On January 20, 2025, Melania Trump stepped back onto the national stage with her distinguished sartorial choices, signaling what may become her trademark style as the incoming First Lady. The former model and wife of President Donald Trump showcased her carefully curated fashion at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, attending the inauguration where Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
Wearing a captivating navy silk wool outfit by American designer Adam Lippes, she opted for a double-breasted coat cinched at the waist paired with a pencil skirt and ivory silk crepe blouse. Melania’s ensemble drew immediate attention and praise, embodying the beauty of American craftsmanship, as stated by Lippes himself, who remarked, "The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy and today we had the honor to dress our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump."
Her choice of attire contrasts sharply with her prior inaugural look, where she donned Ralph Lauren’s powder blue dress, reminiscent of Jacqueline Kennedy’s iconic style. This time, Melania's fashion leaned toward militaristic undertones with defined silhouettes, indicating not just sophistication but also perhaps a new persona aimed at both homage and individuality.
The accompanying accessories were notable too—her navy wool hat, also crafted by New York-based milliner Eric Javits. His design added both elegance and intrigue as it subtly shaded her expressions, making her seem somewhat distant yet commanding. Javits shared his enthusiasm prior to the event, saying, “Of course, until the hat goes on her head, there’s no proof she’s going to wear it.” Having worked closely with Trump’s stylist Herve Pierre, Javits’s hat complemented Melania's overall look, following years where first ladies seldom donned hats during inaugurations.
With this historic occasion being the coldest inauguration ceremony recorded since 1981, Melania also used black leather gloves to navigate the wintry conditions, subtly reinforcing her disciplined, fashion-forward image.
The 2025 inauguration marks another chapter of Melania Trump’s fashion narrative after her contentious experience during her husband's first term. Fashion critics are already reading meanings behind her sartorial selections. Vanessa Friedman, the fashion critic from The New York Times, pointed out how her choice this year aligns with the more formal, almost armored aesthetic, contrasting with the simplicity and approachability of her previous looks. The nuanced approach of her outfit fosters speculation about the role she intends to play as First Lady and its inherent messaging.
Throughout her first tenure, Melania’s fashion oscillated between high luxury and contacts with the fashion elite. Her recent picks signal her alignment toward greater support for American designers, marking Lippes’s selection as perhaps a turning point. Historically, the style choices of first ladies carry connotations, and her 2025 look seems to pivot toward endorsing lesser-known American brands rather than the high-fashion European houses she often favored earlier.
Fashion history aficionados have noted the symbolic weight of inauguration fashion, with past first ladies often setting significant trends with their choices. Melania Trump's navy ensemble evokes past first ladies like Hillary Clinton and her navy coat and hat combo at the 1993 inauguration, presenting her as not just another figure but as someone who could also influence and inspire future fashion norms. Eric Javits, pondering the resurgence of millinery styles with her appearance, remarked, “If the first lady decides to wear more hats, it could inspire people.”
Meanwhile, the inauguration’s immediate atmosphere invited diverse interpretations—Melania representing cool sophistication and distance, contrasted sharply with other notable figures like Jill Biden, who opted for softer silhouettes, emphasizing unity and approachability. Biden’s outfit, comprising of purple tones, serves as another indication of the contrasting narratives being spun through the lens of fashion.
Reaction from the fashion world to Melania Trump’s choice has been mixed. Despite certain trepidations due to the political backdrop surrounding Trump’s presidency, Lippes’s involvement and Melania’s embrace of his work reflect potential bridges within the fashion community. This could suggest shifting dynamics within the industry; designers who previously distanced themselves from Trump’s political narrative may reconsider, seeing opportunities to align with her renewed focus on American craftsmanship.
Melania Trump's return to the spotlight with clear, intentional fashion choices signifies more than just personal style. Her inauguration outfit sets the tone for her new role and potentially steers the conversation on what it means to be First Lady today. A tantalizing fashion theater is underway, establishing narratives one look at a time.