Social media users have much to say about Melania Trump’s meticulously planned inauguration attire, which included a hat with an interesting story behind it.

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States during his second inauguration in Washington, DC. At the prestigious affair, his wife Melanie Trump joined him. She donned a chic outfit designed by fashion powerhouse Adam Lippes. Some netizens gushed over how elegant she appeared, but others criticized her look.

Melanie Trump turned heads in a dark navy, tailored double-breasted coat featuring sharp lapels and a structured silhouette.

The First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS)’s outfit was paired perfectly with black gloves and closed-toe heels. Her bold accessory choice — a wide-brimmed, double-faced wool boater hat with ivory ribbon — elevated the outfit further, becoming a defining statement piece that captured admiration as well as critique online.

For the momentous occasion, with her hair tucked neatly beneath the hat, Melania embraced a minimalist yet polished aesthetic.

Photos shared on the internet also show Melania and Donald, who wore a suit and a coat, standing on the Capitol steps next to Vice President JD Vance and his wife (Second Lady), Usha Vance.

On the same day as the inauguration, Adam shared an Instagram photo of Melania smiling beside an officer in uniform, providing a closer look at the craftsmanship of her outfit.

Adam captioned, “The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy and today we had the honor to dress our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.”

On the social media, Melania’s striking inauguration outfit garnered swift reactions, with users sharply divided over her ensemble.

Many critics were quick to draw comparisons to somber occasions, with one remarking, “Funeral attire.”

Another echoed, “Definitely looks like she’s going to a funeral,” while a third person quipped, “Dressed for a funeral? Well played!”

“Looks like Melania is in a state of mourning,” observed another critic. Someone else chimed in with, “Looks like they are attending a funeral,” while a spectator reiterated, “Looks like she’s at a funeral.”

Others focused on the hat that completed her look. One person pondered, “Guess Melania doesn’t want anyone to see her face today – isn’t it impolite to wear a hat indoors????” “Melania’s hat looks ridiculous. That’s all I can think of,” expressed a netizen.

A different user speculated on Melania’s motivations for wearing the hat, commenting, “the [sic] hat of Melania is very weird… like she wants to hide her eyes from something… or her forehead.”

In the meantime, some critics combined humor with disapproval, as one user compared her appearance to a well-known pop culture character, penning, “Melania looks like Jim Carrey in ‘The Mask!’ What is going on girl!”

Another lamented, “MelaNia [sic] was dressed Inappropriately. Love her Christmas show at the WH. The hat and dress were austere and inappropriate.”

However, not all reactions were negative. “Melania looks incredible!!” gushed a fan, while another praised, “Melania!!! Fabulous 🔥 that hat is everything.” “Melania looks so elegant,” swooned a fellow admirer.

Interestingly, according to Vanity Fair, Melania’s widely discussed hat almost didn’t make it to the inauguration. Designed by Florida-based milliner Eric Javits, the hat endured what was described as a near fiasco in the days leading up to the event.

Eric, who called crafting the hat “one of the greatest honors” of his career, had been approached by Melania’s stylist, Herve Pierre, with a request to create a custom take on one of his summer boater hats — one Melania already owned and loved. Despite typically avoiding custom orders, the designer took on the project with enthusiasm.

The hat, painstakingly hand-sewn using couture techniques, was a true labor of love. Eric disclosed that the majority of the seams (92%) were crafted by his own hands, with no other eyes seeing the piece before it was delivered to the First Lady’s team for a final fitting in New York.

Yet, disaster struck when the package containing the hat arrived crushed and wet, rendering the piece irreparably damaged. In a race against time, Eric crafted a second hat in under four days.

Herve then personally transported the replacement from Miami to Melania, who was staying at Mar-a-Lago in the days leading up to the inauguration.

Eric later emphasized his goal to “flatter and enhance every kind of face,” noting that it was a simple task with Melania, whom he praised for having a fantastic sense of style, beauty, and great bone structure.

The hat’s dramatic journey wasn’t the only attention it garnered on the big day. As Melania accompanied her husband to bid farewell to former President Joe Biden and former First Lady and doctor Jill Biden, she was seen holding the hat in place against strong winds.

The President of the United States (POTUS) later commented on the moment during remarks to supporters, jokingly describing the scene.

“We went out to the helicopter, though, just prior to this, and said goodbye, and the wind is blowing like crazy, and with the hat that she’s wearing, she almost blew away. We almost lost her. She was being elevated off the ground. She almost blew away,” said Donald Trump.

Melania’s stylish hat was not just the subject of online debates and near-disasters — it also inadvertently became the centerpiece of a lighthearted moment between her and her husband.

Video footage shared on the social media captured Donald attempting to lean in and plant a kiss on Melania’s cheek just moments before he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

However, the wide-brimmed hat proved to be an unexpected obstacle, its size and structure preventing Donald from getting close enough. In a quick adjustment, the couple shared a playful air kiss instead.

The recent commentary surrounding Melania’s inauguration ensemble is far from an isolated instance. Throughout her years in the public eye, her fashion choices have consistently drawn scrutiny, often sparking polarized debates.

As per Kate Bennett, a former CNN White House correspondent, Melania’s style has long reflected her complex relationship with public life. “As the public persona emerged, she still craved privacy,” explained Kate ahead of the inauguration.

She continued, “Her silhouettes became long-sleeved, cinched waists, hard shoulders, longer hemlines —like almost a military-esque vibe. I think that’s because it felt like armor … Because she underwent four years of really intense scrutiny.”