What we learned from the Trump family’s Inauguration style
Team Trump enjoy a dance at the first inaugural Freedom Ball. Photo: Getty
We don’t know much about the inscrutable new FLOTUS, but it’s clear Melania looks to a variety of historical references for inspiration – Michelle Obama’s past speeches and now Jackie Kennedy’s Inaugural 1961 outfit.
Her sky blue Ralph Lauren cashmere dress and jacket, worn with matching gloves and five-inch heels had more than a hint of Jackie O about it.
All she was missing was a pill box hat and a young, charismatic husband who was both decent and progressive.
She looked good, if Lady Penelope from the Thunderbirds was the feel she was going for.
Melania Trump channelled the Thunderbirds puppets. Photo: Getty
Melania will certainly provide a sense of store mannequin chic during the Trumps hopefully brief stay in the White House, with her model figure and oversized sunglasses, like the Gucci ones she didn’t bother to take off during the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington cemetery the previous day.
Melania was criticised for failing to remove her sunglasses during the wreath-laying ceremony. Photo: Getty
First daughter Ivanka chose a strange asymmetric pantsuit by Oscar de La Renta in off-white, while his other daughter, Tiffany, opted for a white coat.
Tiffany (left) and Ivanka Trump both chose white outfits. Photo: Getty
Some commentators noted wearing white may have been a subtle nod to the suffragette movement but given that Dad can’t wait to repeal Planned Parenthood, I’m not buying it.
Hillary Clinton was also in white, in a simple pantsuit again designed by Ralph Lauren. It was a smart move by Ralph to dress both Melania and Hillary, which should go someway to tempering any sort of shopper boycott.
Hillary Clinton, like Melania Trump, wore Ralph Lauren. Photo: Getty
Michelle Obama looked warm and elegant in her burgundy Jason Wu dress and coat, with a face that said “Hillary, c’mon let’s just get out of here and have a glass of wine or three”.
Michelle Obama (far right) looked cosy and comfortable, but her facial expression said otherwise. Photo: Getty
Donald Trump’s red tie dominated proceedings as usual, given that he oddly wears them so long they are almost knee-length (I presume they are Trump Ties and made somewhere where measurements are optional).
One of his sons, don’t know which one, don’t care, had copied Dad, proudly wearing a red tie with his creepy slicked back Wall Street hair, so maybe Donald’s right, there is a movement, along with the red MAGA made-in-China caps. The bad accessory movement.
President Donald Trump and his son Eric wore their signature long red ties. Photo: Getty
Melania and Ivanka, with their long legs, shiny hair and perfect teeth, are perfectly placed to add some celebrity pizzazz to every photo opportunity.
Witness Ivanka’s starry airport touchdown in Washington where she emerged on the red carpeted steps of the plane in a glamorous green dress and matching coat, hair coiffed, movie star sunglasses, child on hip, just your average “working Mom”, having it all.
Ivanka Trump’s airport arrival was the height of glamour – even with a baby on her hip. Photo: Getty
I don’t foresee any style slip-ups from any of the Trump women, but I can’t wait to see what Melania wears to the Easter Egg roll.
The simple crème dress she wore as she and the President began the first dance was stunning – a collaboration between herself and designer Herve Pierre, the former creative director of Caroline Herrera.
Melania Trump’s Inauguration Ball dress was stunning, but she was outshone by her stepdaughter. Photo: Getty
However, this awkward moment in the spotlight was quickly upstaged by Ivanka, who appeared on stage shortly afterwards in a spectacular shimmering princess bride ball gown that blew her stepmother out of the limelight and announced just who the first lady was really going to be.
Ivanka Trump’s glittering Carolina Herrera princess gown stole the show. Photo: Getty
I think we also need to give a shout-out to Trump’s media spokesperson Kelly Anne Conway who put a terrible hat with a red, white and blue Gucci coat that was designed by Alessandro Michelle and inspired by … London.
Kellyanne Conway (with Congressman John Culberson) chose an outfit “inspired by London”. Photo: Getty
In order to recover from the sheer horror of the entire event, I’ve decided to concentrate on the Women’s March and the beautiful, defiant pink Pussy hats that are going to cover Washington.
I’m going to be as interested in what Melania wears next as I would a football game, which is not at all. But protest wear. Now that’s chic.
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