Melania Trump has never been invisible when it comes to fashion. Over the two decades of her marriage to Donald Trump, she’s built a reputation as a first lady who understands the power of clothing — sometimes to great effect, sometimes to intense controversy. But her first year back in the White House during Donald Trump’s second term has sparked a different kind of conversation, one focused less on polish and more on puzzling missteps.
Donald Trump began his second term on January 20, 2025, giving Melania another turn in the spotlight. Yet instead of confidently reclaiming her fashion footing, her public appearances throughout the year were marked by awkward silhouettes, questionable styling, and choices that left even longtime observers scratching their heads.
While Melania has always favored dramatic lines and bold statements, this year saw an unusual number of unflattering elements. Heavy, bulky coats appeared again and again. Colors felt off. Patterns clashed with the tone of events. Even her usually immaculate hair and makeup seemed inconsistent, at times echoing the same unpolished moments that critics often associate with her husband.
Her most talked-about look came on inauguration day itself. Amid a sea of questionable outfits worn by politicians and guests alike, Melania’s ensemble stood out for all the wrong reasons. She arrived in a dark navy Adam Lippes coat and skirt that carried a stark, almost militaristic feel. Topping it off was a wide-brimmed Eric Javits hat that cast her face in shadow, giving the entire look a severe, ominous edge. The contrast with her soft, hopeful baby-blue Ralph Lauren dress from the 2016 inauguration was impossible to ignore.
In April 2025, Melania appeared at the U.S. State Department to present the International Women of Courage Award — an event honoring resilience, bravery, and leadership. Instead of opting for something understated, she arrived in a leopard-print Milly Park coat reportedly valued at over eleven thousand dollars. The thick, textured fabric drew comparisons to animal pelts and left many feeling the look was tone-deaf for such a serious occasion, evoking uncomfortable associations rather than admiration.
Later that same month, Melania accompanied Donald Trump on a trip to Rome, where her appearance again fueled speculation. Known for her perfectly styled hair, she arrived looking unusually disheveled. Frizzy strands paired with oversized sunglasses and a bland beige trench coat created a rushed, almost careless impression. The coat’s bulky, film-noir style made her resemble a background character from a 1940s spy movie rather than a modern first lady, leading some to interpret the look as a visual sign of disengagement.
Her state visit to the United Kingdom only intensified criticism. Meeting the British royal family, Melania once again reached for a wide-brimmed hat — this time an oversized purple piece paired with a black coat. The hat cast deep shadows across her face, amplifying the severity of the look. Next to the colorful, refined outfits worn by Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales, Melania’s ensemble felt dark, heavy, and oddly theatrical.
Melania’s limited presence at the White House during the year made each appearance feel more scrutinized. When she resurfaced for a Halloween event, observers were stunned by her outerwear choice. The bulky coat appeared almost burlap-like, with bright orange trim that resembled safety tape. A large, buckled belt only added to the confusion, making the entire outfit look more like travel luggage than festive attire.
Even her quieter looks failed to land. At the 103rd annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in December 2025, Melania wore a stark white double-breasted coat that swallowed her frame. Paired with black gloves and no hint of holiday color, the outfit felt cold and joyless, missing the warmth typically associated with the season.
Taken together, Melania Trump’s first year back as first lady wasn’t defined by one shocking outfit, but by a pattern of choices that felt disconnected from the moment. For a woman once praised for her fashion instincts, 2025 marked a surprising chapter — one filled with shadows, heavy fabrics, and a style narrative that never quite came together.
