Melania Trump’s fashion has long sparked both fascination and controversy, offering a visual extension of her carefully guarded public persona. Throughout the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term, the first lady’s wardrobe has once again become a subject of national conversation. From understated elegance to bold sartorial statements, her style continues to reflect both her private nature and her status as a prominent public figure.
In recent weeks, Melania Trump drew international attention at the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26. Seated beside her husband during the service, she wore a black mantilla — a lace veil traditionally worn by Catholic women during Mass — sparking renewed interest in her faith and heritage. This appearance marked a significant moment, as Melania Trump is the first practicing Catholic to serve as first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy.
Much like Kennedy and Michelle Obama before her, Trump has captured public imagination through her approach to fashion. However, unlike her predecessors, much of what she wears is not custom-made but rather purchased off the rack. Her wardrobe combines accessible fashion with high-profile visibility, making her choices relatable yet aspirational.
On Inauguration Day, January 20, Melania Trump opted for a subdued, ceremonial look in contrast to her more vibrant 2017 ensemble. She wore a dark navy blue coat and skirt paired with a matching wide-brimmed hat, gloves, and heels. The American designer Adam Lippes created the outfit, which was notable for its elegance and the hat’s prominent white stripe. The oversized hat partially obscured her eyes, adding to the aura of mystery that often surrounds her public image. Trump has often used hats as statement pieces, recalling the bold white hat she wore during the 2018 visit of the French president.
Later that evening, during the inaugural ball, Melania Trump changed into a white gown featuring a distinctive black zig-zag design. The dress was designed by her personal stylist Herve Pierre, who expressed his gratitude for the collaboration on social media. The ensemble was praised for its simplicity and artistic flair, aligning with her ongoing preference for timeless silhouettes with contemporary details.
The following morning, at the National Prayer Service held at the Washington National Cathedral, Melania Trump appeared in an all-black ensemble. This marked her first official appearance following Inauguration Day. She wore a sleek black dress with a matching coat, high heels, and dark sunglasses — a look that combined classic sophistication with modern minimalism. She was accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance, joining them for the solemn occasion.
In early March, Melania Trump made her first public remarks since the inauguration while appearing on Capitol Hill to support the “Take It Down Act.” The legislation, which targets the spread of non-consensual explicit images online, had recently passed the Senate and House with overwhelming support. During her speech, the first lady described the emotional toll such abuse takes on young people, particularly girls, who are victimized by malicious online content such as AI-generated deepfakes. For the occasion, she wore a sharply tailored three-piece tan suit that included fitted trousers, a cropped vest, and a matching blazer. A crisp white shirt and traditional black tie completed the ensemble, reflecting both her polished aesthetic and the seriousness of the issue at hand.
Later in March, Melania Trump attended her husband’s address before a joint session of Congress. For the high-profile event, she selected a dark gray Dior wool tweed ensemble. Seated in the gallery, she was accompanied by guests including Elliston Berry of Texas, a survivor of an AI-generated explicit image, and Haley Ferguson of Tennessee, a former foster child and beneficiary of a scholarship program championed during Trump’s first term. Her choice of a refined yet understated outfit echoed the gravitas of the evening while maintaining her characteristic poise.
Over the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term, Melania Trump’s fashion has continued to serve as a powerful form of communication. Her wardrobe choices remain consistent with her established style — elegant, thoughtful, and often symbolically charged — reaffirming her unique place among modern American first ladies.
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