During Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025, Melania Trump caught attention with an outfit that generated various interpretations. Image consultant Patricio Nieto analyzed the first lady's ensemble and highlighted several significant aspects that conveyed a sense of formality and modesty.
Melania wore a coat-dress in a deep blue tone, paired with a barely visible white blouse at the collar. According to Nieto, this outfit projected a moderate style, opting for colors and designs that did not seek to stand out but rather suggest control and formality. The ensemble was complemented with black leather gloves and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a white border, in tune with Donald Trump's attire.
The expert pointed out that, unlike Melania's style at the 2017 ceremony, which conveyed sophistication and closeness, the 2025 attire seemed more reserved and distant. According to Nieto, this change in image reflected a sense of coldness and detachment, contrasting with the openness and proximity projected on the previous occasion.
Melania's hat, which obscured much of her face, was the subject of comments on social media, where the incident was labeled as a "kiss that wasn't." Nieto also mentioned that the dark blue tone chosen by Melania and Trump contributed to that impression of distancing, reflecting a certain degree of distrust and uncertainty from the first lady.
In her official debut as first lady, Melania Trump carefully used her wardrobe to convey a powerful message, presenting an image of elegance and formality that generated both praise and discussions. The choice of colors and the sobriety in the design of her outfit during her husband's inauguration suggested a perception of distance and seriousness, highlighting her focus on projecting a controlled and distant image at that specific event.
