Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States, has been a consistent headline-maker for her fashion choices throughout her time in the White House and beyond. Known for her luxurious and often extraordinarily expensive taste, Melania’s wardrobe features pieces from some of the world’s most prestigious designers. Here, we explore some of her most notably expensive outfits and the occasions on which she wore them.
The Inauguration Day Outfit
On Inauguration Day in January 2017, Melania Trump made a striking impression with her choice of a pale blue Ralph Lauren cashmere ensemble. The outfit, which reportedly took the designer’s team several months to create, featured a mock turtleneck dress, a cropped wrap jacket, and matching gloves. This elegant, custom-made piece echoed the style of Jackie Kennedy, one of America’s most fashion-conscious First Ladies. Although the exact cost wasn’t disclosed, custom pieces from such a renowned label as Ralph Lauren can range significantly into high price tags, likely costing tens of thousands of dollars.
The Dolce & Gabbana Jacket in Sicily
During the G7 summit in Sicily in May 2017, Melania Trump wore a floral jacket by Dolce & Gabbana that quickly went viral. The jacket was priced at $51,500 and was part of a limited-edition collection. The silk jacket featured a vibrant 3D floral print and was paired with a matching clutch by Dolce & Gabbana. This outfit sparked a considerable amount of discussion regarding the appropriateness of such an extravagant garment during a political event where economic topics, including poverty and inequality, were on the agenda.
The Silver Chanel Haute Couture
At her first state dinner as First Lady, Melania opted for a show-stopping, custom-made Chanel Haute Couture gown. The chainmail dress, known for its intricate craftsmanship and shimmering metallic fabric, is a typical example of luxury fashion. Chanel Haute Couture gowns like this one are known to cost upwards of $100,000 due to their detailed and labor-intensive production processes. The gown was widely praised for its elegance and fitting context at a state event, reflecting the grandeur expected at such high-profile occasions.
The Hervé Pierre Inaugural Ball Gown
For the inaugural ball, Melania Trump chose to co-design her gown with Hervé Pierre, a designer who has worked with previous first ladies. The gown was a sleek, off-shoulder piece with a high slit and a red silk ribbon cinching the waist. This one-of-a-kind piece exemplifies the exclusivity and custom tailoring often associated with inaugural gowns, with estimated costs running into tens of thousands of dollars. This gown was not only a fashion statement but also a piece of political history, later being donated to the Smithsonian Institution.
The Michael Kors Suit at the Joint Session of Congress
Melania Trump’s choice of a sequined Michael Kors suit for the President’s first address to a Joint Session of Congress in February 2017 also drew significant attention. The suit, which retailed for around $10,000, was noted for its sparkling embellishments and was paired with a simple black belt and pumps. This outfit reflected a blend of professional styling with high-end fashion sensibility, appropriate for the formal yet politically significant event.
Melania Trump’s wardrobe is a clear indication of her preference for high fashion and luxury brands. Her outfits, often worth thousands of dollars, represent more than just personal style—they symbolize a kind of soft power and international representation, showcasing the luxury and exclusivity associated with being the First Lady of the United States.
Vacation-Ready in Valentino
On a warm day in April 2024, Melania Trump sported a pink floral Valentino jumpsuit, which, while eye-catching, wasn’t universally loved despite its hefty $6,900 price tag. Worn at a Palm Beach fundraiser, the jumpsuit made headlines for both its design and its luxury brand association, highlighting Melania’s penchant for standout, high-fashion pieces.
Elegant Simplicity in Alexander McQueen
Melania’s choice of a $2,690 Alexander McQueen shirtdress for a Florida primary appearance showcased her refined yet bold style. Complemented with a Chanel bag and black stilettos, the total ensemble approached a $10,000 valuation, blending high-end fashion with political engagement.
Royal Dinner in Givenchy
During a 2019 visit to the UK, Melania chose a red Givenchy cape dress valued at $7,100 for a dinner with the British royals. The gown, designed by Meghan Markle’s wedding dress designer Clare Waight Keller, combined elegance with striking color, making a memorable fashion statement.
Gardening in High Style
Even for gardening at the White House, Melania opted for luxury with a $5,384 Valentino skirt. The event, held in August 2018, saw her planting a sapling in a designer outfit, showcasing her unique approach to blending official duties with high fashion.
Meeting with the Prime Minister in J. Mendel
In July 2018, Melania wore a J. Mendel pastel yellow gown, priced at $6,990, to dine with the UK’s Prime Minister at Blenheim Palace. The gown featured a flowing cape, reinforcing her status with a regal, princess-like appearance.
