When Ivanka Trump stepped out into the crisp D.C. air for the 2025 inauguration festivities, the fashion world didn't just look—it obsessed. Honestly, after four years of keeping a relatively low profile in Miami, the stakes for her "return" wardrobe were sky-high. People weren't just looking for a dress; they were looking for a message.
And she gave them one.
The Ivanka Trump ball gown choice for the Liberty Ball wasn't just a piece of fabric; it was a high-stakes recreation of cinematic history. While most of the political elite stick to safe, patriotic sequins or standard A-line cuts, Ivanka went for something far more specific. She wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown that was a direct, stitch-for-stitch homage to the dress Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1954 film Sabrina.
The Givenchy Moment: Why Audrey Hepburn Matters
You’ve probably seen the original Sabrina dress in black-and-white fashion history books. It’s that iconic bustier gown with the dramatic overskirt. Ivanka’s version featured the same off-white silk base, but with a twist: black organza ruffles and intricate floral embroidery that felt just a bit more 2025 than 1954.
She paired it with black opera gloves. It was bold. Some might say it was a bit "costume-y" for a political event, but that’s kind of the point with Ivanka. She has always used her wardrobe to align herself with a specific type of "Old Hollywood" royalty rather than just being "the politician’s daughter."
The craftsmanship was legitimate, too. This wasn't a Zara knockoff. The house of Givenchy—specifically their atelier, as Sarah Burton did not personally design this piece—worked to recreate the embroidery pattern from their archives. It’s interesting because, usually, first daughters try to stick to American designers to avoid the "buy American" backlash. Choosing a French powerhouse like Givenchy for the main event was a deliberate pivot back to her global socialite roots.
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That Oscar de la Renta Controversy
Before the big ball, there was the candlelight dinner at the National Building Museum. For this, she went with a custom Oscar de la Renta gown. It was a crystal and pearl floral-embroidered empire waist design, complete with a silver stole.
It looked expensive. Because it was.
But the dress itself wasn't the headline—the reaction was. As soon as the brand posted photos of Ivanka in the gown on their Instagram, the comments section basically exploded. Long-time fans of the brand threatened to boycott. They were livid. It’s a weird spot for a fashion house to be in. On one hand, you’re dressing one of the most photographed women in the world. On the other, you’re alienating a huge chunk of your customer base who doesn’t want to see "politics" on their fashion feed.
It wasn't just Ivanka, either. Oscar de la Renta also dressed Usha Vance, the Vice President's wife, for a separate dinner. It seems the brand decided to lean into the administration's fashion moments despite the digital noise.
The Breakdown of the 2025 Inauguration Wardrobe:
- Wreath Laying: A camel-colored Oscar de la Renta cashmere coat with orchid appliqués. Very "quiet luxury" before it was a TikTok trend.
- The Ceremony: A forest-green Dior skirt suit. This was actually inspired by Dior’s Fall 1950 Haute Couture collection. Again, she’s obsessed with mid-century silhouettes.
- Candlelight Dinner: The "controversial" crystal and pearl empire waist gown (Oscar de la Renta).
- The Liberty Ball: The black-and-white Givenchy Sabrina recreation.
Looking Back: The 2017 Carolina Herrera Sparkle
If you compare the 2025 Ivanka Trump ball gown to what she wore in 2017, the shift in her personal brand is pretty obvious. In 2017, she wore that sparkling, champagne-colored Carolina Herrera gown. It was very "Disney Princess." It had long sleeves, a deep-V neckline, and enough sequins to be seen from space.
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Back then, she was trying to look soft, approachable, and traditional.
The 2025 look was much sharper. It was more about "fashion with a capital F." She wasn't trying to be your neighborhood princess; she was positioning herself as a global style icon who understands the nuances of Hubert de Givenchy's legacy. It’s a subtle shift, but in the world of high-stakes styling, it means everything.
The Ambani Wedding: A Different Kind of Ball Gown
We also have to talk about her 2024 trip to India for Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities. This wasn't just a vacation; it was a three-day fashion show. When you're a guest of the Ambanis, a standard ball gown won't cut it. You need "Desi Glam."
She leaned heavily into Manish Malhotra, the king of Bollywood couture.
One of the standouts was a silver and gold sequinned saree that she wore for the "Evening in Everland" event. It shimmered like liquid metal. Later, she switched to a lime green Kashmiri lehenga. What’s fascinating here is how she adapts. In D.C., she’s Audrey Hepburn. In Jamnagar, she’s a "Desi Girl." She has this chameleon-like ability to wear the "uniform" of whatever elite circle she’s currently in.
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Common Misconceptions About Her Style
People often think she has a massive team of stylists picking every single thread. While she definitely has help, Ivanka has been involved in the industry since she was 17, walking the Marc Bouwer runway. She actually knows her fashion history.
When she picks a "Sabrina" dress, it’s not because a stylist told her it was pretty. It’s because she knows the cultural weight that Audrey Hepburn carries. She knows that Hepburn represented a specific type of class and "unproblematic" elegance that she wants to mirror.
Another misconception? That she only wears her own brand. Actually, she had to shut down her fashion line back in 2018. Since then, her closet has moved almost exclusively into high-end European and American luxury: Dior, Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, and Carolina Herrera. The "relatable" working woman aesthetic is long gone, replaced by a much more curated, high-fashion persona.
Why This Matters for 2026 and Beyond
Fashion is a lagging indicator of ambition. By choosing archival-inspired, high-concept gowns, Ivanka is signaling that she isn't just a "former" anything. She’s maintaining a presence that is distinct from the chaotic world of day-to-day politics.
If you're looking to replicate this look—without the Givenchy price tag—you've got to focus on three things: structure, historical references, and restraint.
How to Style Like the 2025 Look:
- Monochrome is King: Notice how she rarely mixes too many colors. It’s either all-white, all-black, or a very specific contrast like the Sabrina dress.
- The Mid-Century Silhouette: Look for boat necks, empire waists, and A-line skirts. These are timeless for a reason. They communicate "authority" without being aggressive.
- Minimalist Jewelry: When the dress is the story, the jewelry shouldn't be. She usually sticks to one statement piece—like the Leviev diamond necklace she wore in 2025—and keeps the rest simple.
Whether you love her style or not, there's no denying that the Ivanka Trump ball gown evolution is a masterclass in branding. She’s moved from the "sparkly princess" of 2017 to the "archival fashionista" of 2025. It’s a more mature, more calculated look that suggests she’s very aware of her place in the public eye.
To track these trends yourself, start by looking at the recent collections from Oscar de la Renta and Givenchy. You’ll notice the "homage" trend is huge right now, with many designers pulling directly from the 50s and 60s. For your next formal event, consider a structured monochrome gown with a historical nod—it's the fastest way to look like you've got a seat at the table, even if you're just at a wedding. Focus on the fit of the shoulders and the quality of the fabric; that’s where the "luxury" feel actually comes from, not just the label on the back.