Melania Trump once again captured attention with her striking inauguration day outfit, sparking a wave of online chatter and comparisons to pop culture icons. For the January 20, 2025, ceremony, she donned a sleek navy coat paired with a matching flat-brimmed hat featuring an ivory stripe.
The bold, polished look immediately drew comparisons to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” era, with social media users humorously speculating on the outfit’s inspiration. One comment quipped, “Is she channeling MJ or hinting that Donald is the real ‘smooth criminal’?”
Fashion commentators weighed in as well, noting the significance of Melania’s choice. Women’s Wear Daily highlighted her shift toward American designers, specifically Adam Lippes, marking a departure from her usual preference for European labels. This transition to an “all-American ensemble” was seen as a deliberate nod to the occasion. Her fashion choices have always been a blend of elegance and subtle messaging, much like her 2017 Ralph Lauren inauguration look, which drew comparisons to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Adding to the day’s sartorial surprises, Donald Trump broke tradition by wearing a purple tie instead of his signature red, sparking speculation about the symbolic choice. Together, the couple’s fashion choices ensured their return to the White House remained a topic of both political and stylistic conversation.
