Many fashion designers were left at the edges of their seats awaiting the reveal of the “chosen one”… that is, the gown First Lady Michelle Obama would decide to wear to last night’s Inaugural Ball. While it’s believed Mrs. Obama has many go-to designers, Jason Wu—the Taiwanese-Canadian fashion genius who also designed her 2009 inaugural ball gown—was allotted a sigh of relief as she stepped on stage in his number.

A very drastic, bold change from her earlier choice of ensemble for the ceremony (in which she wore a navy blue Thom Browne coat, publicized-favorite J. Crew gloves and Reed Krakoff boots), Mrs. Obama stunned, as expected, showing off her lovely toned arms and statuesque frame.

While some may say that Mrs. Obama plays her fashion mildly safe, there’s never anything short of a story to be told when the FLOTUS steps out in the public. Mixing prestige with mass appeal, she does an excellent job of adding luxe fashion without being over the top.

Accessories worn by the lovely First Lady included inaugural shoes designed by Jimmy Choo and a classically cut diamond ring by Kimberly McDonald. 

-Melanie Yvette Martin