Six months after the U.K. state dinner – part of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump‘s three‑day visit to the United Kingdom – the internet is still talking about Karoline Leavitt‘s outfit.
But unlike many of Kate Middleton‘s outfits that live rent-free in fans’ heads because they are so spectacular, this was for all the wrong reasons.
For the September 17th, 2025 U.K. state dinner hosted at Windsor Castle, the White House press secretary clearly took inspiration from the First Lady’s look from the Liberty Ball during the 60th Presidential Inauguration, opting for a classic black and white palette. But that’s where the similarities ended.
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Did Karoline Leavitt's One-Shoulder Dress Break Royal Sartorial Protocol?
Karoline wore a floor-length black and white gown featuring a delicate white one-shoulder top and a flattering black skirt. She accessorized with a timeless black bag with a gold chain, and styled her hair in a chic updo, leaving the neckline unobstructed.
While undeniably elegant and red-carpet-ready, many critics argued that it wasn't quite right for a royal state dinner, especially considering the grand location it was held at! The exposed shoulder may have gone against traditional royal fashion rules, which typically frown upon off-the-shoulder or one-shoulder dresses due to the amount of skin revealed. So, was the dress actually inappropriate, or was it the perfect mix of modern elegance? And does it even matter since Karoline isn't a member of the royal family?
The internet was actually divided. "I adore this woman but why isn't there a fashion consultant for her?" asked one Instagram user. "Extremely tasteless," slammed a second, as a third called the look "classless."
Others didn't feel the same way, as one fan exclaimed: "I think she looks gorgeous. Nothing wrong with the dress! She's young! She's attractive. Melania was showing her shoulders too. Confident women enjoying a dinner with the king!" "She's a classy lady," echoed a second, as a third chimed in: "She is beautiful."
Melania Trump May Have Broken The Same Fashion Rule
Etiquette expert William Hanson also weighed in at the time; and by his standards, the dress did in fact break protocol! He told Marie Claire: "For formal state dinners, ladies' shoulders should be covered, wearing long, floor-length dresses with hair worn up."
While Melania Trump often wins style points for her impeccable fashion, her wardrobe during the U.K. state visit drew mixed reactions.
One casual look where she twinned with the Princess of Wales was a huge hit, as was a stunning caramel-colored leather skirt suit that exuded elegance and sophistication. But the yellow off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress she wore to the state dinner sparked criticism for breaking similar style rules.
"Such an inappropriate dress for a state banquet!" exclaimed one Instagram user at the time. "Ugh, Melania's off-the-shoulder gown is totally inappropriate, and the color is dreadful," slammed a second, as a third said her look was "definitely cringeworthy."
