Check out what Michelle Obama was wearing the other day on “The View.”

It was a Tank Leaf Print Dress from White House/Black Market, the Chico’s chain that sells women’s clothing exclusively in black and white.

Obama, whose husband is making a bid for the U.S. White House, mentioned that she bought the dress at White House/Black Market during a discussion about her style (which starts about 12 minutes into the YouTube video).

White House/Black Market made sure the mention wasn’t missed, sending out a press release to point it out. (The dress, by the way, retails at $148.)

“The View” co-host Joy Behar noted that Obama has been compared to Jackie Kennedy, who set the fashion trend for a nation when she was First Lady in the early 1960s.

Chico’s could use that kind of comparison.

If Obama could do anywhere near the same, inspiring women to run out and by a Tank Leaf Print Dress, for example, it could be a boon for Chico’s, which has been in a major slump since last year with same-store sales falling. The company also has seen profits fall and even reported a loss for the key fourth quarter.

The women’s apparel sector has been depressed for more than a year, hurt by a slumping economy and a lack of compelling fashion.

But if Obama’s mention can help generate sales at White House/Black Market, think what she could do for other sectors. Perhaps in her next appearance, she could remodel a home, using tools from Home Depot and installing Whirlpool appliances?

Or maybe a big-screen TV from Circuit City.

Also in the basket:

Big push for Penney’s: Retailer aims to rule juniors with new lines (WWD)

Grocery shopping made easy (N.Y. Times)

UK’s Cadbury boosted by strong start to 2008

(Video: BarackObama.com via Youtube)