Netizens have a lot to say about Melania Trump’s carefully planned attire for the inauguration, which included a hat with a compelling backstory.
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump took the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States for his second term in Washington, DC. His wife, Melania Trump, accompanied him to the historic event, wearing an elegant ensemble designed by renowned fashion designer Adam Lippes. While many netizens praised her refined appearance, others voiced disapproval.
The First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) turned heads in a dark navy, tailored, double-breasted coat that featured sharp lapels and a sleek, structured silhouette.
She completed the look with black gloves and closed-toe heels. Her striking accessory — a wide-brimmed, double-faced wool boater hat adorned with an ivory ribbon — added another layer of sophistication, becoming a focal point that sparked both admiration and criticism on social media.
With her hair tucked neatly beneath the hat, Melania embraced a minimalist yet polished style for the significant occasion.
Photos circulating online also show Melania and Donald, both dressed in formal attire, standing on the Capitol steps alongside Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance.
In her outfit, Usha wore a pastel pink coat with a cinched waist, accessorized with gloves and taupe boots, while JD opted for a classic black overcoat and a red tie — choices that matched the formal atmosphere of the event.
On inauguration day, Adam Lippes shared a photo on Instagram showing Melania smiling next to an officer in uniform, providing a closer look at the craftsmanship of her ensemble.
Proud of his creation, Adam wrote, “The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy, and today we had the honor of dressing our First Lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. Her outfit was crafted by some of America’s finest artisans, and I take great pride in showcasing such work to the world.”
Melania’s attention-grabbing inauguration look quickly became a topic of conversation online, with social media users divided in their opinions. Many critics drew comparisons to somber occasions, with one remarking, “Funeral attire.”
Another commented, “Definitely looks like she’s going to a funeral,” while a third user quipped, “Dressed for a funeral? Well played!”
“Looks like Melania is in mourning,” noted another critic. Others echoed similar thoughts, with one person stating, “Looks like they’re attending a funeral.”
The hat, in particular, sparked mixed reactions. One person wondered, “Guess Melania doesn’t want anyone to see her face today — isn’t it impolite to wear a hat indoors?” Another user expressed, “Melania’s hat looks ridiculous. That’s all I can think of.”
A different individual speculated, “The hat is very weird… like she’s trying to hide her eyes or forehead.”
Some critics combined humor with their disapproval, with one person comparing her look to a popular film character: “Melania looks like Jim Carrey in ‘The Mask!’ What is going on, girl?”
Another lamented, “Melania was dressed Inappropriately. Loved her Christmas show at the WH, but the hat and dress were too severe and out of place.”
However, not all comments were negative. “Melania looks incredible!!” cheered one fan, while another praised, “Melania!!! Fabulous 🔥 that hat is everything.” “Melania looks so elegant,” another admirer swooned.
Interestingly, Melania’s talked-about hat almost didn’t make it to the inauguration, as reported by Vanity Fair. The hat, created by Florida-based milliner Eric Javits, faced a near disaster in the days leading up to the event.
Eric, who called crafting the hat “one of the greatest honors” of his career, was contacted by Melania’s stylist, Herve Pierre, to create a custom version of one of his summer boater hats, a style Melania already owned and adored. Despite usually avoiding custom orders, Eric accepted the challenge with enthusiasm.
The hat was meticulously handcrafted using couture techniques, with 92% of the seams sewn by Eric himself, ensuring it was a one-of-a-kind creation. Unfortunately, the package containing the hat arrived damaged and wet, rendering it unusable. In a race against time, Eric crafted a second hat in under four days.
Herve personally transported the replacement from Miami to Melania, who was staying at Mar-a-Lago in the days before the inauguration.
Eric later reflected on his design process, stating that his goal was to “flatter and enhance every kind of face.” He praised Melania for her impeccable sense of style, beauty, and bone structure.
The hat’s dramatic journey wasn’t the only attention it received on inauguration day. As Melania accompanied her husband to bid farewell to former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, she struggled to keep the hat in place against strong winds.
Donald Trump later humorously commented on the moment, saying, “We went out to the helicopter, though, just prior to this, and said goodbye. The wind was blowing like crazy, and with the hat she was wearing, she almost blew away. We almost lost her. She was being lifted off the ground. She nearly flew away.”
Melania’s chic hat became the centerpiece of a lighthearted moment with her husband as well. Video footage revealed Donald attempting to kiss her cheek just before he was sworn in as President. However, the wide-brimmed hat blocked the gesture, forcing the couple to share a playful air kiss instead.
The commentary surrounding Melania’s inauguration ensemble is not unique. Throughout her time in the public eye, her fashion choices have consistently sparked polarized debates.
Former CNN White House correspondent Kate Bennett explained that Melania’s style often mirrored her complicated relationship with public life. “As her public persona grew, she still desired privacy,” Kate noted before the inauguration.
Kate continued, “Her silhouettes became long-sleeved, with cinched waists, structured shoulders, and longer hemlines — almost giving off a military vibe. I believe this was her way of creating armor, as she had undergone intense scrutiny for the past four years.”
