First Lady Melania Trump is known for her polished, sophisticated fashion choices, which often receive praise online. However, her latest look for a White House state dinner sparked a different kind of reaction, with some people questioning whether her outfit was formal enough for the occasion.
For the White House state dinner on September 24, the mom of one stepped away from the traditional evening gown and opted for a striking black-and-white ensemble featuring tailored trousers and a dramatic bow blouse.
The first lady wore a crisp white Saint Laurent cotton-poplin button-up shirt with an oversized statement bow at the collar. Some fans jokingly compared the large bow to a “folded napkin.”
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Melania Trump Divides Internet With Her WHSD Look
She paired the blouse with black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo trousers featuring a subtle peony motif, a design choice that paid tribute to China’s association with the peony, often known as the “King of Flowers” and linked with grace and prosperity.
The former model completed the look with a black silk Dolce & Gabbana cummerbund, an Hervé Pierre belt and pointed-toe Christian Louboutin pumps.
Meanwhile, Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan opted for a more traditional silhouette, wearing a floor-length red gown with long sleeves and an open Mandarin collar.
Melania’s menswear-inspired ensemble quickly became a topic of discussion online, with some users arguing that the trousers and oversized bow looked too casual for such a formal occasion.
The Internet Reacts
“Pretty pantsuit but not appropriate for a black tie event! Sorry,” one person commented.
“Did not like her outfit. The China First Lady was much more elegant,” another wrote.
“Terrible choice for state dinner!! What happened to the stylist?” a third person said.
Others focused on the decision to wear trousers, with one commenter writing, “Pants for a State Dinner??? I get the flower motif, the red soles, but come on.”
Another person joked about the practicality of the oversized bow, writing, “I just think it would be hard to keep a large white bow clean while eating (at least for me).”
“The bow is ridiculous,” another critic added.
One particularly harsh reaction read, “Pants? And a pirate shirt? A lovely gown would have looked much more elegant, and it would have been more respectful to her guests. She made the story about her silly outfit, and the First Lady of China looked more appropriately dressed. Melania’s menswear looks are not a win.”
Her latest state dinner look put a modern spin on formalwear, though this time the unexpected choice of trousers and an oversized bow divided opinions online.
