There’s an unspoken script for what to wear to a state dinner, especially one hosted by a royal family. The expectation leans toward timeless elegance, sophistication, and a certain level of modesty that respects the formal occasion. It’s a chance to make a polished statement, not just a fashionable one. For Karoline Leavitt, however, her choice of attire for the recent state dinner in the UK has people talking for all the wrong reasons.
The event, held on September 17, was a significant moment in diplomatic relations. The guest list included King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Catherine, Princess of Wales. It was the kind of high-stakes, globally watched event where every detail matters. While all eyes were on the interactions between dignitaries, the fashion choices of the American contingent—specifically those of Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trump’s press secretary—became an unexpected focal point.
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Leavitt arrived in a two-tone, one-shoulder gown. The white top portion clung tightly to her frame, transitioning into a black skirt with floral detailing at the midsection. She wore her hair up, with a single tendril framing her face, and completed the look with pointed-toe black heels and a matching clutch. On its own, it might have been a striking dress for a different event—a gala, perhaps, or a chic cocktail party. But in the context of a royal state dinner, the outfit raised more than a few eyebrows.
The general consensus among style watchers and etiquette experts was that the dress missed the mark. The exposed shoulder and the overall fit of the garment were seen by many as too revealing for such a formal and traditional setting. The tone felt less “diplomatic meeting” and more “sorority formal,” as one critic pointed out. It’s worth noting that Leavitt was not alone in her skin-baring choice; former First Lady Melania Trump also opted for an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera gown in bright yellow. Yet, it was Leavitt’s ensemble that drew particular scrutiny for what some described as its “cheap JCPenney vibes” in contrast to the expected demure elegance.
This wasn’t the only outfit from Leavitt’s UK visit that turned heads. Earlier in the day, during the Beating Retreat military ceremony at Windsor Castle, she wore a form-fitting red ensemble with a plunging neckline and a snug skirt. The look stood in stark contrast to the classic, fully-covered double-breasted white coat worn by political advisor Margo Martin, who was standing beside her. The choice felt particularly noticeable given the military precision and tradition of the event surrounding them.
This pattern of style choices isn’t entirely new for Leavitt. Back in June, she posted a photo of herself posing in the Oval Office wearing a short, tight black dress that showed off her legs—a look that many felt was better suited for a night out than the West Wing. It seems that Leavitt has a consistent tendency to push the boundaries of traditional professional attire, favoring body-conscious, attention-grabbing pieces even in settings that call for restraint.
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Of course, fashion is subjective, and personal style is a form of expression. But when you’re representing your country on the world stage, clothing becomes part of the message. It communicates respect for the host, understanding of the occasion, and a awareness of the diplomatic context. For many observers, Leavitt’s choices at the state dinner and surrounding events missed that memo entirely, prioritizing a trendy, figure-flaunting aesthetic over the nuanced language of diplomatic dress code.
In the end, the conversation around her outfit is about more than just a dress; it’s about how public figures choose to present themselves when the world is watching—and whether that presentation aligns with the gravity of the moment.
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