Melania Trump’s Attire at Donald Trump’s Inauguration Sparks Discussion – Photos
Melania Trump’s meticulously chosen inauguration outfit, complete with a hat that carries a captivating backstory, has sparked a wave of discussion across social media. The ensemble, which exuded elegance and sophistication, quickly became a hot topic as users delved into the details of her fashion choices. The hat, in particular, stood out for its unique design and the fascinating story behind it, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her already stunning look.

At Donald Trump’s second inauguration in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025, Melania Trump made a striking statement as the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS). Accompanying her husband as he took the oath of office for his second term, Melania wore a chic, carefully crafted ensemble by fashion designer Adam Lippes. The outfit instantly caught the attention of both admirers and critics across social media.
She donned a dark navy, fitted double-breasted coat featuring pointed lapels and a structured silhouette, exuding elegance and confidence. Closed-toe heels and black gloves perfectly completed the look, showcasing her refined style. However, it was her daring accessory choice—a wide-brimmed, double-faced wool boater hat with an ivory ribbon—that truly made her ensemble stand out. The hat became the focal point of online discussions, sparking both admiration and critique.
Melania embraced a minimalist yet sophisticated approach to her hairstyle, tucking her hair neatly under the cap, adding to the overall understated elegance of her appearance at this historic event. The thoughtful design of her outfit, coupled with the bold accessory, ensured that her presence on such a monumental occasion did not go unnoticed.

Online photos captured a memorable moment of Melania and Donald Trump, dressed impeccably in a suit and coat, standing alongside Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance on the Capitol steps during the inauguration.
Usha exuded elegance in a cinched-waisted pastel pink coat paired with taupe boots and matching gloves, perfectly complementing the formal atmosphere of the event. J.D., embracing a classic look, wore a traditional black overcoat with a striking scarlet tie, completing the picture of timeless sophistication. Together, the two couples presented a polished and coordinated presence, reflecting the significance and grandeur of the occasion.

On the day of the inauguration, fashion designer Adam Lippes shared a photo on Instagram of Melania Trump smiling beside a uniformed officer, offering fans a closer look at the craftsmanship of her attire.
In the caption, Adam proudly wrote, “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 finest artisans contributed to Mrs. Trump’s ensemble, and I’m proud to showcase their work to the world.”
The internet was quick to react to Melania’s striking outfit, sparking sharply divided opinions across social media. While some praised its elegance and sophistication, others criticized the look, with one user bluntly comparing it to “funeral attire.” The bold design of her inauguration ensemble ensured it would remain a topic of heated debate, further cementing Melania’s reputation for making unforgettable fashion statements.

Critics online didn’t hold back, with many drawing comparisons between Melania Trump’s outfit and funeral attire. One user remarked, “Definitely appears like she’s heading to a funeral,” while another quipped, “Dressed for a funeral? Well played!” Another commenter added, “It appears that Melania is in mourning,” while similar sentiments echoed across platforms: “Looks like they are attending a funeral,” and “Looks like she’s at a funeral.”
Despite the playful jabs, Melania’s bold fashion choice continued to generate significant buzz, ensuring her look would remain a hot topic of conversation long after the event.

Melania Trump’s bold choice of headwear also became a lightning rod for online commentary. Some users zeroed in on the hat with a mix of humor and critique. One remarked, “Guess Melania doesn’t want anyone to see her face today – isn’t it impolite to wear a hat indoors????” Another bluntly stated, “Melania’s headwear appears absurd. That’s my only thought.” Others speculated about her motivations, with one commenter questioning, “The [sic] hat of Melania is very weird… like she wants to hide her eyes from something… or her forehead.”
Amusement and disapproval blended in some reactions, such as a user who compared her look to a pop culture icon, saying, “Melania looks like Jim Carrey in ‘The Mask!’ What’s up, girl?” While her hat stirred plenty of debate, it undeniably made a lasting impression, keeping Melania at the center of fashion discussions during the historic event.

