On January 20, Melania Trump once again became the First Lady as her husband, Donald Trump, was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. Throughout the ceremonies, Melania stood by his side, marking the beginning of his second term. Despite previous perceptions of her being less engaged, such as body language experts describing her as “unhappy” during election night, her demeanor seemed to change during the inauguration.

Melania’s outfit, especially her striking bowler hat and tailored coat, caught attention and sparked discussion. Body language expert Judi James suggested the outfit signaled Melania’s desire to project seriousness and equality with her husband. Her confident smile and hidden eyes under the hat further emphasized this tone. The couple’s physical interactions also raised eyebrows, such as Donald’s repeated attempts to hold her hand and several affectionate gestures throughout the day.

Though Melania’s outfit was elegant, it faced some challenges. Many designers, including notable names like Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs, declined to collaborate with her, continuing a trend from Donald Trump’s first term. French designer Hervé Pierre, who has worked with Melania, explained that the fashion industry’s hostility toward the Trumps led to difficulties in securing design partnerships.

Overall, Melania’s public appearance conveyed both elegance and a subtle power dynamic, leaving an impression that was both regal and confident, despite mixed reactions to her outfit choices.