Melania Trump, known for her glamorous and aspirational fashion sense, is making a stylish return to Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day. As the incoming first lady, she and President-elect Donald Trump attended a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Monday morning. Her choice of a navy blue dress and coat, complemented by matching pumps and a hat, once again showcases her distinct style.
Throughout her tenure as the first lady from 2017 to 2021, Melania Trump has been celebrated for her penchant for high-end fashion. Style experts often describe her fashion choices as "aspirational," with a particular affinity for renowned fashion houses like Dior and Versace. Vanessa Friedman notes, "She is drawn to designers who have the seal of approval of the fashion establishment in terms of silhouette, likes clothing that has structure, that often has a waist. She likes a pencil skirt. She likes a sharp shoulder. She often wears military-inspired suits."
Melania Trump's fashion choices have consistently set her apart from her predecessors. Unlike Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who brought an air of royalty to the role with her pillbox hats and pastel suits, or Michelle Obama, who emphasized inclusivity with her more accessible wardrobe, Melania's style remains distinctly her own. "Mrs. Trump really shocked the world in 2017, at the swearing-in, in that powder blue Ralph Lauren suit that was very evocative of a Jackie Kennedy suit, and seemed to really suggest that she had studied the role of the first lady," remarked Friedman.
First ladies' fashion choices have historically carried unspoken messages, each decision contributing to the narrative of their day. "The inauguration is really just a moment of theater, where everybody is watching. So each decision has an impact and contributes to the kind of storytelling of the day," Friedman explained.
Melania Trump's return in style underscores her ability to forge a unique path within the historical context of first ladies' fashion. While Jill Biden highlights American designers and suggests attainability with her polished looks, Melania’s choices reflect a preference for structured elegance and high fashion, continuing to capture public attention and influence.
