Yes, I know there has been article upon article about the fabulous Michelle Obama, whether about her clothes, sunny personality or formidably capable demeanour. Yet after gracing the cover of not only the fashionista’s bible: Vogue, but now the US December issue of the charming ‘everywoman’ magazine Glamour, it’s time to realise that not only is FLOTUS perfect fashion fodder for up-and-coming designers across the globe, but her fashion sense is relatable to a wider variety of women than many of the fashion glossies can ever hope to be.

When she arrived on our radar back on the campaign trails we all appreciated her use of colour and, most of all, her femininity. After countless female politicians trying to masculinise their wardrobes to fit into the perceived male sphere of politics (yes, that’s you Hilary) and potential leaders’ significant others sporting the dutiful over-styled coiffeurs and Nancy Reagan-meets-Barbie get-ups, it was refreshing to see a woman who embraced not only her dedication to her husband and her stylish exterior but also her steely support and intelligence. She was a working wife and mother with her own brain but (shock) wasn’t afraid to be a fan of fashion and celebrate all things female. To those women who are derisive of those who choose to combine smart with style, Michelle Obama shocked them by becoming a new poster-girl for real, modern feminism.

Even by taking a backseat to her husband’s role as the most powerful man in the world has not diminished her achievements. Many mothers felt relieved that she was honest about the trials and tribulations of marriage (and one under the constant glare of the media and White House life cannot be easy by any stretch) and raising children, but working women don’t seem to feel threatened by her new role as stay-at-home mum – she doesn’t seem the type to sit back and let White House staff do the hard graft while she has her nails done. And all through this, through Barack winning the democratic nomination and then becoming President, through moving house and the inauguration balls, her flawless fashion choices have given fashion journos flutters of excitement and their readers a new, comparatively accessible fashion icon.

We’ve had Michelle in Jason Wu – the previous ‘up-and-coming’ designer turned fashion hit of the year after Mrs O wore his floor length white asymmetrical dress. We’ve also seen her in a succession of American high-street preppy pieces from J Crew – all candy colourful, classic and fun. Her belts are her best accessories: wide and fierce over jackets and cardigans and thin and studded over simple shifts (the studded belt, Maria Pinto pink dress combo was a personal favourite- better dressed than Carrie Bradshaw). Michelle can also wear high-street chinos and a cardigan as well as she can wear demi-couture and evening wear: in her cover shoot for Glamour she’s wearing a red cocktail vintage-style dress with feature necklace…plucked from her own wardrobe. Apparently no designer will be credited in the shoot. It just goes to show that Michelle Obama may know her own power when it comes to endorsing designers, but she knows what real women appreciate as well: staying true to her own style with her very own dress rather than borrowed from next season’s catwalks – a privilege only available to the very celebrated and famous. And Michelle may be both, but she certainly isn’t too far from us mere mortals either.