The 2026 U.S. Open has been a starry, fashion-forward affair—both on the hard court and in the stands. Yesterday, Michelle Obama made her return to the tennis event, making a point to put on her patriotic stripes for the moment.
The former first lady attended the women’s singles semifinals on Thursday night, sporting a textured red, white, and navy blue-striped collared Chanel dress with long sleeves and gold button details. Her gold jewelry included a well-placed ear stack and rings, while glam centered on her blonde-dappled braids pulled back into a low, full bun. A baby blue manicure is also becoming a Michelle Obama favorite.
Obama was locked in for the match, which saw Coco Gauff’s wondrous run come to an end as she lost to Elena Rybakina. Elsewhere in the stands? Ciara, footballer Ronaldo, Shonda Rimes, and New York Knicks athlete OG Anunoby.
“Big hugs to @CocoGauff!!!” Obama later wrote on X. “She’s a joy to watch. Always proud. Go USA Tennis!! 🙏🏾💕”
Looking back, Obama first attended the U.S. Open as First Lady all the way back in 2011, joining Serena Williams for a tennis clinic event that highlighted the importance of physical activity for kids.
Mrs. Obama’s look—sleek and polished, with a bit of personality—is in keeping with her continued fashion evolution post-White House life, and something that was well documented in her 2025 book The Look, written alongside her stylist Meredith Koop.
Recent appearances have seen her dressed, as always, intentionally: a Fear of God T-shirt, repping the number 44 as a nod to her husband’s presidency; a custom Acne Studios skirt bearing the portrait of her late mother, Marian Robinson. At the 2026 Essence Festival of Culture, she chose to dress in Black excellence, wearing an LBD from Proenza Schouler’s fall 2026 collection.
Whether traversing a stage or watching a beautiful game, trust that Mrs. Michelle Obama’s looks serve style and purpose.