With her modelling background, Melania Trump has brought a distinctive fashion flair to the White House since becoming First Lady in 2017. At President Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol’s Rotunda in January 2025, she commanded attention in an oversized navy chapeau by designer Eric Javits, paired with a navy silk-wool coat and matching pencil skirt from Adam Lippes. The sophisticated ensemble was layered over an ivory silk crepe blouse, while the statement hat featured a wide brim and was adorned with an elegant white ribbon around the band.
It’s chic ensembles like this that now define Melania’s sartorial approach – a sharp contrast to the more playful style she embraced in the '90s. In a world exclusive with HOLA! and HELLO!, Melania's stylist Hervé Pierre described his approach to dressing the First Lady. "She likes tailored suits and sharp lines. She will not start wearing ruffles and floral prints just because she is starting a new chapter," he shared.
"She gravitates towards strong tailoring, sleek looks and perfect cuts with no fuss. Her style has been consistent for years; there is no reason why she would change it. It will evolve, certainly, but the core of her look will remain in the same vein. She was always confident in her choices – I am just helping her."
© Régine Mahaux/The White HouseAs Melania continues to grace the halls of the White House with polished tailoring and refined silhouettes, much like her predecessors, HELLO! takes a closer look at her sartorial evolution over the years.
Here is how Melania's appearance and style have changed over the years.
1/11
© Ron Galella1999 — 90s slip dress
Not long after meeting Donald Trump, Melania stepped out in a classic 90s silk slip dress paired with ultra-thin brows for a look that was completely of its time. During this period, she was getting her start as a model, having moved to New York in 1996.
2/11
© KMazur2002 — All white outfits
A year after getting her green card, the same year she moved into Trump Tower, the former model opted for a strong pair of bangs and simple, chic outfits, such as this all-white look. It's one of many she wore that year — perhaps a bridal hint for her partner of almost four years to pop the question?
3/11
© Patrick McMullan2007 — Luxurious fur
Attending the Michael Kors fall collection, which took place in February 2007, Melania shrugged off the cold with a decadent black fur look, which she paired with glowy snow angel makeup and cascading wavy hair — a classic look among models in the noughties.
4/11
© Joe Kohen2010 — Little black dress
Entering a new decade, Melania embraced figure-hugging shift dresses for a simple, stylish look, ideal for all occasions. She wore her hair straight as she wore this little black shift dress — one of many little black dresses in her wardrobe, as the garment clearly became a staple for her.
5/11
© Larry Busacca2012 — Shoulder pads at the Met
Melania pushed the boat out as she attended her final Met Gala with her husband, opting to pay homage to the theme of Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations with a bold dress. She wore a white sequin Marc Bouwer dress featuring pointed shoulders and an asymmetrical hemline, paired with a strong set of full bangs for a look certainly outside of her usual oeuvre.
6/11
© Larry Marano2014 — Classic shift dresses
The former model channeled future first lady with a wardrobe full of shift dresses, as she attended her husband's Invitational Grand Prix in Mar-a-Lago in a figure-hugging white dress with lace panels.
7/11
© MANDEL NGAN2016 — First Lady fashion
Days away from becoming the First Lady of the United States, Melania embodied the role with traditional neutral tones and well tailored-coats as she supported Donald while attending polling stations.
8/11
© SAUL LOEB2018 — Dressing for diplomacy
Undertaking first lady duties, Melania opted for longer, flowy dresses with shirt detailing when attending diplomatic events across the world — not only did these looks keep in with the political dress code, but they were perfect for handling the heat.
9/11
© Noam Galai2021 — Post-presidential prints
Following years of neutral tones and conservative cuts, Melania left the White House and headed back to Mar-a-Lago in a bold print dress with long sleeves.
10/11
© Alon Skuy2024 — Bold patterns
While the former first lady has largely kept out of the spotlight this year, supporting her husband from afar, she's opted for bright colors and patterns when she has made public appearances.
11/11
© Getty ImagesMelania in a custom Hervé Pierre gown
2025 - Sharp tailoring
Melania Trump oozed chic in a custom Hervé Pierre gown as she enjoyed a romantic first dance with her husband, Donald Trump, following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The First Lady donned a strapless off-white silk crepe dress layered with an asymmetrical black accent craft from silk gazar. Melania added a silver floral diamond broach created by Harry Winston in 1955 to her choker.
