Michelle O’s sleeveless fashion inappropriate

Michelle Obama wants respect.  The First Lady recently changed her chief of staff because she wanted to be more involved in world and government affairs.  This is admirable, and most of her fellow Americans wish her well in these endeavors.  With this “get down to business” attitude, its surprising that Mrs. Obama continues to flaunt her body with overwelmingly more results than her policies.  It’s true that many first ladies have paved the way for the sleeveless look, dawning appropriate and unflattering outfits galore.  But should a woman so driven for power and influence appear in such inappropriate business attire?  There is a time and a place for fancy dress that shows off a woman’s assets, be it biceps or breasts.  That time and place is not at presidential and business functions.  Formal dinners?  A sleeveless dress is appropriate.  Presidential balls?  Absolutely, and I compliment The First Lady’s dazzling appearance.  But in forums, news conferences, and public appearances meant to persuade voters and legislators, there needs to be a much more conservative and kosher approach for Mrs. Obama.  For instance, during her husband’s Presidential Inaugural address, which was in February and outside, she went sleeveless.  This was nothing but a defiant, misguided fashion choice.  Her labeling as a fashion icon is a misnomer, and certain wardrobe decisions she has made I believe is causing an uglification of many women’s appearances in the workplace.  For those of you who scoff as Bonnie Fuller, you must cede that a man should never wear a t-shirt to give a speech to his political colleagues, nor should he wear shorts to meet world leaders.  The Huffington Post quoted Michelle Obama defending her choice of apparel to the Presidential Address before Congress:  ”If I want to wear no sleeves to hear my husband speak, that’s what I’m going to do.”  It is comments like these that reflect a growing dismissal of socially accepted norms in the first lady, and if she continues to to parade as if on a catwalk, she is heading in the wrong direction.  And she’s leading a large body of women professionals with her.