Michelle Obama in Miami, Florida - Photo : AFP

NEW YORK, Dec 3, 2008 (AFP) - Top fashion designers are lining up to help Michelle Obama decide what to wear when she becomes first lady on inauguration day next month.

Industry watcher Women's Wear Daily published 34 sketches Wednesday by designers including Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Lacroix and Karl Lagerfeld, artist director at French luxury powerhouse Chanel.

These range from jacket-skirt combinations for when she attends her husband president-elect Barack Obama's outdoor swearing-in ceremony on January 20 to glamorous gowns for the evening ball.

Oscar de la Renta even sketches dresses for daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, seven.

"There's been heated debate in the last two weeks over what the lovely Mrs O should wear to the inaugural ball in January ... but before she goes to the ball, there's the inauguration ceremony itself to consider," Women's Wear Daily said.

It's not an easy choice, though.

Not only will the world's eyes be on Obama, but the chilly winter in Washington is hardly conducive to dressing up.

"As anyone who's ever been to a winter wedding knows, dressing for formal events in the cold is tricky. As well as a great outfit, you need a killer coat," Women's Wear Daily said.