Former President Jimmy Carter was laid to rest on Thursday, January 9, in Washington, D.C., during a ceremony attended by President Joe Biden, all living former U.S. presidents, and President-elect Donald Trump, who was accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump.
While the solemn occasion featured numerous noteworthy moments, much of the online chatter has centered on Melania Trump’s outfit choice for the event. Melania, 54, opted for a somber yet fashion-forward look, wearing a black trench dress by luxury brand Valentino.
She paired the dress with a white button-down shirt featuring a black-and-white print of The Kiss, a sculpture depicting lovers embracing amid flowers and butterflies. The shirt, part of Valentino’s Fall 2019 collaborative collection with Japanese streetwear brand Undercover, added a unique touch to the ensemble. To complete the look, Melania chose classic black Manolo Blahnik pumps.
However, not everyone appreciated the incoming first lady’s outfit. While some admired her polished appearance, others critiqued her choice of attire, with OK! Magazine reported that social media users likened her Valentino dress to a Pilgrim’s outfit. The comparison drew widespread reactions, with some saying it resembled “Thanksgiving attire.”
One social media user wrote, “She looks like she’s ready to serve up the first Thanksgiving feast.” Another added, “Why does Melania’s dress scream Pilgrim chic?” Despite the critiques, Melania’s fans continued to praise her for her style, with some interpreting the print on her shirt as a subtle nod to themes of love and unity.
This isn’t the first time Melania’s fashion choices have sparked conversations. As a former model, she has consistently made headlines for her wardrobe, often choosing high-end pieces that blend luxury with symbolism. Her black-and-white ensemble at Carter’s funeral added to her legacy of sartorial statements, whether intentional or not.
The reactions to Melania Trump’s outfit at the funeral highlight how her fashion choices continue to spark both admiration and debate, even on solemn occasions. Whether seen as a sophisticated nod to the occasion or an unintended resemblance to historical attire, her look has once again captured public attention.