With all the drama of politics these days—with questions about everything from immigration executive orders to Russian spy plots to early-morning Twitter rants—it’s easy to think that Washington, D.C., has succumbed to political bedlam. But the Obamas seemed to rise above the fray during a visit to the National Gallery of Art yesterday.

In an all-black ensemble of a sweeping shawl cardigan layered over a knit separate and paired with sleek trousers and a matching Alexander Wang Attica tote. Mrs. Obama appeared relaxed, smiling behind an oversize pair of blackout shades. While the ensemble was a bit more subdued than the colorful and vibrant designs that were her calling card as First Lady, her signature grace was still very much intact.

That was also true of the 44th president, who chose a sleek pair of straight-leg denim—an upgrade on his charmingly ill-fitting “dad jeans”—for a fresh, modern, off-duty look. Tucking a gray button-down in at the hip, and layering a cool brown leather moto jacket on top, Mr. Obama looked refreshed and renewed after a monthlong—and much deserved—vacation from Washington public appearances. Still, with a pair of his favorite wayfarers perched on his nose, there remained a vestige of his commander in chief days.