Michelle Obama covering Vogue for the second time is one of those events that so instantly and obviously fascinates inquiring eyes of both the political and fashion worlds that it begs for comparison. Just as we did with her official White House portraits, let's examine what's changed in four years for the first lady as she once again appears on the cover of the "fashion bible." For starters, we told you she was having trouble leaning in:

2013

Photographer: Annie Leibovitz
Dress: Reed Krakoff, which according to the Washington Post is "from her own closet." 
Designer history with Obama: Obama wore Krakoff during the swearing-in ceremony. 
Pose: Stately. Straightforward. Robin Givhan at the Post writes that it's "more open, more assertive stance." 
Smile: Relaxed. 
Arms/Shoulders: Present.
Bangs: Present.
Accompanying story written by: Jonathan Van Meter 
Story leads with... Michelle and Barack posing for Leibovitz, while an iPod plays the Black Eyed Peas song "Where is the Love?" 

2009

Photographer: Annie Leibovitz
Dress: Jason Wu 
Designer history with Obama: Wu designed her gown for the inauguration both times around. 
Pose: Inviting. Comfortable. 
Smile: Slightly more tense. 
Arms/Shoulders: Present 
Bangs: Not Present
Accompanying story written by: André Leon Talley 
Story leads with... A declaration—"From envisioning a more inclusive White House to embracing fearless fashion, Michelle Obama is poised to become the most transformative First Lady in history"—and Michelle telling Talley about "our new house." 

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Esther Zuckerman