While enjoying a 6pm cocktail at Morton’s with a gal pal–whose personal style, incidentally, is very similar to Michelle Obama’s–I noticed the State Dinner arrivals on the television.

Thought #1: “Wonderful. We’ll definitely be late to our Restaurant Week reservation as the roads within 10 blocks of the White House will surely be blocked.”

Thought #2: “Wow, Michelle Obama looks incredibly striking in her red gown.”

Although I think her voluminous Alexander McQueen gown would have been slightly better suited to the Met Gala than a State Dinner, she nonetheless looked stunning–and I’m delighted that she chose such an iconic, fashion-forward designer for such an important event.

First Lady Michelle Obama, Chinese President Hu Jintao, President Barack Obama
Clicking through the photos of the State Dinner arrivals today, I can’t believe I’m looking at photos of a White House dinner. The days of Mother-of-the-Bride taffeta dresses are long gone. (I won’t name names.) I’m not surprised that the fashion industry insiders and tech moguls’ wives in attendance were so well dressed, but when the fashion at the State Dinner is infinitely better than the fashion at the Golden Globes just days prior, it’s obvious that Washington’s relationship with fashion is changing for the better.

Vogue editor Anna Wintour and designer Vera Wang were dressed impeccably, in Chanel and Vera Wang, respectively–and Anna’s chic sheath and jacket wouldn’t look out of place at any Washington cocktail schmoozefest or even on Capitol Hill.

Anna Wintour in Chanel, with boyfriend Shelby Bryan

Vera Wang in Vera Wang

While figure skater Michelle Kwan is getting flack for her standout gold Herve Leger dress, I love that she ignored drab Washington fashion rules and wore a dress that obviously makes her happy. She still looks totally classy and age-appropriate.

Michelle Kwan in Herve LegerMy favorite dress of the night, however, was the Huffington Post‘s Willow Bay’s white Grecian gown. I can’t determine who designed it, but it was beautiful and fit her perfectly.

Willow BayIf last night’s State Dinner is any guide, we can expect to see more people associating Washington with fashion that is much more sophisticated than the sparkles and bustiers you see in Hollywood. We’re not in the business of fashion in this town, but who says you shouldn’t look totally glamorous if you score an invite to an event so important to our nation’s tradition and diplomacy?

Photos via Zimbio.com.