There is an undeniable yet often-overlooked aspect of fashion theory related to politics, which is being resurfaced in light of Melania Trump’s recent fashion choices. While fashion does not directly impact political ideology or legislation, there is a strong tie between outward aesthetics and government affiliation. Melania Trump’s recent fashion choices signal the Trump regime’s dark intentions toward our country, specifically through her inaugural and official portrait attire. These can be seen through color schemes, construction and styling.

To begin, I must implement an understanding of fashion as a visual language. What you wear is a communication of your identity, must I recite Miranda Priestly? When it comes to politics, fashion becomes a cohesive intentional statement about the rhetoric of a party. Unfortunately, a prime example of this is the Nazi party. Throughout the Third Reich, the party specifically had their uniforms professionally designed (research manufacturer Hugo Boss) to connote discipline, uniformity and fear. They understood that you must dress the part to command respect and power in a country. Using strong visual language such as striking color schemes and severe tailoring, they effectively made an easily identifiable brand for themselves, which has now become a symbol of vitriol. This goes to show how powerful clothing symbolically becomes as a political statement.

Analyzing Melania Trump’s viral 2025 inauguration look, it feels ill-placed, almost like mourning attire. Her stylist, Hervé Pierre, is a figure known for dressing politicians. He commissioned designer Adam Lippes to create a look for the inauguration, and what Lippes came up with is nothing short of strange. Melania Trump wears a statement black trench coat, a striking hat, black heels and her hair slicked into a sharp bun. The outfit is simply unforgiving, it’s cold and cheerless, and you can’t even see her eyes. The strictly black-and-white color palette is a motif seen in this look among others. Melania Trump’s inauguration outfit visually communicates a melancholy, serious manner. It highly contrasts her Jackie Kennedy-esque inauguration outfit in 2016, where she adorns a vibrant baby-blue dress, much more fun and expressively warm. Her lack of emotion and her solemn demeanor in the 2025 inauguration cannot help but remain an indicator of the frankly depressing consequences of a renewed Trump presidency. Everything in politics is intentional, her outfit is not any different.

Following the trend of expressively dark outfits, Melania Trump’s official White House portrait attire plays the same game. She wears a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo suit, which is remarkably masculine and serious for her style. The way the portrait was photographed sets a grave tone over Melania Trump; she leans over a reflective countertop as an imposing figure, barely smiling. The portrait is again, completely black and white, devoid of color. The same can be said for her Inauguration Ball dress, structurally severe and achromatic. Her outfits make a statement of unflinching staidness–a sober, colorless wash over any vibrancy or hope that the new administration brings. Her stylist is not trying to portray a look of celebration, as one would usually expect from the First Lady. Melania Trump has become a statue of elegance that holds no grace or benevolence.

If this is the type of imagery the Trump administration wants to associate with its brand, it reflects their intentions for the next four years. Melania Trump, the woman most photographed and associated with our president, must look the part of the desired Republican dogma. These political principles clearly indicate a dark turn in Trump’s second term–just look at the news and see the type of legislation and changes he has made. Whether you like it or not, clothing becomes an accessory of power on the political stage, and each piece tells a curated story. The story Melania Trump‘s clothing tells is one of tragedy, it represents the funeral of our country, told on the back of a woman destined to stand at its helm.