On January 20, 2025, Melania Trump made a striking appearance at her husband Donald Trump’s second inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. She wore a chic dark navy double-breasted coat by designer Adam Lippes, paired with black gloves and closed-toe heels. The standout accessory was a wide-brimmed wool boater hat with an ivory ribbon, which drew both admiration and criticism online. Some praised her elegant look, while others mocked the outfit, with several comparisons to funeral attire. The hat, in particular, sparked debate, with some questioning its appropriateness for an indoor event and others joking about its resemblance to a pop culture character.

The hat itself had a dramatic backstory. Originally designed by Florida milliner Eric Javits, the hat was nearly ruined when it arrived damaged before the inauguration. Javits quickly crafted a replacement in four days, which was delivered to Melania just in time. Despite the challenges, the hat became a key feature of her look and even led to a lighthearted moment with Donald Trump, who humorously remarked about her almost “blowing away” in the wind.

Melania’s outfit, particularly the hat, generated a mix of reactions on social media, with some calling it inappropriate and others complimenting her elegance. Throughout her time in the public eye, Melania’s fashion choices have often been polarizing, reflecting her complex relationship with public scrutiny. Her carefully curated style, often featuring long hemlines and structured silhouettes, has been described as a form of armor against criticism.