It’s a classic for a reason, even when you’re former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Yesterday, Michelle and husband Barack Obama celebrated the first public open day of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois. The center features a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, where the Obamas set up to read Where The Wild Things Are to a group of children.

For the more casual, sit-down occasion, Michelle wore an elevated version of the tried and true, jeans and a nice top combo. She chose a metallic, earthy brown foldover camisole from Ossu, a matching trench, and a brown-wash high-waisted flare jean from the same brand. On her feet, some strappy black sandals. She wore her braided hair up in a ponytail and sported a pastel blue manicure.

Barack wore his own version of post-president casual, in a dark blue shirt, navy suit pants, and desert boots.

Styled by Meredith Koop—with whom she wrote The Look—Michelle Obama’s style sensibilities hinge on personal, sentimental fashion choices, independent designers, and the playful yet polished moments from big houses like Chanel and Thom Browne. Earlier this week, she wore a custom Acne Studios skirt that featured a portrait of her late mother, Marian Robinson. For the official opening of the Obama Presidential Center, she opted for a tweedy Thom Browne set and a manicure that perfectly matched her husband’s tie. While “jeans and a nice top” is a failsafe formula for most of us, Michelle’s ensemble has that extra bit of elevation with the fabrics, mix of textures, and little details.

Whether in easy denim or a reimagined runway look, Michelle continues the spirit of forever-First Lady elegance.