Melania Trump Drops the Now-Viral Hat, Chooses Black-and-White Gown for Inaugural Ball

Mar. 15, 2025

First ladyMelania Trumpwore a black-and-white gown to celebrate PresidentDonald Trump’s inaugural ball on Monday, Jan. 20.

Melania walked out next to the 47th president at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center wearing a strapless white gown with a geometric black trim and a small slit. The look was paired with white heels and a thick, black choker.

For Donald’s first inauguration ceremony eight years ago, the former model chose a powder-blue Ralph Lauren cashmere ensemble with matching gloves and heels.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the Commander-In-Chief inaugural ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025.AFP via Getty

AFP via Getty

For Donald’s second inauguration, Melania stepped out in a navy coat and skirt from New York designer Adam Lippes. The daytime outfit was accessorized with a wide-brimmed hat that obscured much of her face, marking a departure from first ladies' typical Inauguration Day attire.

At one point, when the president-elect went to kiss her during the swearing-in ceremony, he wasn’t able to make contact with her cheek, instead giving her an air kiss.

The last first lady to wear a hat to a presidential inauguration wasHillary Clintonin 1993, who wore a blue velvet bowler that did not conceal her eyes.

First lady Melania Trump attends inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

In a 2017 interview withThe New York Times, Pierre gave a glimpse into why he wanted to work with the polarizing figure.

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“The beauty of this country is it’s a democracy, so some people want to dress certain people and some people don’t want to. I choose to,” Pierre said at the time.

Melania’s 2017 inaugural ball gown was donated to the Smithsonian’sFirst Ladies Collection, which has gathered more than two dozen first lady dresses from past decades in an attempt to document history.

source: people.com