Instagram Michelle Obama

It’s been two weeks since The Look came out, and I’ve been so moved by all of the conversations it’s helped spark. People have opened up about their own style journeys, how they embraced their beauty as they’ve aged, how they learned to love their hair—yes, I’ve seen your comments! Let’s keep the conversations going. What style trend or moment of yours always brings a smile to your face when you reflect back on your journey? What was the first moment you truly felt comfortable in your own skin? What ways have you seen the power in how you show up? Reply below and I’ll respond to a few of your comments!I hope you’ll carry these important conversations off social media and into the real world, too, especially as we gather with family and friends for the holidays.

Aging can be a sensitive topic—but on IMO, we’re naming it, claiming it, and tackling it head-on. At 61, I’ve never felt more sure of myself. In this week’s episode of IMO: The Look, @JaneFonda offers a mantra that is worth repeating: “Live so you don’t reach the end with regrets.” This is a truly special conversation with Jane, @BethAnnHardison, @JennaLyonsNYC about finding wisdom, joy, and purpose as we get older, and how to embrace every chapter. Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

We brought #TheLook to New York—live at @bam_brooklyn—joined by my brilliant and always hilarious friend @traceeellisross. We took our time unpacking the stories behind the looks that shaped my life: from memories from my childhood to the White House years to book tours. With Tracee next to me, the jokes were nonstop—and the reflections ran deep.I also wanted to honor the incredible team that’s stood beside me over the years, shaping each look with intention, practicality, and undeniable style. I was so moved by this moment from Tracee during our conversation. I hope you’ll watch the full conversation of IMO: The Look now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Before you dive into my new book, The Look, I want to lift up those who don’t get enough of the credit they deserve. To all of the people behind the scenes of fashion and beauty who use their expert hands and creative gifts to make us feel our best. You sit behind machines, hemming and beading; you stand on your feet for hours, braiding, locking, twisting, cutting, and coloring; you focus intently as you meticulously pluck and wax, as you contour and highlight. Your work is a gift that does not go unnoticed, one that takes many forms. A compliment we receive. A jolt of electricity we feel from a mirror looking back at us. A sturdier belief in ourselves and the things we might do. Thank you for your dedication, your artistry, and your patience. Thank you for you.I also want to give a special thank you to my incredible team – @MeredithKoop, @CarlRayMUA, @YeneDamtew, and @KitchenTalkwithNjeri – for their extraordinary support over the years. If there’s a person or group of people in your life who’ve helped you find your own confidence, tag them in the comments and let them know how much they mean to you. #TheLook

Recording the audiobook for #TheLook gave me a chance to reflect on how much growth and gratitude live within these pages. It was so special to revisit all of the lessons and people who helped me see myself more clearly—and share who I am with the world. This book is dedicated to the people who have walked beside me through all the ups and downs—and to everyone still learning how they want to be seen and heard. Listen to The Look wherever you get your audiobooks.

When society wants to take women down, they often turn to the same playbook—attacking appearance, When we embrace ourselves and rely on our own confidence, that criticism falls by the wayside. Thank you to @rivianofficial for bringing us this moment. #adventureforever #rivianpartner

The Look is out today! I’m so proud of this book—it captures my belief that style is a language of its own, one that each of us can use to express our individuality and ignite confidence. It’s the story of how, with the help of my powerhouse team—@MeredithKoop, @CarlRayMUA, @JohnnyWright220, @YeneDamtew, @kitchentalkwithnjeri—I learned to harness my look as a way to reflect my values, lift up underrepresented voices, and share my personal story. I’ve seen how critical it is for each of us to feel good about ourselves and be confident in who we are—because when we do, we show off the full spectrum of backgrounds and experiences that has always been the strength of our country. So while the specific details of my journey may be unique, the truth is we’re all making those same decisions every single day about how we want to show up in the world. It’s so easy to trivialize what we wear or how we look as frivolous. But these decisions matter. This book is the story of how I’ve seen the power of style as a way not just to feel good about ourselves, but to lift up others as well. So I hope you’ll give #TheLook a read—and hopefully it can help you find even more of the beauty within your own story, too.

Happy International Day of the Girl—a day to celebrate the promise, talent, and determination inherent in every girl in our world. I’m also celebrating the extraordinary leaders in our @GirlsOpportunityAlliance Network, who are helping to break down the barriers that too many girls still face.Today, the Girls Opportunity Alliance is announcing $2.5 million in new support for 54 grassroots organizations across 28 countries that are empowering girls around the world. From working to end child marriage to expanding access to education, these important organizations are shaping the leaders we need to create the brighter future we all deserve.I hope you’ll help us reach more girls this year than ever before. Join us at the link in my bio.

I’m so excited to welcome my dear friend, @smalonemd, to the @highergroundmedia family with her very own podcast, The Second Opinion! She’s the person that my friends and I turn to for medical advice — she’s wise, empathetic, and deeply committed to helping women feel healthy and strong. Check out the first two episodes of The Second Opinion now, and make sure to listen to our conversation on @imopodcasts on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Having hard conversations with our partners is the ultimate act of love. It’s not easy—at all—but it’s how we can build something truly lasting and rewarding. Thank you to @progressive for helping us share this beautiful moment.

When we’re building a family, we put our own needs aside too often. But Dr. @ornaguralnik thinks there’s a real danger in doing that — because when we’re healthier as individuals, our families are, too. So never underestimate the power of community, friendship, and making time to care for yourself. This must-listen episode of @imopodcasts is now on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

“Everything you want wants you back.” We know that’s right! Thank you @kimcoles for the encouragement to chase what we’re looking for — and thanks to @indeedworks for bringing us this empowering moment.