Melania Trump’s Inaugural Look Sparks Conversation
Melania Trump’s Inaugural Look Sparks Conversation
Melania Trump, the newly reinstalled First Lady of the United States, was at her husband’s side as Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term as the 47th president on January 20. Despite criticism during her husband’s first inauguration, Melania’s appearance this time around was the subject of much fascination. Her outfit, particularly her hat, became the focal point of social media buzz and intense analysis.
On that historic day, Melania stood beside Donald Trump with their son Barron, as he took the oath of office, while ceremonies unfolded in the unusually cold weather. Due to the chill, Trump was sworn in inside the Capitol Rotunda. As body language expert Judi James noted, the couple’s public display of affection, with Donald often holding Melania’s hand, painted a picture of romantic unity, contrasting with the sometimes stiff atmosphere surrounding their public appearances.
The scrutiny of Melania’s fashion choices was inevitable. Body language experts like Judi James observed that Melania’s outfit conveyed strength, highlighting her as an equal to her husband. Her sharply tailored coat and saucer-shaped hat signaled confidence and determination, though the hat itself became the subject of extensive commentary. Underneath the brim, her smile exuded royal elegance, yet her eyes were concealed, sparking conversations about what message this might send.
Melania’s interaction with former President Joe Biden further added fuel to the discussion. During their brief exchange, Melania’s subtle gestures of detachment and reassurance towards her husband stood out, with body language experts interpreting these as signals of power and independence.
Choosing her outfit for the inauguration was no easy task. Women’s Wear Daily reached out to 16 designers, but many chose not to collaborate with the First Lady, reflecting ongoing tensions in the fashion industry regarding political affiliations. Designers like Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs had also previously refused to dress Melania. In contrast, French designer Hervé Pierre, who has worked with Melania, expressed that while some designers were wary, others saw it as an opportunity for exposure.
According to another expert, Inbaal Honigman, Melania’s body language at this inauguration showed subtle changes from 2017. While she was more reserved and neutral this time, it was clear that her approach had matured. Her composure and muted expression, in contrast to the friendly smiles of her previous term, suggested a more focused, confident demeanor. Experts even pointed out that her wide-brimmed hat helped her maintain this stoic expression while minimizing public scrutiny.
The hat, designed by Eric Javits, became the subject of viral discussions. The designer spoke of his honor in creating the piece, highlighting Melania’s beauty and her innate sense of style. Though it was a statement piece, the hat also led to humorous moments, such as Donald Trump joking about the strong winds almost lifting it off her head during a visit to a military helicopter.
In addition to the hat, Melania wore a navy silk wool coat, a matching skirt, and an ivory silk crepe blouse by American designer Adam Lippes. Lippes expressed pride in showcasing American craftsmanship through Melania’s outfit. Despite the fashion praise, social media responses were mixed, with some users mocking the outfit, even comparing it to funeral attire or suggesting she was “mourning America.”
As the Trump family settles into their second term, a major change will be Barron Trump’s absence from the White House. Having started his studies at New York University, he will no longer reside in the White House, although Melania shared that he would always be welcome to visit. Reflecting on her son’s transition to adulthood, Melania spoke about how she encourages Barron to follow his own path while offering him guidance.
