Michelle Obama insists she is ready to leave the White House as she covers Vogue

'Our democracy has it exactly right': Michelle Obama insists she is ready to leave the White House as she covers Vogue for the last time as First Lady

The 52-year-old is featured in the December issue of the magazine

This is Mrs. Obama's third time covering Vogue in the past seven years

During her interview with the publication, Mrs. Obama said she thinks it is 'important to have one foot in reality' when you are in the White House

The First Lady said she plans on continuing her work in public service

President Barack Obama told the publication that he always knew his wife would be an 'incredible' First Lady

Published: 13:42 EST, 11 November 2016 | Updated: 17:34 EST, 11 November 2016

Michelle Obama has revealed that she is ready to leave the White House and continue her life in public service as she stars in a stunning new spread for Vogue.

The 52-year-old First Lady is the epitome of elegance in a white Carolina Herrera dress on the cover of the magazine's December issue. When Mrs. Obama spoke with the publication in September, months before she learned Donald Trump would be her husband's successor, she said she believes 'it's time' for her and President Barack Obama to move on.

'I think our democracy has it exactly right: two terms, eight years. It’s enough,' she said. 'Because it’s important to have one foot in reality when you have access to this kind of power. The nature of living in the White House is isolating.'

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First Lady: Michelle Obama wears an elegant, white Carolina Herrera dress on the December cover of Vogue

Ready to go: The First Lady said she believes eight years in the White House is enough time because it is important for the country's leaders to have 'one foot in reality'

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Here's to Michelle Obama! -- A style icon, a hero and our favorite First Lady.

As Ms. Obama's flawless 8 years as First Lady come to a close, we can't help but feel emotional looking back on all the times she taught us style, grace and sophistication.

But as First Lady of fashion, she won't go without finishing up one last lesson in her signature sense of demure composure as she posed in a gorgeous array of dresses and gowns for Vogue Magazine.

It's been a treat and this issue is certainly one to gush over, especially looking at this refined teal-colored cocktail dress by Atelier Versace.

The figure hugging sheathe showcased Michelle's stunning curves with a delicate dipped neckline for a hint of modernity in this classic silhouette.

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Although Mrs. Obama said she and her husband have been able to maintain 'some normalcy' because of the age of their daughters Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15, they still aren't able to run everyday errands like walking into CVS.

'When you’re not engaged in the day-to-day struggles that everybody feels, you slowly start losing touch,' she admitted. 'And I think it’s important for the people in the White House to have a finger on the pulse.'

As for what will happen in January when she and the President leave the White House for good, Mrs. Obama said she won't know until she gets there. However, she insisted she will always be engaged in public service and public life in some way.

'I’ve always felt very alive using my gifts and talents to help other people. I sleep better at night. I’m happier,' she said. 'So we’ll look at the issues that I’ve been working on. The question is: How do I engage in those issues from a new platform?'

Crowd-pleaser: Mrs. Obama, who is pictured speaking in Philadelphia the night before the presidential election, spoke with Vogue about her future plans in September

Family time: Mrs. Obama said she and her husband, President Barack Obama, have been able to keep 'some normalcy' because of the age of their daughters Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15

Mrs. Obama, who used her family motto, 'When they go low, we go high,'in her speech at the Democratic National Convention in July, claimed she did not watch the fiery presidential debates.

'That’s part of staying hopeful and positive — be able to go high ... Sometimes that means just not engaging,' she said. 'And that’s not just with these debates. If I didn’t have to be at my husband’s debates, I wouldn’t have watched those, either.'

People from around the world will be sad to see Mrs. Obama leave the White House, but President Obama noted in his email to Vogue writer Jonathan Van Meter that 'Michelle never asked to be First Lady'.

Philanthropist: Mrs. Obama recently traveled to several countries to promote education rights for girls as part of her government initiative, Let Girls Learn

'Like a lot of political spouses, the role was thrust upon her. But I always knew she’d be incredible at it, and put her own unique stamp on he job,' he said. 'That’s because who you see is who she is — the brilliant, funny, generous woman who, for whatever reason, agreed to marry me.

'I think people gravitate to her because they see themselves in her— a dedicated mom, a good friend, and someone who’s not afraid to poke a little fun at herself from time to time.'

Mrs. Obama met with her successor on Thursday afternoon, greeting the president-elect's wife Melania Trump at the White House when she arrived and hosting her for tea. However, press were barred from covering the visit that coincided with their husbands' 90-minute meeting in the Oval Office.

During her interview, Mrs. Obama told Vogue she could have spent the past two terms doing anything she wanted as First Lady, whether it was focusing on flowers or entertainment.

Passing the torch: Mrs. Obama met with her successor on Thursday afternoon, greeting the president-elect's wife Melania Trump at the White House when she arrived

Loving husband: President Obama told the publication that he always knew his wife would be an 'incredible' First Lady

'Any First Lady, rightfully, gets to define her role,' she said. 'There’s no legislative authority; you’re not elected. And that’s a wonderful gift of freedom.'

In addition to her public service, which includes two education initiatives, Reach Higher and Let Girls Learn, Mrs. Obama is leaving the White House as a style icon, but she doesn't see her fashion choices as being brave.

When choosing an outfit, she said she isn't overly concerned by who made something, but rather how it looks when she tries it on.

Mrs. Obama also takes into account the designers' personalities, questioning whether they are good people and if she can help boost their careers if they are just starting out.

'It all boils down to comfort level: If I’m going to make you comfortable, then I have to be comfortable first,' she explained.