First Lady Michelle Obama looks absolutely classy in a beautiful red dress on the cover of the special ‘Women Of The Year’ issue of Glamour Magazine (December 2009). Michelle talks about fashion, the importance of having real role models, investing in yourself and even gives good advice about what to look for in a man.

Here are some highlights from First Lady Michelle Obama Glamour interview:

On mentoring young women: “I think that mentoring is such a critical part of the role I can play in this position. I see how little bits of exposure can really change my girls significantly, and I want that for more girls around the world.”

On her “real” role models: “They were the people in my life. My mother, for sure. My dad. The teachers. For me, role-modeling was immediate, touchable. The children connect with who is in their lives, present and accounted for.”

On reaching out: “I was blessed throughout my career. I had people rooting for me. Look for those mentors, because sometimes they don’t find you. Sometimes you seek them out. Often, they will be flattered and glad to lend a hand.”

Don’t put yourself last: “I always try to put my kids first, and then… put myself a really close second, as opposed to fifth or seventh. One thing that I’ve learned from male role models is that they don’t hesitate to invest in themselves.”

On seeking the whole package when dating: “Cute’s good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it’s, who are you as a person? Don’t look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. You should always feel good.”

On setting her own fashion standards: “People are going to have opinions, and they have a right to, when you’re the First Lady especially. You’re representing the nation. But I’ve tried to be at peace with the choices I make first.”

Michelle Obama Glamour Photos

[images: Backseat Cuddler]