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Power Dressing: Trump and Melania's inaugural fashion
Whether aspirational, glamorous, or grounded, the choices made by the first couple inevitably enter the annals of fashion diplomacy.
Trump and Melania's 2017 inaguration outfits. / Reuters/Kevin Lamarque
As Donald Trump prepares for his second inauguration on Jan.20, the president-elect and his wife, Melania, are once again poised to step into the spotlight, where sartorial choices carry weight far beyond the aesthetic. The Trumps, often lauded or critiqued for their flamboyant approach to public life, seem to turn surprisingly traditional when it comes to dressing for history.
For the inaugural events, the president-elect is expected to adhere to the unwritten fashion script of prior presidents—think dark suits, polished ties, and a nod to American-made designs. A safe move, perhaps, but one that points out how clothing remains an essential part of the day’s narrative.
Clothing at such ceremonies is a visual lexicon that speaks volumes about the administration’s identity. Whether aspirational, glamorous, or grounded, the choices made by the first couple inevitably enter the annals of fashion diplomacy.
Melania Trump, known for her sharp sense of style, faces an additional layer of expectation. First ladies are seen as cultural emissaries, and their fashion can amplify or complicate the image of the presidency. The gown she chooses for the inaugural balls will not only dominate headlines but also be open for interpretation. Will it imply fairy-tale elegance or lean toward understated accessibility? The designer she selects, especially if an American might offer clues to her vision for the role.
During Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, daytime saw Trump in a gray suit, a red silk tie (notable for its dramatic length), and a navy overcoat, exuding traditional authority while sparking minor controversies over brand choices and fit. Melania wore a custom Ralph Lauren powder blue dress and bolero jacket to the swearing-in ceremony matched with gloves and Manolo Blahnik stilettos.
For the evening ball, Trump donned a classic yet imperfectly tailored ensemble: a one-button satin peak lapel tuxedo paired with a too-long jacket and slightly baggy trousers. Melania, in stark contrast, stunned in an ivory off-the-shoulder gown co-designed with Hervé Pierre, stealing the limelight as the first couple swayed to "My Way."
Even then, commentators were divided. Republican strategist Nino Saviano noted Trump’s choice of a power tie, its bold red hue a signal to his base but critiqued its overly exaggerated length. Others, like designer Joseph Abboud, praised the overall adherence to American-made clothing, emphasizing the patriotic symbolism in the president’s wardrobe.
The discussion over fashion inevitably circles back to its significance or perceived triviality. Should we scrutinize clothing when there are far graver issues at hand? Perhaps not. Yet, we all got to get dressed. Clothing, at its core, is an accessible point of connection for a global audience watching the day unfold.
As Trump steps onto the stage once more, the world will watch not just for his words but for what he wears. In the theater of politics, even a tie can carry the weight of an era. Will tradition prevail? Or will there be a twist in this sartorial tale? We’re all about to find out.
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