Michelle Obama Opens Up About Life in Her 60s ‘I’m More Vibrant Than Ever’ and Ready to Share Untold First Lady Secrets

Nearly a decade after leaving the White House, Michelle Obama is stepping into a new spotlight — one she controls completely.
Now 61, the former First Lady tells PEOPLE she feels “more confident about who I am” as she prepares to release her brand-new style memoir, The Look.

Owning Her Story, Her Style, and Her Power 

During her exclusive PEOPLE interview and photo shoot outside Washington D.C., Michelle moves with ease — fingers snapping, hips swaying, dressed in a colorful Jason Wu top. The carefree energy is a reflection of where she is now: free, grounded, and unapologetically herself.

“Fundamentally, I’m the same person,” she shares. “But with each decade, I’ve grown wiser. I think I’ve become more confident about who I am. This version of Michelle cares less about what other people think.”

Her new coffee-table book, out November 4, co-written with longtime stylist Meredith Koop, revisits her journey through fashion — from the symbolism of her wardrobe as America’s first Black First Lady to the freedom of dressing for herself today.

“I purposefully didn’t talk about fashion or beauty in the White House,” Michelle says. “I was afraid it would take over everything. But now, it’s time to talk about that journey.”

From South Side Roots to Global Influence 

Raised in Chicago’s South Side, Michelle says her earliest style inspiration came from Soul Train:

“As a little girl, I would marvel at the color, the style, the flair. I thought, That’s what cool is.”

Standing 5′11″, she recalls her father, Fraser Robinson, instilling confidence early on:

“He’d tell me, ‘You’re tall, you’re beautiful — stand straight.’ I still wake up every day, look in the mirror, and remind myself I’m smart, kind, and worthy. That’s a lifelong practice for women, especially women of color.”

Fashion, Politics & Feminine Strength 

When Michelle entered the White House, she faced immense pressure to balance authenticity and representation.

“The role of First Lady is a job and a non-job,” she explains. “You have to be inspirational yet accessible — uniquely yourself, yet representational. And as a Black woman, I wanted people to see my feminine side. Early in the campaign, people labeled me ‘angry’ or ‘intimidating,’ so I made sure my clothes never spoke louder than my message.”

Still, her style left an undeniable mark — outfits she wore often sold out within minutes.

“If I wore something and it sold out, that meant women could afford it. I loved that connection,” she says.

Even when critics targeted her famous bare arms, Michelle brushed it off:

“It was pure hypocrisy. Jackie O wore sleeveless dresses all the time. At some point you realize — this is politics.”

Love, Partnership & Thirty-Plus Years with Barack 

The book also dives into her life with Barack Obama, from campaign trail chaos to the quiet moments that kept them grounded.

“For state dinners, it was like a wedding every time,” she says with a smile. “I’d get all dressed up, and he never knew what I was wearing until I walked out. That was our little romance in the madness.”

Now married for more than three decades, their date nights look different — and simpler.

“We’re happiest at home,” Michelle admits. “Dinner, candles, music. We work from home, so we save our conversations for dinner — it keeps things fresh.”

Motherhood & Freedom in Her 60s 

With Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, thriving on their own, Michelle embraces the next phase of life with joy and peace.

“My kids are grown and happy. My husband’s doing just fine,” she laughs. “This is the first time I can say every decision I make is for me. That’s freeing.”

She’s also rediscovering her style — especially her love of braids, which she once avoided in public office.

“Braids represent freedom for me,” she says. “Back then, I wasn’t sure the country was ready. But at our portrait unveiling, I wanted to send a message — that this, too, is beautiful and professional.”

Grace, Growth & A New Glow 

At 61, Michelle isn’t slowing down — she’s glowing stronger than ever.

“I’m not wincing at my gray hairs — though I’m coloring them!” she jokes. “My health is my priority: what I eat, how I move, regular checkups. That’s what lets me enjoy this time. I’m as vibrant as I’ve ever been.”

Between tennis matches, podcasting, and building her next projects, Michelle Obama is thriving — redefining what it means to age with purpose, passion, and authenticity.

“When I say and do something now — in interviews, in writing this book — these are my choices,” she says. “And that feels powerful.”