First Lady Melania Trump donned a striking ensemble of navy and white for the 2025 presidential inauguration ceremony, sparking significant discussion and critique. Many observers compared her outfit to a wide array of references, from animated characters to famous pop stars at funerals.
Her choice of attire, a navy blue and ivory silk wool suit by designer Adam Lippes, triggered a wave of immediate comparisons. The suit, which included a double-breasted blazer and a matching pencil skirt, was described by Lippes as a display of “America’s finest craftsmen.” However, social media users had different interpretations.
The outfit’s impact was further heightened by a wide-brimmed navy blue hat adorned with a white ribbon, designed by milliner Eric Javits. The hat, which partially covered Mrs. Trump’s face, led some to speculate that it could fuel existing “fake Melania” conspiracy theories.
Some of the comparisons made by social media critics were rather humorous. One user joked that her appearance was reminiscent of “Michael Jackson at a funeral,” while others likened her to various fictional characters and even “Darkwing Duck.”
The inauguration ceremony, which was relocated to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to low temperatures in Washington D.C., marked the non-consecutive return of Donald Trump to the presidency. Despite performances by entertainers Carrie Underwood, Christopher Macchio, and Lee Greenwood, it was Melania Trump’s fashion choice that garnered significant attention.
Further comparisons on social media likened her look to fictional characters such as the Hamburglar, “Carmen Sandiego,” “Zorro,” and the “Babadook” from the horror genre.
The contrast between her 2025 inauguration attire and the light blue cashmere dress and cropped jacket she wore at the 2017 inauguration, designed by Ralph Lauren, was noted by many. The Lippes’ ensemble, intended to convey “timeless sophistication,” led to speculation about whether the First Lady was “in mourning.”
This is not the first instance of Melania Trump’s fashion choices drawing parallels to pop star Michael Jackson. A similar sentiment was expressed during her 2018 visit to the Great Sphinx in Giza.
The outfit, which some described as reminiscent of mob attire, marked a distinct departure from traditional inaugural fashion. Despite Lippes’ reputation for creating sophisticated American sportswear, the dark palette and stark styling of the ensemble led to widespread criticism.
Melania Trump’s recent fashion choices have frequently drawn criticism. Her black and white Valentino dress worn at Jimmy Carter’s funeral was compared to “nun’s attire.” The 2025 inauguration outfit continued this pattern of controversial fashion choices overshadowing diplomatic dress codes.
Melania Trump’s inauguration attire, complete with matching navy gloves, was described by social media users as a “complete villain ensemble,” reflecting the dramatic impact of her fashion choice.
