Even with a dedicated team of stylists, hairdressers, and make-up artists available, it’s hard not to feel a touch of empathy for the Princess of Wales and America’s First Lady, Melania Trump.
Indeed, they were aware of their future roles when they married their husbands, but as any married individual knows, only by living it can one truly understand the reality.
Their reality involves having their fashion choices scrutinized, analyzed, and judged worldwide—especially during significant State visits like this one.
Meanwhile, their husbands’ wardrobe choices will fly almost entirely under the radar.
For the Prince of Wales and the President of the United States, it’s formal suits as usual. Unless their suits are notably ill-fitting or wrinkled, nobody particularly notices.
Thus, the responsibility for bringing color and elegance rests with the women. Bloated? Experiencing jet lag? Recovering from an illness? No matter: don those three-inch heels, ladies, duty calls.
The ‘work’ being to make your countries proud, and fly the flag for fashion while you’re at it.
Regardless of the outcome of President Trump’s ‘historic’ state visit—his second, if he hasn’t mentioned it yet—it will undoubtedly be documented as a prime example of diplomatic attire.
The Princess of Wales met the Trumps off their helicopter at Windsor looking powerfully on-trend in a bespoke knee-length double-breasted coat by British designer Emilia Wickstead
Touching down on Windsor Castle’s manicured lawn, Melania Trump wore a saucer hat, in regal purple, and remained loyal to her longstanding French favourite, Christian Dior
On Wednesday morning, the Princess of Wales greeted the Trumps off their helicopter at Windsor looking powerfully on-trend in a bespoke knee-length double-breasted coat by British designer Emilia Wickstead, costing approximately £2,200.
It was in this season’s most fashionable colour, burgundy, and worn with a matching Jane Taylor ‘Neso’ hat decorated with a satin bow and matching burgundy veil.
Given the blustery conditions – the wind, but also the downwash from the helicopter’s rotor blades – said hat must have been virtually cemented to her head.
She accessorised her look with a feather Prince of Wales brooch, ruby earrings and £650 Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps in coordinating brown suede.
Her outfit was neatly finished off with a small £5,100 Classic Flap Bag in quilted burgundy leather, with a distinctive enamel handle, by Chanel.
Touching down on Windsor Castle’s manicured lawn, Melania Trump’s saucer hat, in regal purple, must have been equally well-secured.
Rather than diplomatically opting for a British label, however, she remained loyal to her longstanding French favourite, Christian Dior.
Though perhaps the fact its new creative director is the Northern Irish-born designer, Jonathan Anderson, made her choice feel suitably deferential.
Both women opted for tried and tested silhouettes they’ve worn many times before. Pictured: Kate Middleton, Queen Camilla and Melania Trump
President Donald Trump and Melania’s second-ever state visit is certain to go down in the history books as an elite lesson in diplomatic dressing
Melania opted for a haute couture single-breasted suit, in dark grey wool, that comprised of a long-line jacket and a knee-length pencil skirt
Kate wore her elegant coat with a matching Jane Taylor ‘Neso’ hat decorated with a satin bow and matching burgundy veil
Her haute couture single-breasted suit, in dark grey wool, was comprised of a long-line jacket and a knee-length pencil skirt.
She completed the look with classic black pumps, though she omitted to carry a handbag. A power play?
The provenance of their outfits apart, both women opted for tried and tested silhouettes they’ve worn many times before.
The Princess’s Emilia Wickstead coat was cut in the same ‘fit and flare’ style that is one of her most favoured, highlighting her waist, while the subtly plaited skirt ensured freedom of movement.
Likewise, Melania’s Dior jacket was cut in one of her favourite styles, comprised of a neat waist and subtle padding over the hips. A pencil skirt is another of her signature styles.
As is a trench coat, with Mrs Trump touching down on British soil on Tuesday evening in a floor-length iteration by Burberry.
Some judged it too long, and accused her of looking like Inspector Gadget. Others deemed it very elegant.
It was certainly very diplomatic. Burberry is one of the most venerated luxury heritage brands in Britain, worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II as well as Queen Camilla.
Melania Trump may not be royal, but in her Burberry trench coat and her purple hat, she seems determined to be regal.
