At her husband’s second inauguration, Melania Trump once again demonstrated her knack for style by drawing attention to herself and igniting controversy with her daring and unorthodox choice of a wide-brimmed navy hat.
Melania Trump was immediately compared to Jackie Kennedy when she wore a powder-blue suit dress that Ralph Lauren had custom-designed for her husband’s first inauguration. She wore her hair in a loose chignon from the 1960s and smiled elegantly, exuding a political idealistic spirit from a bygone era.
Melania chose to look more assertive and contemporary in 2025, donning a custom navy silk-wool coat dress, ivory silk crepe blouse, and pencil skirt. To many people’s surprise, the ensemble was handmade in New York City by well-known American designer Adam Lippes.
Melania Trump’s attire on Inauguration Day represented poise, solidarity, and a composed public image. As previously mentioned, the pale blue Ralph Lauren ensemble evoked timeless grace and paid homage to American craftsmanship, drawing comparisons to Jackie Kennedy.
Her restrained approach to public life was reflected in the tailored design and the color scheme, which stood for serenity and peace.
However, her hat was the event’s primary focus. The eye-catching piece of millinery, which was designed by Eric Javits, was the main attraction of her ensemble and a popular topic among the general public and fashion commentators.
A Hat That Attracted Notice
Curiously, a shipping error nearly prevented the hat from arriving at the inauguration. Much of the hat had to be hand-sewn by Eric Javits, and it was delayed in transit. Despite these difficulties, Melania was able to finish her eye-catching ensemble because the hat arrived in time for the ceremony.
Melania’s choice to wear a hat to the inauguration has a fascinating history and is unusual in contemporary American politics. No First Lady has chosen to wear an inauguration-day hat since Hillary Clinton in 1993. The wide brim and white trim of Javits’ design partially covered her eyes, giving her appearance a sense of sophistication and mystery.
The hat appeared to be a logical addition to the style of a woman who was well-known for her love of sunglasses. But it also deviated from the bright hues and delicate lines that are typically associated with First Ladies on these types of events.
The hat quickly gained popularity after being painstakingly hand-stitched in Javits’ Miami atelier. Before Melania and her personal stylist, Herve Pierre, got it, Javits proudly stated that “no other hands touched it.” As evidence of its artisanal craftsmanship, only 8% of the stitching was machine-done.
Online, the hat also generated a range of responses, with some social media users comparing it to characters from “Spy vs. Spy” and pop culture icons like Carmen Sandiego. These parallels raised interest in and conversation about her wardrobe selection.
All things considered, Melania Trump’s hat on Inauguration Day was a complex statement that showcased her sense of style, her backing of American designers, and a subliminal message of readiness and strength as she assumed her position once more.