At 61, Michelle Obama says she’s more vibrant than ever, and she credits it to the choices she’s making for herself. With her health, fitness, and well-being at the center of her life, she moves through each day with energy and confidence. “I feel free in a way I never did before,” she told PEOPLE, referring to the fact that, for the first time, every decision she makes is truly for her. She prioritizes her health and self-care, a practice she’s carried from her youth into adulthood. “Fortunately, Black don’t crack,” she shared, a simple reminder that vitality comes from intentional living and taking care of yourself.

This sense of freedom and confidence is at the heart of her new coffee table book, “The Look” (November 4), cowritten with her longtime stylist Meredith Koop. The book explores her years as first lady, exploring the thought, strategy, and care behind every outfit she wore — from major events to casual appearances — all under the intense scrutiny of the public eye. “I purposefully did not talk about fashion and beauty during the eight years in the White House,” Michelle explains. “I was afraid it was going to take over everything. Now it’s time to talk about that journey.”

The First Lady’s fascination with style began long before the White House. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, she spent Saturday mornings watching “Soul Train,” captivated not only by the moves but by the vibrant, expressive fashion. “That’s what cool is,” she recalls. These early impressions laid the foundation for the classy, iconic looks she’s known for today.

“The Look” offers more than a fashion diary of the First Lady; it’s a celebration of Michelle Obama’s personal evolution. With health, family, and self-expression at the center, she proves that life in your 60s can be vibrant, stylish, and entirely your own.