Melania Trump’s recent visit to the UK for a state visit put her fashion choices in the spotlight. From a dramatic wide-brimmed hat to a vibrant state dinner gown, her outfits mixed elegance, diplomacy, and a touch of daring. Her style sparked conversations about her approach to fashion, balancing privacy with bold statements. Here’s a breakdown of her standout looks and what they reveal about her sartorial choices.
1. The Wide-Brimmed Hat: A Shield of Style
During her arrival at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, Melania Trump stepped off Marine One in a dark gray Dior skirt suit, paired with a striking dark plum wide-brimmed hat. The hat’s large, downturned brim cast a shadow over her face, making her expressions hard to read. This contrasted sharply with Queen Camilla, who wore a light, upturned Philip Treacy hat that let sunlight highlight her face. Melania’s hat, with its angular silhouette, matched the military-style suit, creating a severe yet elegant look. In the mild September weather of the UK, the hat wasn’t for sun protection—it sent a clear message: “Don’t look at me.”
Melania often uses accessories like wide-brimmed hats or oversized sunglasses as a shield from attention. For example, at the January presidential inauguration, she wore a navy suit with a boater hat so wide it reportedly blocked her husband from kissing her cheek. This choice felt intentional, marking the start of a second term filled with media scrutiny she prefers to avoid. During the UK visit, with protests in Windsor and London and fewer public engagements, her hat reinforced her desire to keep a low profile.
2. A Bold State Dinner Gown
While her daytime look was reserved, Melania’s evening outfit demanded attention. At the state dinner, she wore a dandelion yellow Carolina Herrera gown that broke from tradition. The off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved, floor-length dress was a bold choice for a formal British event. State dinners typically follow unwritten dress codes, but Melania’s gown, with its bare shoulders and a conspicuous pastel pink square-buckled belt, stood out. Celebrity stylist Marian Kwei described it as “a little on the daring side” in a BBC interview, noting its departure from the norm. Only Melania and her stepdaughter Tiffany Trump embraced such bold styles at the event, making them focal points of the evening.
The gown marked a shift from her daytime look. Without the hat—state banquets allow only crowns or tiaras for senior royals—Melania revealed her face and embraced the spotlight. The bright yellow color and unique belt ensured all eyes were on her, contrasting her earlier efforts to deflect attention.
3. Diplomatic Dressing with a British Touch
Melania also showed her knack for diplomatic fashion. When she arrived at London Stansted Airport, she wore a floor-length Burberry trench coat, a nod to British heritage. The coat, with its signature check pattern visible as it moved, was paired with oversized Saint Laurent sunglasses. She wore the same outfit boarding Air Force One in Washington, DC, keeping the collar upturned for a polished look. Choosing Burberry was a subtle but meaningful gesture, as first ladies often honor their host country by wearing its designers. While an obvious choice, it was a diplomatic move that resonated with observers.
4. A Unique Approach to Fashion
Melania’s style often puzzles fashion-watchers. Unlike many first ladies, she doesn’t rely heavily on symbolic clothing or emerging designers. Instead, she favors established European luxury brands like Dior and Carolina Herrera. Her choices sometimes seem to lack deeper meaning, focusing on elegance over messaging. However, some outfits have sparked controversy, like the 2018 jacket she wore to an immigrant child detention center in Texas, which read, “I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U?” Her team later clarified it had “no hidden message,” but the choice felt tone-deaf to many.
In the UK, her outfits reflected both her reserved and bold sides. The hat and suit suggested a desire for privacy, while the vibrant gown showed confidence in standing out. This duality makes her fashion unpredictable yet intriguing.
5. Balancing Privacy and Presence
Melania’s fashion during the UK visit highlighted her ability to navigate high-profile events on her terms. Her wide-brimmed hat acted as a barrier, aligning with her low-profile approach during her husband’s second term. Yet, her state dinner gown proved she can command attention when she chooses. By blending subtle diplomacy, like the Burberry coat, with bold choices, like the yellow gown, she keeps the world guessing about her intentions.
Her style may not always follow the traditional first lady playbook, but it’s undeniably her own. Whether shielding herself from scrutiny or stepping into the spotlight, Melania uses fashion to express both restraint and confidence, making her one of the most watched figures in diplomatic style.
