama FLOTUS Suits Normcore Dad Jeans Tan Suits Sunglasses athleisure
During his time in office, Obama became what we now know as a normcore practitioner. With his somewhat satirical choices, the president made wearing normal clothes look cool again. From his previously mentioned Dad jeans, to Nike sweats and backwards caps, he mastered a look that say’s “I’m busy” but remained true to who he is. Mixing the best of casualwear with part athleisure, the leader of the free world is killing that Dadcore look.

Vacation Look

President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments POTUS Barry Michelle Obama FLOTUS Suits Normcore Dad Jeans Tan Suits Sunglasses athleisure
Continuing with the original normcore look, the leader of the free world takes it one step further by introducing a relaxed pair of shorts, a breezy tee and a pair of comfy flip-flops. Obama’s vacation look makes it so easy to want to hang out with the guy and have a couple of beers.

Military Might

President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments POTUS Barry Michelle Obama FLOTUS Suits Normcore Dad Jeans Tan Suits Sunglasses athleisure
Back in 2011, President Obama and the First Lady ended Veterans Day aboard the USS Carl Vinson where they watched the University of North Carolina men’s basketball team defeat Michigan State University in the first ever Carrier Classic. Flexing his military might, Obama made his appearance wearing a stylish brown bomber jacket and a pair of light-colored khaki pants. It’s safe to say, Mr. President looked completely badda**.

The Alternative Suit

President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments POTUS Barry Michelle Obama FLOTUS Suits Normcore Dad Jeans Tan Suits Sunglasses athleisure
We all know that Obama knows how to wear a suit and wear it well. With his arsenal of two-buttoned lapels, it comes as no surprise that the man in navy would throw off his fashion critics with a surprising color: Tan. It’s good to see a man – and leader – who isn’t afraid to rock the boat occasionally, so when Obama wore that tan suit back in 2014 – though he was criticized about it on Twitter – he definitely put in his bid to becoming the first US president to successfully don a summer suit.

Carefree Crewnecks

President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments POTUS Barry Michelle Obama FLOTUS Suits Normcore Dad Jeans Tan Suits Sunglasses athleisure
Halloween of 2016 saw the Commander in Chief clad in a comfy, Halloween-appropriate grey-shirt-black-dad-sweater combo. His “off-duty” on-duty look was the perfect mix of respected leader and friendly neighborhood resident. Oh, and in case you forgot, both the POTUS and the FLOTUS surprised guests with a dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” #relationshipgoals

Strong Shade Game

President Barack Obama's Most Stylish Moments POTUS Barry Michelle Obama FLOTUS Suits Normcore Dad Jeans Tan Suits Sunglasses athleisure
JFK was famous for his Wayfarer Ray-Bans and Obama became famous for his Matrix-style sunglasses… that is until he decided to step-up his shade game with a pair of designer frames by Oliver Peoples. Remaining stylish without being too trendy, these are the type of sunglasses that pretty much made Obama’s accessory game.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Barack Obama Lists His Favorite Films of 2023
Entertainment

Barack Obama Lists His Favorite Films of 2023

Leading the pack with Higher Ground Productions films like ‘Rustin,’ ‘Leave the World Behind’ and ‘American Symphony.’

Dave, Central Cee and Victoria Monét Make It Onto Barack Obama's 2023 Playlist
Music

Dave, Central Cee and Victoria Monét Make It Onto Barack Obama's 2023 Playlist

With other appearances from Megan Thee Stallion and Mitski.

Looking Back at the Biggest Fashion Moments of 2023
Fashion 

Looking Back at the Biggest Fashion Moments of 2023

From Beyoncé’s ‘RENAISSANCE’ world tour to Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton debut, this year was filled with big moments for fashion’s history books.


London's New June Fashion Week Concept Looks to "Ignite a Cultural Moment"
Fashion

London's New June Fashion Week Concept Looks to "Ignite a Cultural Moment"

With runway shows, fashion exhibitions, cultural programming, panel discussions and more menswear-focused activations across three days.

KENZO Releases Its Latest Original Short Film, 'Club Ark Eternal'
Fashion

KENZO Releases Its Latest Original Short Film, 'Club Ark Eternal'

Paying homage to nightlife and progressive communities.

Anderson .Paak’s Band, The Free Nationals, To Drop Album in 2017
Music

Anderson .Paak’s Band, The Free Nationals, To Drop Album in 2017

This one’s for you, music lovers.

BJ The Chicago Kid Sings The National Anthem At President Barack Obama’s Farewell
Music

BJ The Chicago Kid Sings The National Anthem At President Barack Obama’s Farewell

Goodbye Mr. President.

The Shoe Surgeon Gives the Black Sheep Skate Shop Nike SB the Custom Treatment
Footwear

The Shoe Surgeon Gives the Black Sheep Skate Shop Nike SB the Custom Treatment

Featuring Gucci print and real sheepskin.

adidas Skateboarding Launches "Nautical" Collection
Fashion

adidas Skateboarding Launches "Nautical" Collection

Featuring a range of performance-focused basics.


Watch President Obama Deliver His Final Farewell Address in Chicago
Entertainment

Watch President Obama Deliver His Final Farewell Address in Chicago

Barry says goodbye.

Kodak Black Challenges Lil Wayne to a Fight
Music

Kodak Black Challenges Lil Wayne to a Fight

This might be inspired by the forthcoming Soulja Boy and Chris Brown match.

Backstage Look at Craig Green's 2017 Fall/Winter Show
Fashion

Backstage Look at Craig Green's 2017 Fall/Winter Show

Behind the scenes with the British menswear designer of the year.

FKA twigs Teases Her Unexpected Collaboration With Nike
Fashion

FKA twigs Teases Her Unexpected Collaboration With Nike

So, what exactly is this???

MYKITA Launches Its 2017 Spring/Summer Collection
Fashion

MYKITA Launches Its 2017 Spring/Summer Collection

Take a look at the luxury eyewear brand’s latest lookbook.

More ▾
 
We got you covered. Don’t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.