On January 20, Melania Trump made a striking entrance at her husband Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Dressed in a dark coat and skirt designed by New York designer Adam Lippes, she accessorized her outfit with a wide-brimmed hat that covered part of her face, giving her look a somewhat mysterious vibe. In photos taken with Joe and Jill Biden before the ceremony, Melania’s eyes were hidden behind the hat, and her expression was more serious, while the Bidens were smiling for the cameras.
This marked a rare fashion choice for a first lady at an inauguration. The last time a first lady wore a hat to the daytime event was in 1993, when Hillary Clinton wore a blue velvet bowler that didn’t obscure her face.
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As for whether Melania’s outfit will join the prestigious First Ladies Collection at the Smithsonian, that remains uncertain. The collection is home to iconic outfits worn by first ladies throughout history, showcasing their contributions to the country. It’s unclear if Melania’s 2025 look will be added to the collection, which already includes her 2017 inaugural ball gown, as well as pieces worn by former first ladies like Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden.
First ladies’ outfits often carry special meanings. For example, Dr. Biden’s blue outfit in 2021 was meant to symbolize trust, confidence, and stability, fitting for the challenging times as the Bidens took office during a divided nation and a global pandemic. Similarly, Vice President
Kamala Harris, who wasn’t a first lady but still made history in 2021, used her outfit to celebrate her groundbreaking role as the first woman, the first Black person, and the first person of Asian descent to become VP. She wore a royal purple coat and dress, inspired by Shirley Chisholm, and pearls to honor her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.
As we wait to see what Melania’s 2025 outfit will symbolize, her fashion choices continue to spark attention and conversation.
