As Donald Trump reclaimed the presidency in 2025, all eyes were on First Lady Melania Trump and her much-anticipated inauguration ensemble.
True to form, Melania did not disappoint, serving up a fashion spectacle that set tongues wagging and social media ablaze.
The Daytime Enigma: Channeling Carmen Sandiego?
For the swearing-in ceremony, held for the first time in 40 years inside the Capitol Rotunda due to inclement weather, Melania stepped out in a head-turning navy blue outfit that immediately captured the nation’s attention.
The ensemble, crafted by New York-based designer Adam Lippes, featured a tailored double-breasted coat paired with a pencil skirt and cream silk blouse. But it was the accessory perched atop her perfectly coiffed hair that stole the show: a wide-brimmed navy boater hat with a striking white band, designed by milliner Eric Javits.
As Melania stood stoically beside her husband, her face partially obscured by the hat’s dramatic brim, social media erupted with comparisons to fictional characters. “Is that the Hamburglar?” one Twitter user quipped, while another asked, “Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?”
The mysterious aura created by the hat wasn’t lost on fashion commentators. “It’s a bold choice,” noted style expert Vanessa Friedman. “The last time we saw a first lady in a hat at an inauguration was Hillary Clinton in 1993. Melania’s taking it to a whole new level of intrigue.”
Evening Elegance: A Vision in White and Black
As day turned to night, the First Lady transformed for the inaugural balls. Melania unveiled a stunning strapless white gown with geometric black trim, custom-designed by her longtime collaborator, Hervé Pierre.
The dress, with its sleek silhouette and subtle slit, showcased Melania’s model figure and penchant for understated glamour. A black choker and white stilettos completed the look, drawing comparisons to Hollywood’s golden age starlets.
“Melania’s ball gown is a masterclass in modern elegance,” gushed fashion critic AndrĂ© Leon Talley. “It’s a perfect balance of sophistication and allure, befitting a First Lady starting her second term.”
A Fashion Legacy Continues
Melania Trump’s 2025 inauguration looks not only cemented her status as a style icon but also highlighted her evolving fashion choices. The decision to wear American designer Adam Lippes for the daytime ceremony marked a shift from her previous preference for European labels.
As the new presidential term begins, one thing is certain: Melania Trump’s fashion choices will continue to captivate and mystify the American public. Whether channeling international women of mystery or classic Hollywood glamour, the First Lady has proven once again that in the world of political fashion, she’s in a league of her own.