Michelle Obama proved once and for all that she is the most stylish first lady at her final state dinner

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michelle obama state dinner

Reuters/Joshua Roberts

Michelle and Barack Obama pose before dinner with the Italian prime minister and his wife.

On Tuesday night, Barack and Michelle Obama held their final state dinner as President and First Lady. The couple hosted Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese Landini plus a guest list of 382 VIPs (including Jerry Seinfeld and Chance the Rapper), for a meal prepared by chef Mario Batali, the Washington Post reports

Michelle's sparkling chain mail gown - custom-designed by Italian fashion icon Donatella Versace, according to the New York Times - wasn't just a subtle nod to the guest country. It was also just plain stunning. 

michelle obama state dinner 2016

AP

First Lady fans across the Internet reacted to the dress with adoration:

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But it certainly wasn't the first time Michelle has made a major fashion statement at a state dinner. In fact, she's made a habit of stepping out in some breathtaking designs during her eight years at the White House. 

At the Obamas' first dinner in 2009, the First Lady wore a gown by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan, Cosmopolitan reports. It was an appropriate choice, given that the guests of honor were the Indian prime minister and his wife.

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michelle obama state dinner 2009

Reuters/Jason Reed

In 2011, she wore an elegant Alexander McQueen dress for a dinner with the Chinese president:

michelle obama state dinner 2011

Reuters/Jim Young

She looked regal in this billowy Carolina Herrera gown at a dinner in 2014:

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michelle obama state dinner 2014

Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

At a 2015 dinner, the President couldn't help giving her a thumbs-up for this off-the shoulder Vera Wang number:

michelle obama state dinner 2015

Reuters/Mike Theiler

And she returned to designer Naeem Khan for a state dinner with Nordic leaders earlier this year, choosing a feminine gown with an asymmetrical neckline:

michelle obama state dinner 2016

AP/Carolyn Kaster

On Tuesday, the President told a crowd at an arrival ceremony that, for their 14th state dinner as a couple, he and Michelle had "saved the best for last," the Post reported.

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When it came to Michelle's dress, at least, they definitely weren't kidding.

michelle obama state dinner

AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais