As Washington DC hosted President Trump’s inauguration, all eyes were on the impeccable attire of his family members. The Trumps’ elegant hats and perfectly tailored outfits drew comparisons to the UK Royal Family’s style. It’s no secret that President Trump admires the monarchy, and this affinity seemed to influence the fashion choices of the women in his family, mirroring a royal fashion “playbook.”
First Lady Melania Trump’s stunning ensemble, designed by Adam Lippes, featured a navy coat with a subtle white collar peeking out. She complemented this with a striking navy boater hat by Eric Javits, adorned with a white band, and wore a pair of Manolo Blahniks. Fashion expert Tamara Abraham noted that Melania’s look echoed British royal fashion, with tailored coats, elegant headwear, and high-heeled shoes being a classic style choice for royal events like Royal Ascot.
Drawing further parallels, Kate Middleton sported a similar dark boater hat with white accents at a memorial service in 2022, pairing it with a high-necked dress featuring delicate white polka dots. At Trooping the Colour in 2023, Kate showcased another chic boater hat, this time in emerald green, complementing an Andrew Gn coat dress with a matching hat by Philip Treacy, a favored milliner of the royals.
Ivanka Trump opted for an all-green outfit at the inauguration, reminiscent of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who wore a similar ensemble to a royal event. The expert explained that the Trumps might be taking fashion cues from the royals due to their expertise in dressing stylishly and tactfully for formal occasions, often choosing block colors and sharp silhouettes to stand out in a crowd.
During her visit to the UK in 2019, Melania wore an outfit similar to her inauguration look, but with reversed colors. The fashion expert also highlighted resemblances in the attire of Vice President JD Vance’s wife and Trump’s granddaughter Arabella to outfits worn by members of the Royal Family, emphasizing the attention to detail the royals put into their coordinated looks for various events.
The Royal Family’s meticulous approach to fashion, from diplomatic attire during foreign tours to coordinated ensembles at significant gatherings, underscores their unity and respect for tradition. Their sartorial choices not only reflect their personal style but also convey important messages as representatives of the crown.