There’s something uniquely captivating about the fashion choices made at high-profile events—especially when royalty is involved. Every detail is scrutinized, every color analyzed, and every accessory assigned meaning. During the recent U.S. state visit to the U.K., all eyes were on two of the most watched women in the world: Melania Trump and Catherine, Princess of Wales. And as often happens at these events, one outfit seemed to capture the public’s admiration, while the other left people… confused.
The day began with a formal welcome at Windsor Castle, where President Donald Trump and Melania were greeted by King Charles III and members of the royal family. Prince William and Kate Middleton were among the first to welcome them. Kate, as she often does, looked effortlessly polished. She wore a tailored dress coat by Emilia Wickstead—elegant, appropriate, and quietly stunning. It was classic Kate: refined without trying too hard.
Melania, on the other hand, made a different kind of statement. She arrived in a gray skirt that coordinated with the President’s tuxedo, but it was her wide-brimmed purple hat that really drew attention. It was dramatic, sure, but it also obscured much of her face. It felt like a choice—maybe even a shield.
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But the real conversation began later that evening, at the state banquet.
The Banquet Look: Elegance vs.… Something Else
When it comes to state dinners, the expectation is often regality, sophistication, a certain timeless grace. Kate Middleton embodied just that. She wore a gorgeous gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley—understated, beautifully cut, and perfectly suited to the grandeur of the event. She looked, in a word, beautiful. It was a look that understood the assignment.
Melania Trump’s choice, however, left many people wondering what the assignment even was. She stepped out in a bright yellow off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress, paired with an oversized lavender (or was it baby pink?) belt and emerald teardrop earrings. It was… a lot. Visually loud, and a little disjointed. Almost immediately, social media lit up. Comments ranged from pure confusion—“What in the world is Melania wearing?”—to critiques about the dress’s appropriateness. Some questioned the off-the-shoulder neckline, though in reality, there’s no strict royal protocol against it. The real issue wasn’t the bare shoulders; it was that the overall effect felt more chaotic than chic.
So, What Was the Reaction?
Let’s just say the reviews weren’t kind. On Instagram and X, people didn’t hold back. One user compared the yellow dress to a “banana tribute.” Another wondered, with a hint of sarcasm, if the President had cut off her credit cards. The overwhelming sentiment was that for someone with access to the best designers in the world, the outfit was a puzzling misstep.
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But it’s worth asking: was it all just a bit unfair? Sometimes, a bold fashion risk doesn’t land. That doesn’t necessarily mean it was without thought. One New York stylist, Liz Teich, suggested to the Daily Mail that Melania might have been aiming for something “cheerful,” especially given the Scottish roots of the Trump family. Perhaps there was an intention behind the brightness—a nod to optimism or even a personal symbolic gesture.
What Do the Experts Say?
Even fashion professionals struggled to find the virtue in the look. Celebrity stylist Samantha Brown pointed out that the combination of strong yellow, a clashing lavender belt, and statement green earrings created too many “touch-points.” Instead of seeing Melania first, you saw the outfit—and then you saw the pieces of the outfit competing with each other. Brown also noted that the dress felt summery and surprisingly casual for such a formal winter event. Her conclusion? “Melania typically makes strong, informed wardrobe choices, [but] this dress doesn’t rank with her best looks.”
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And that’s perhaps the most surprising part. Melania Trump has often been praised for her style—her sharp, modern, and frequently powerful sartorial choices. This one, for whatever reason, just didn’t connect. Maybe it was the color combination, or the scale of the belt, or simply a rare miscalculation in an otherwise carefully curated public image.
In the end, these events are about more than clothes. They’ about diplomacy, presence, and the messages we send without saying a word. On this night, Kate’s message was one of timeless grace and respect for the occasion. Melania’s was harder to read—but one thing was clear: it got people talking, even if not for the reasons she might have hoped.
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