Everyone expected the 2025 inaugural balls to be a high-stakes runway, and honestly, they didn't disappoint. While the daytime ceremonies were all about structured coats and that much-discussed Eric Javits boater hat Melania Trump wore, the night shifted into something far more ethereal. It wasn't just about the politics. It was about the fabric. Specifically, the return of "Old Hollywood" in a way that felt both nostalgic and surprisingly aggressive.
If you were watching the inaugural balls 2025 fashion unfold on social media, you probably saw the memes before you saw the actual gowns. But beyond the quick snapshots, there was a real shift in how the "first family of luxury" (the Arnault family of LVMH) and classic American designers reclaimed their spot in the D.C. spotlight.
The Gowns That Defined the 2025 Inaugural Balls
Melania Trump has always been a fan of the "column" silhouette. For the Liberty Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, she didn't stray from what works. She stepped out in a white silk crepe gown designed by her long-time collaborator, Hervé Pierre. It was simple. Stark. The dress featured a zigzagging black ribbon detail that sliced across the bodice, a subtle but sharp departure from the vanilla-hued gown she wore back in 2017.
She basically kept the accessories to a minimum, let the dress do the talking, and kept her hair in those familiar soft waves. It was a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kind of moment.
Ivanka's "Sabrina" Moment
Ivanka Trump went in a completely different direction, and this is where the internet really lost its mind. She wore a custom recreation of the iconic Givenchy gown Hubert de Givenchy originally made for Audrey Hepburn in the 1954 film Sabrina.
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- The Look: Strapless white gown, bold black floral decals, and a dramatic train.
- The Vibe: Pure 1950s debutante.
- The Details: Black opera gloves, a French twist, and a Leviev diamond necklace.
It was a bold move to literally dress as a movie character for a state event. Some called it iconic; others thought it felt a bit like a costume. Regardless, it was the most photographed look of the night.
Usha Vance and the Sapphire Shift
Second Lady Usha Vance has been carving out a style that feels a bit more approachable but still deeply high-end. At the Commander-in-Chief Ball, she opted for a sapphire-blue dégradé gown by Reem Acra.
The dress featured a Chantilly lace underlay and a shimmering finish that caught the light every time she moved. It was a smart pick. Blue is a safe political color, but the "dégradé" (that's the gradient effect for those not in the industry) made it feel modern. She didn't go for the heavy jewelry, sticking to a sophisticated "less is more" mantra that actually made her stand out more than the people covered in sequins.
The Bezos-Sanchez Factor
You can't talk about inaugural balls 2025 fashion without mentioning Lauren Sánchez. After causing a stir earlier in the day with a sheer Alexander McQueen corset under a blazer, she did a total 180 for the evening.
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She wore an ethereal Dolce & Gabbana gown with cape sleeves. It was soft, flowy, and accessorized with massive Lorraine Schwartz jewels. It was a lot. But then again, it’s an inaugural ball—if you can’t wear a cape and giant diamonds now, when can you?
Why the Designers Mattered This Time
In 2017, there was a whole "will they or won't they" drama about designers refusing to dress the first family. 2025 was different. The vibe was business.
Oscar de la Renta was all over the weekend, dressing both Usha Vance and Ivanka Trump for various dinners. Dior and Givenchy (both LVMH brands) were front and center. Bernard Arnault was even spotted in the audience. It seems the fashion industry decided that "partisanship is out, and couture is back in."
The "Under-the-Radar" Winners
- Kai Trump: She went for a beaded Sherri Hill gown that felt exactly right for a young woman at her first major political gala.
- Priscilla Chan: She kept it interestingly low-key in a pale blue Bottega Veneta knit cardigan with gold buttons. It was a weird choice for a ball, but it somehow worked in a "I'm so rich I don't need to try" kind of way.
- Carrie Underwood: Performing at the events, she pivoted away from her usual "country-glam" sequins for a more understated white midi dress with ruched fabric.
The Reality of the Dress Code
Most people think these balls are strictly "white tie," but they’re usually "black tie" or "military dress." You saw a lot of service members in their mess dress uniforms, which honestly provides a great foil to the bright gowns.
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The trend for 2025 was definitely monochrome. We didn't see many prints. It was blocks of white, navy, sapphire, and the occasional "Biden Blue" or "Unity Purple" from the outgoing administration.
How to Apply These Trends to Real Life
You probably aren't going to a presidential inauguration next week. But the inaugural balls 2025 fashion trends are going to trickle down to wedding season and gala circuits fast.
- Embrace the Column: If you want to look tall and "official," a column dress in a solid, dark color is your best friend.
- The Return of the Glove: Black opera gloves are having a massive moment. They’re an easy way to make a simple dress look like you spent five figures on it.
- Knitwear as Formalwear: If Priscilla Chan can wear a cardigan to an inaugural event, you can definitely wear a high-end knit to a formal dinner. Just make sure the buttons are statement pieces.
If you're planning an outfit for a formal event this year, skip the "trendy" cut-outs. 2025 is clearly about looking back to the 40s and 50s for inspiration. Look for heavy satins, structured bodices, and maybe, if you're feeling brave, a cape.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Review your wardrobe for solid-colored column dresses; these are the "power move" of the year.
- Invest in a pair of opera gloves if you have a black-tie wedding on the calendar—it's the quickest way to update an old gown.
- Follow the LVMH brands (Dior, Givenchy) over the next few months, as their 2025 collections will likely continue the "regal minimalism" seen in D.C.