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In this article, Michelles Obama's fashion choices in Saudi Arabia are discussed. Although it is customary and even against the rules for women to show too much skin, Michelle Obama wore a blue flowing shirt with a jacket on top. She is also choosing not to cover her face and hair. This was a direct fashion political statement made by the first lady.

Michelle Obama has drawn attention to the severe restrictions placed on women in Saudi Arabia by not wearing a headscarf during a visit to the country after the death of King Abdullah. The US first lady's decision to not cover her hair when she and President Obama met Abdullah's successor, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on Tuesday caused a stir on social media, prompting the hashtag #michelle_obama_notveiled.

Michelle Obama visited Saudi Arabia in loose fitting clothing but without a burka or head scarf or any traditional conservative clothing options. This sparked a debate as to how strict the laws actually are for dress and if women can still express themselves. There are laws dictating a certain level of conservative clothing requiring burkas be worn by women unless they are at home. However, there are many cuts, styles, and colors in burkas as well the ability to accessorize with any shoes, purse, sunglasses, and jewelry.

One of Saudi Arabia's most prominent female human rights campaigners has been arrested and jailed for allegedly running a Twitter account. Samar Badawi is the ex-wife of influential human rights lawyer Waleed Abulkhair, and according to activists has been accused of running his Twitter account after he was jailed in 2014. One of the most well-known campaigners for women's rights in Saudi Arabia, Ms Badawi received the 2012 International Women of Courage award, presented by Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama.