First Lady Michelle Obama's 2013 Inaugural Fashion

Same designer. New look.

As President Barack Obama set the tone for his second presidential term during yesterday's inauguration festivities, First Lady Michelle Obama initiated an edgier direction in her role as a major fashion icon. All eyes were on Michelle and her custom-made scarlet Jason Wu gown as she and her husband made their debut at the Commander-in-Chief inaugural ball.

The ruby red velvet dress with chiffon overlay looked stunning on her, and the sexy halter style of the frock showed off her famously toned shoulders and arms. The clinched waist on the gown also added to the dresses sexy, edgy look while still keeping Michelle's overall appearance elegant and appropriate for the evening's occasion. The First Lady kept with this edgier look by debuting her new haircut with blunt bangs and distinctly straight ends, which further indicates her shift towards more fashionable alternatives to classic style.

When looking back at Michelle Obama's inaugural style in 2009, it is clear that the First Lady's style has evolved.

While the 2009 white one-shouldered Jason Wu frock was equally beautiful as this year's successor, the auras of the two gowns are drastically different.

Michelle's first term inaugural gown had a romantic and ethereal air about it. The skirt of the dress was thick with chiffon layering and feathery accents and the shoulder was heavily embroidered with Swarovski crystals. While the outfit was breath-taking, the extensive use of detailing made the dress look more like a princess confection than a bold fashion statement. When comparing Michelle's two term's inaugural attire, it is obvious that she is now dressing less for the position and more for her own individual position as a role model for American women.

Her fiery gown choice tells the world that while she is the female counterpart to the leader of the free world, she is also her own woman and an individual force to be reckoned with.

[Photos via, via]