The reactions to Melania Trump’s inauguration look were a mixed bag. One critic voiced disapproval, writing, “MelaNia [sic] was dressed inappropriately. I adore her White House Christmas presentation. The clothing and hat were unsuitable and austere.” However, not everyone was on the same page. Some fans were full of praise, with one exclaiming, “Melania looks incredible!!” while another simply cheered, “Melania!!! Amazing 🔥 that hat is essential.” A different admirer added, “Melania looks so elegant.”
Interestingly, according to Vanity Fair, Melania’s much-discussed hat almost didn’t make it to the inauguration. The hat—created by Florida-based milliner Eric Javits—went through what was described as a “near-failure” in the days leading up to the event. Despite the drama behind the scenes, it ended up being one of the most talked-about pieces of her ensemble, sparking both admiration and critique in equal measure.

Melania Trump’s stylist, Hervé Pierre, had requested a personalized version of one of Eric Javits’ summer boater hats, a style Melania already loved and owned. Eric described the opportunity to design the hat as “one of the greatest honors” of his career. Though his studio typically avoids custom projects, he eagerly took on the task, knowing the significance of the occasion.
The hat was meticulously hand-sewn with couture-level craftsmanship, a true labor of love. Eric revealed that 92% of the seams were sewn by him alone, making it a highly personal piece. Once completed, the hat was sent to the First Lady’s team for a final fitting in New York. However, disaster struck when the package containing the hat arrived soaked and crushed, causing irreversible damage to the carefully crafted piece.
With time running out, Eric went into overdrive. In less than four days, he managed to create a second, flawless version of the hat, just in time for the inauguration. Despite the setback, the final result was a show-stopping piece that added to the iconic nature of Melania’s ensemble, making headlines and sparking widespread conversation.

Once the replacement hat was finished, Hervé Pierre personally drove it from Miami to Melania, who was staying at Mar-a-Lago in the days leading up to the inauguration. The dedication to getting the hat to its destination was as meticulous as the craftsmanship behind it. Eric Javits later reflected on his design approach, explaining that his goal was always to “flatter and enhance every kind of face.” He noted that working with Melania was a breeze, praising her innate sense of style, beauty, and stunning bone structure, which made the design process even more rewarding.
On inauguration day, the hat not only captivated attention for its journey but also for its presence in the gusty winds of Washington, D.C. As Melania and Donald Trump said their farewells to former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Melania was seen holding her hat in place, a testament to its dramatic size and the blustery conditions.
Later in the day, during speeches to supporters, the President of the United States (POTUS) humorously referred to the moment, adding a light-hearted touch to the day’s proceedings. The hat had undoubtedly become a symbol of resilience, not just in design, but in the face of some truly unpredictable circumstances.

Just before heading out to the helicopter, Donald Trump joked about the wild winds that nearly turned Melania’s hat into a flying object. “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,” he remarked, adding a touch of humor to the moment.
Melania’s striking hat not only sparked online debates and caused a mini disaster but also became the center of a playful exchange between her and her husband. In video footage shared online, Donald Trump can be seen leaning in to plant a kiss on Melania’s cheek just moments before he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. The lighthearted gesture, captured on camera, added a personal and tender moment to the high-stakes, historic day—one that was made all the more memorable by the whirlwind drama of Melania’s hat.

However, the wide-brimmed hat turned out to be an unexpected obstacle, its size and structure making it difficult for Donald to get close enough for a kiss. In a quick and playful adjustment, the couple shared a fun air kiss instead, adding a light-hearted touch to the moment.
This moment, though entertaining, is just the latest chapter in the ongoing commentary surrounding Melania Trump’s fashion choices. Throughout her years in the public eye, her outfits have consistently sparked intense scrutiny, often igniting heated debates. Whether it’s her choice of designer, color, or style, Melania’s wardrobe has been a frequent topic of discussion, with opinions sharply divided between admiration and criticism. Her inauguration look, especially her dramatic hat, proved to be yet another occasion for such polarized responses.

Kate Bennett, a former CNN White House journalist, has suggested that Melania Trump’s style has long been a reflection of her complex relationship with public life. “As the public persona emerged, she still craved privacy,” Kate explained ahead of the inauguration. She noted that Melania’s fashion choices over the years—such as long-sleeved silhouettes, cinched waists, hard shoulders, and longer hemlines—often carried a “military-esque vibe.” According to Kate, this was likely a form of armor, designed to shield herself from the intense scrutiny she endured during her time in the public eye. “I think that’s because it felt like armor… Because she underwent four years of really intense scrutiny,” Kate added, highlighting how Melania’s fashion has often served as both a statement and a means of protection.