Malia Obama, daughter of Barack Obama Has Turned Her into an Instant Fashion Icon

Obeawords
3 min readOct 10, 2023

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Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of former President Barack Obama, has always been in the spotlight since her father’s historic election in 2008. But in recent years, the 25-year-old Harvard graduate has been making waves not only for her professional achievements, but also for her personal style.

Malia, who currently lives in Los Angeles and works as a writer on Donald Glover’s TV series Swarm, has been spotted wearing outfits that showcase her unique and effortless fashion sense. From pleated pants and cropped cardigans to khaki pants and zip-up hoodies, Malia has been rocking menswear-inspired looks that are both timeless and trendy.

One of her most iconic outfits was captured in a photo taken outside a convenience store in LA, where she was seen smoking a cigarette and holding a Hydro Flask water bottle. She wore a pair of earth-toned wool slacks, a knit cardigan from the Australian brand Kina & Tam, and lug-soled black boots. The trousers, as GQ writer Eileen Cartter put it, invoked “one dart, two pleats, zero notes” . The cardigan, according to the brand’s website, is part of their “dopamine dressing” philosophy . The cigarette and the water bottle added a touch of contrast and duality to her look.

Malia’s style has been compared to that of Lisa Bonet, the actress and mother of Zoë Kravitz, who was known for her bohemian and androgynous outfits in the 80s and 90s. Like Bonet, Malia exudes confidence and coolness in her clothing choices, while also expressing her individuality and personality. She is not afraid to mix and match different pieces, colors, and textures, creating looks that are both versatile and original.

Malia’s style has also been praised for being relatable and accessible to many young women who admire her. Unlike some celebrities who wear expensive designer clothes that are out of reach for most people, Malia often wears affordable brands that are easy to find online or in stores. For example, she wore a sapphire ASOS circle skirt and a neon pink Zara belt on election night in 2012 , a pair of green Assembly work pants and Y-Project hiking boots for a night out at Soho House , and oversized Dickies overalls on TikTok . She also recycles some of her clothes, such as the gray zip-up hoodie that she wore on several occasions .

Malia’s style is not only a reflection of her own taste, but also a source of inspiration for many young women who look up to her. As The Root writer Aiyana Fewell wrote, “Malia Obama, as a Black girl simply existing and living her life unapologetically, she is quietly commanding our attention” . She is carving out a lane of her own, and she’s certainly piqued our interest.

Malia Obama is more than just the former first daughter. She is a talented writer, a smart student, and a new fashion icon of the generation.

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