When Obama wants a simple yet sophisticated look, she turns to the shift dress. Credited with giving the shift dress a modern makeover, Lady O will forever be remembered in her White House official portrait for selecting a Michael Kors black shift dress from the New York designer's Spring 2009 collection. The elegant style of Kors has once again caught Lady O's attention, and we recently spotted her in the January 11 issue of People magazine donning this shift dress from Kors' Pre-Fall 2010 collection. The classic fit and eye-catching print of this dress is so versatile and complementing that it makes the transition from runway to reality with ease.


How to Wear a Shift Dress?
If you make one purchase this season, invest in a shift dress. And, if you already own one, update the look with bold outerwear pieces. You can wear your shift dress with a tailored jacket at the office or switch it up during the weekend with a fun faux fur vest like pictured on the model. Opt for a bolder style statement and throw on a few pieces of eclectic jewelry from a necklace to bangles, or pile on some pearls like Mrs. Obama. During the cooler winter months, coordinate your shift dress with a belt, tights and boots. Not only will you be warm, but you'll look chic while doing so. As temperatures rise, a shift dress paired with a bare leg will up your sex appeal factor without giving away too much. However you wear your shift dress, just wear one!

Rachel Zoe Faux Fur Vest with Hook & Eye Closure ($79.80, qvc.com), French Connection Lilly Dress ($148, frenchconnection.com), Aldo Hamstra Studded Belt, $32, aldo.com; Jessica Simpson Women's Ains Pump ($88.95, endless.com)

Tell us, how do you accessorize your shift dress?