First Lady Melania Trump — who has always made headlines with her style choices — turned all heads when she arrived for the inaugural ceremony dressed in an ivory and navy silk wool blazer and pencil skirt by New York-based designer Adam Lippes. Keeping it business chic, the FLOTUS teamed the outfit with a matching hat by Eric Javits.
“The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy and today we had the honor to dress our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump,” Lippes said in a statement, adding: “Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.”
Melania completed her look with black leather gloves and dark blue suede Manolo Blahnik pumps, which perfectly matched her husband and President Donald Trump.
As expected, her look went viral on social media, inciting mixed reactions. While many seemed to love her look, others compared it to Michael Jackson.
Love her or hate her, whatever.
But one thing is undisputed:
Melania Trump is an example of grace, taste, and sophistication that our modern world desperately needs!
Gorgeous in navy blue with a hint of white | January 20th, 2025. pic.twitter.com/1fK71ryoz7
— Muse (@xmuse_) January 20, 2025
An X user pointed out, “Is it just me…. or is Melania trying to imply that Trump is a “smooth criminal” with this outfit choice? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣”
Is it just me…. or is Melania trying to imply that Trump is a “smooth criminal” with this outfit choice? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/bySe7XYIWB
— Gordon 🥐🧀🍻 (@22Beardface) January 20, 2025
Another user agreed, and wrote: “Melania is dressed like Michale Jackson and she is killling it! Smooth criminal but more classy lol”
However, this is not the first time her look has been compared to that of the singer. In 2018, during a visit to Great Sphinx in Giza, Trump was seen in a contemporary safari suit which social media was quick to compare with Michael Jackson in the Smooth Criminal video.
Melania, are you ok?
Are you ok?
Are you ok?
#MelaniaTrump pic.twitter.com/qT62gCEAAR
— Contrahour (@Contrahour) October 6, 2018
For Donald Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, Melania opted for a light blue cashmere dress and a cropped jacket by designer Ralph Lauren.
Melania Trump’s inauguration gown top search in Google
Melania Trump’s inauguration ball gown was the top search on Google within hours of her appearance at the event on Monday, with social media abuzz with praises on her attire.
Melania Trump’s outfit at the top of Google search
Stepping into the role of the First Lady once again, her outfit stole the spotlight in the extravagant ceremony, with netizens eagerly awaiting her future chic looks in the White House.
