Lara Trump joined her husband, Eric Trump, on Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing last week for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While the diplomatic visit drew plenty of attention on its own, Lara’s fashion choices also became a major talking point online, with many fans comparing her looks to those previously worn by Melania Trump.
Melania opted not to attend the trip, which gave Lara a chance to step further into the spotlight. For boarding Air Force One on Tuesday, May 12, the former co-chair of the Republican National Committee embraced the ever-popular polka dot trend in a navy-and-white midi dress by Alessandra Rich reportedly priced at $2,341.
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Lara Trump Wears Polka Dot Dresses During China Trip
The sophisticated dress featured a V-neckline, long sleeves, jeweled button detailing at the midsection, and a flowing A-line skirt. She paired the look with nude Christian Louboutin Miss Z pumps and oversized Saint Laurent sunglasses for a polished finish.
Just two days later, the 43-year-old wore another polka dot ensemble—this time opting for a black-and-white midi dress from the same designer. The second look featured a high neckline, buttons down the chest, and puffed half sleeves that gave the outfit a vintage-inspired feel.
Fashion fans quickly noticed the similarities to one of Melania's most memorable looks. Back in 2019, the first lady famously wore a black-and-white polka dot midi dress by Alessandra Rich that instantly became one of her standout fashion moments. She first debuted the look in April 2019 while departing the White House for a trip to Atlanta, styling the dress with an ivory coat draped over her shoulders, a black belt, and oversized dark sunglasses.
Melania later repeated the outfit during an appearance in Boston on May 8, 2019, further cementing the dress as one of her signature style moments. Because of the shared designer, similar silhouettes, and matching retro-inspired polka dot aesthetic, many online quickly drew comparisons between Lara and Melania's fashion choices.
Fans React
Fans quickly flocked to Facebook after a viral post compared the two polka dot looks, with many sharing their opinions on whether Lara or Melania wore the trend better.
“The dresses are nothing really alike in style. The only similar thing is polka dot and it looks much better on Melania,” one user commented. Others praised both women’s fashion choices, with one person writing, “Love both dresses — very classic.”
Another fan added, “Both ladies look absolutely beautiful,” while someone else questioned the ongoing comparisons entirely, commenting, “Both carried it off beautifully!!!!! Why all the comparisons?”
Not everyone preferred Lara’s version of the trend, however. “Not my favorite for Lara — I’ve seen her look much better! Melania’s is much better,” another commenter shared. Meanwhile, others pointed out that the dresses had noticeable differences despite the shared pattern, with one user writing, “Lovely on both! Slightly different design.”
