When Melania Trump stepped out on the West Front of the Capitol on January 20, 2025, the air was freezing. Usually, everyone focuses on the evening gown—the glitz, the dancing, the Smithsonian-bound fabric—but this time, the "gown" conversation actually started with a coat.
It wasn't a European luxury label. No Dior. No Dolce.
Instead, she went with Adam Lippes. If you haven't heard of him, he’s a New York designer known for refined, quiet luxury. It was a massive pivot from the powder-blue Ralph Lauren look of 2017. That first one was all about Jackie Kennedy vibes. This one? This was something entirely different.
The Melania Trump inauguration gown 2025 story isn't just about a dress; it's about a strategic, patriotic fashion pivot that caught almost everyone off guard.
The Navy Coat and the Mystery Hat
For the daytime ceremony, Melania wore a custom navy silk wool double-breasted coat and a matching pencil skirt. Underneath was an ivory silk crepe blouse. It was sharp. Professional. Almost military in its precision.
But honestly, the hat was the real star.
Designed by Eric Javits, it was a wide-brimmed navy boater that sat low, almost shielding her eyes. People on social media went wild. Was it a "don't look at me" statement? Or just a high-fashion way to handle the D.C. wind?
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"The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy," Lippes said in a statement to Vogue.
It was a clear "America First" message through fabric. She’s often criticized for her love of French and Italian couture, so choosing Lippes—whose clothes are hand-sewn in New York—was a deliberate nod to her husband’s economic platform.
What She Actually Wore to the Ball
Once the sun went down, the real Melania Trump inauguration gown 2025 made its debut at the balls.
She stuck with a familiar collaborator: Hervé Pierre.
He’s the guy who designed her 2017 vanilla-colored gown. For 2025, they went with a white strapless A-line gown featuring dramatic black ribbon detailing. It felt modern but also a bit retro. Some critics called it "bridal," while others saw it as a stark, graphic masterpiece.
- Color: Crisp White
- Accents: Black velvet or silk ribboning
- Accessories: A bold, thick black choker with a brooch
- Vibe: Architectural and disciplined
The choker was the most polarizing part. You’ve probably seen the memes by now. Some thought it was too heavy for the delicate neckline of the dress, but Melania has always leaned into that "armor-like" fashion. She doesn't do ruffles. She doesn't do "soft." She does structure.
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The LVMH Controversy
Here is what most people missed. The day before the inauguration, Melania wore a black Christian Dior cape to Arlington National Cemetery.
Normally, fashion houses stay quiet. They don't want the "cancel culture" heat. But this time, LVMH (the parent company of Dior) actually sent out a press release bragging about it.
That is huge.
It signals a massive shift in how the fashion industry views the Trumps now compared to 2016. Back then, designers were publicly refusing to dress her. In 2025? They were sending out PR blasts to make sure they got the credit.
Comparing 2017 vs. 2025
The differences are pretty wild when you look at them side-by-side.
In 2017, she was the newcomer. The Ralph Lauren outfit was an olive branch to the American fashion establishment. It was safe. It was classic.
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In 2025, she looked like someone who had already done the job. The navy Adam Lippes ensemble was darker, more somber, and felt more like a uniform than a costume. She wasn't trying to be Jackie O anymore. She was being Melania.
Why the Choice of Adam Lippes Matters
Adam Lippes is a smaller name compared to the titans of the industry. By choosing him, Melania supported a "craftsman-first" brand.
It’s worth noting that her stylist (or "advisor," as he prefers), Hervé Pierre, orchestrated these collaborations. Pierre told WWD that the goal was to showcase American craftsmanship. They used double-faced wool silk—the kind of stuff that takes weeks to manipulate correctly.
It wasn't just a "mall brand" American choice. It was a "New York Atelier" American choice.
Actionable Takeaways for Fashion Watchers
If you’re looking to channel this "2025 Melania" aesthetic, you don't need a First Lady's budget, but you do need an eye for certain elements.
- Invest in Structure, Not Trends: The 2025 look was about the silhouette—sharp shoulders and a cinched waist. Avoid "flowy" if you want this look.
- Monochrome is Power: Both the navy day outfit and the white/black night gown relied on a very limited color palette. It’s the easiest way to look expensive.
- The "Shield" Accessory: Whether it's a wide-brimmed hat or oversized sunglasses, using an accessory to create a bit of distance is a classic Melania move.
- Tailoring is Everything: None of these clothes "fit" off the rack. If you buy a blazer, take it to a tailor. It’s the difference between looking messy and looking like a million bucks.
The 2025 inauguration fashion wasn't just a repeat of the past. It was a more confident, slightly more defiant version of a woman who knows exactly how to use clothes to send a message without saying a single word.