Melania Trump’s Stunning Inauguration Look Sparks Conversation – See the Photos
Melania Trump’s Attire at Donald Trump’s Inauguration Sparks Discussion – Photos
Melania Trump’s carefully thought-out inauguration outfit, which includes a hat with a fascinating backstory, has sparked a lot of discussion among internet users.
During his second inauguration in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump took the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. His wife, Melanie Trump, wore a stylish ensemble created by fashion designer Adam Lippes to accompany him to the esteemed event. Some internet users praised her appearance, while others expressed disapproval.
In a dark navy, fitted double-breasted coat with pointed lapels and a structured form, the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) attracted attention.
Closed-toe heels and black gloves completed her ensemble flawlessly. Her daring choice of accessory, a wide-brimmed, double-faced wool boater hat with ivory ribbon, further enhanced the ensemble and turned it into a distinctive statement piece that drew praise and criticism from online users.
Melania adopted a simple yet elegant look for the significant event, keeping her hair tucked under the cap.
Online photos also show Melania and Donald, dressed in a suit and coat, standing beside Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, on the Capitol steps.
Usha wore a cinched-waisted pastel pink coat with taupe boots and gloves, and J.D. wore a traditional black overcoat and scarlet tie, all of which went well with the event’s formal vibe.
Adam posted a picture of Melania grinning next to a uniformed officer on Instagram the day of the inauguration, giving fans a better glimpse at the quality of her attire.
Adam boasted about his work with the remark, “Today we had the honor of dressing our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. The presidential inauguration tradition embodies the beauty of American democracy.” Some of America’s best artisans made Mrs. Trump’s ensemble, and I’m proud to display their work to the world.”
Online responses to Melania’s eye-catching inauguration costume were quick, with opinions on social media being severely divided. Several commentators immediately compared it to solemn events, with one commenting, “Funeral attire.”
“Definitely appears like she’s heading to a funeral,” said another, while an additional individual joked, “Dressed for a funeral? Well played!”
Another reviewer said, “It appears that Melania is in mourning.” “Looks like they are attending a funeral,” another commenter said, and another onlooker repeated, “Looks like she’s at a funeral.”
Others concentrated on the hat that finished off her ensemble. Someone was thinking, “Guess Melania doesn’t want anyone to see her face today – isn’t it impolite to wear a hat indoors????” “Melania’s headwear appears absurd. “That’s my only thought,” a netizen said.
Another person asked why Melania wore the hat, speculating that “the [sic] hat of Melania is very weird… like she wants to hide her eyes from something… or her forehead.”
Some commenters, however, mixed amusement and displeasure. One user said, “Melania looks like Jim Carrey in ‘The Mask!'” in reference to her appearance, comparing it to a well-known pop culture figure. What’s up, girl?
“MelaNia [sic] was dressed inappropriately,” another person complained. I adore her White House Christmas presentation. The clothing and hat were unsuitable and austere.
Not all responses, though, were unfavorable. One fan exclaimed, “Melania looks incredible!!” while another exclaimed, “Melania!!!” Amazing 🔥 that hat is essential. “Melania looks so elegant,” a different admirer exclaimed.
Remarkably, according to Vanity Fair, Melania’s much-discussed hat nearly missed the inauguration. In the days preceding the event, the hat—designed by milliner Eric Javits of Florida—went through what was called a near-failure.
Melania’s stylist, Herve Pierre, had asked Eric to make a personalized version of one of his summer boater hats, which Melania already had and cherished. Eric described making the hat as “one of the greatest honors” of his career. The designer jumped at the chance to work on the project, even though they usually avoid custom projects.
Hand-sewn with couture skills, the hat was a labor of love. Before the piece was sent to the First Lady’s team for a final fitting in New York, Eric disclosed that the vast majority of the seams (92%) were made by his own hands and that no other people saw it.
However, catastrophe struck when the hat’s package arrived wet and crushed, causing irreversible damage to the item. Eric made a second hat in less than four days in a time crunch.
The replacement was then driven by Herve himself from Miami to Melania, who was spending the days before the inauguration at Mar-a-Lago.
Later, Eric spoke on his design approach, highlighting his objective to “flatter and enhance every kind of face,” saying that working with Melania was easy because she had a great sense of style, beauty, and bone structure.
On the big day, the hat attracted attention for more reasons than just its dramatic journey. Melania was seen holding the hat in place against strong winds as she and her husband said goodbye to former President Joe Biden and former First Lady and physician Jill Biden.
Later, in speeches to supporters, the President of the United States (POTUS) made a humorous description of the scene.
But just before this, we said our goodbyes before heading out to the helicopter. The wind is blowing so hard that she nearly blew away in her hat. We nearly lost her. They were lifting her off the ground. “She nearly blew away,” Donald Trump remarked.
Melania’s stylish hat was not just the subject of online debates and near-disasters — it also inadvertently became the centerpiece of a lighthearted moment between her and her husband.
Video footage shared online captured Donald attempting to lean in and plant a kiss on Melania’s cheek just moments before he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
However, the wide-brimmed hat proved to be an unexpected obstacle, its size and structure preventing Donald from getting close enough. In a fast adjustment, the couple shared a fun air kiss instead.
The recent commentary surrounding Melania’s inauguration ensemble is far from an isolated instance. Throughout her years in the public glare, her dress choices have continuously received scrutiny, frequently generating contentious disputes.
According to Kate Bennett, a former CNN White House journalist, Melania’s style has long represented her difficult relationship with public life. “As the public persona emerged, she still craved privacy,” explained Kate ahead of the inauguration.
She continued, “Her silhouettes became long-sleeved, cinched waists, hard shoulders, longer hemlines —like almost a military-esque vibe. I think that’s because it felt like armor … Because she underwent four years of really intense scrutiny.”
