On January 20, 2025, the United States witnessed the inauguration of President Donald Trump, where notable fashion statements and significant social undertones marked the occasion. Among the most talked-about moments was First Lady Melania Trump’s sartorial choice, which intrigued both fashion enthusiasts and critics alike.
For the highly publicized ceremony at the Capitol, Melania Trump donned a navy silk wool double-breasted coat intricately crafted by designer Adam Lippes. The coat featured structured tailoring with nipped-in waistlines, complementing her polished yet commanding presence. She coupled the ensemble with bare legs and stiletto heels, completing the look with a bespoke wool boater-style hat from New York milliner Eric Javits, which dramatically obscured much of her face. "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," Lippes stated, reflecting on the craftsmanship behind the outfit.
Fashion analysts were quick to dissect Melania's choice of attire. Professor Nichola Gutgold, author of "Electing Madam Vice President: When Women Run, Women Win," observed, "(With) her face half hidden by her hat, Melania remains aloof." This sentiment highlighted how her styling choices can evoke both allure and distance from the audience. Historically, Melania's fashion has exhibited structured, military-style silhouettes, perhaps symbolizing the armor she dons against public scrutiny.
On the steps of the White House, her outfit presented stark contrasts to Jill Biden’s softer, more approachable attire. Biden paired her relaxed tie-waist overcoat and blouse, emblazoned with the bipartisan hue of purple, created by Ralph Lauren. This relaxed style echoed accessibility, contrasting sharply with Melania's more regal, commanding look. Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic for the New York Times, noted Melania appeared "more royal family governess than necessarily American first lady," inferring the deliberate distance created by her regal ensemble.
Throughout her time as First Lady from 2017 to 2021, Melania fashioned public perceptions of herself through carefully curated outfits. "Her silhouettes became long-sleeved, cinched waists, hard shoulders, longer hemlines, like almost military-esque vibe," remarked Kate Bennett, former CNN White House correspondent. This evolution is reflective of the intense scrutiny she faced publicly, where her clothes seemed to reflect her desire for privacy intertwined with the expectations of her role.
Notably, the fashion narrative during the 2025 inauguration did not stop with Melania and Jill Biden. Usha Vance, spouse of Vice President JD Vance, also made headlines with her custom Oscar de la Renta pastel pink cashmere coat dress. The choice was undeniably reminiscent of the iconic style of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, reflecting on the enduring legacy of fashion within the parameters of political events.
Other prominent attendees brought their interpretations of fashion to the fore. Priscilla Chan, the wife of Mark Zuckerberg, arrived en vogue with her baby blue twin-set and multiple strands of pearls, seeming to nod at 60s fashion sensibility associated with Kennedy's image.
Contrastingly, Lauren Sanchez, renowned journalist and partner of Jeff Bezos, turned heads by attending the ceremony dressed audaciously in a white suit worn shirtless, exposing her top. Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump opted for European influences, sporting a forest green beret-style hat paired with a Christian Dior bag, demonstrating the diverse fashion interpretations present at such significant political gatherings.
This mixture of styles at the inauguration not only served as commentary on personal relationships to fashion but also reflected broader socio-political themes. Fashion at the inauguration has historically served as both personal expression and collective statement, deeply enmeshed with the identities of those who wear them. Such moments capture the intersection where politics and cultural expression meet, inviting discussions about the power dynamics inherent within leadership and representation.
Looking back on the sartorial choices of inauguration day can offer insights not just on individual fashion sense but also on the cultural narratives being woven through clothing. The visual statements made at such pivotal gatherings play alongside political discourse, enhancing their resonance within the fabric of American life.
The 2025 inauguration exemplifies how attire speaks volumes, making fashion not just about style but also about the messages conveyed through clothing choices, capturing the spirit of the moment and the individuals involved.