Melania Trump's Lavish Look For UK Visit Proves A Simple 'Fit Can Be So Stunning

Melania Trump may have worn some flashy and garish outfits from time to time, but a recent visit to the U.K. showed that when she keeps it simple, she absolutely serves. The first lady and her husband, President Donald Trump, arrived at Windsor Castle on September 16, 2025 for a state visit dressed to impress. As seen in photographs from the day, she emerged in a daring silhouette, donning a solid grey skirt suit by Dior with a peplum waist and high collar. She styled the outfit with high black stilettos and large, diamond stud earrings, which were to be expected since Melania owns some insanely expensive jewelry.  In a sweet gesture of unity, Melania's Dior hat and Trump's tie were the same plum shade. But while the outfit was simple in tones, it was dramatic in its shape and outline, proving that a major fashion moment doesn't necessarily include bright colors or loud prints. It was austere and understated in the best way

We've seen Melania in this style of hat before. At her husband's presidential inauguration in January 2025, she wore a dark navy version by Eric Javits with a white band that had a similar construction to the purple one she wore in England. She seems to be in a strong hat era. Whether that comes from a desire to be shielded from the public — those hats certainly offer a semblance of privacy — or she's just craving some glamorous headwear, Melania's been rocking some showstopping hats. 

Melania Trump likely gets style ideas from Catherine, Princess of Wales. Melania's state visit to England in 2025 reminded us of an outfit that Catherine wore for the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service. For this early occasion, Catherine wore a navy skirt suit by Erdem on March 13, 2023 that, like Melania's look, featured a peplum jacket. Similar to Melania, Catherine wore a wide-brimmed hat in a slightly different color from the rest of her outfit and, of course, both women styled their looks with heels. It's worth noting, though, that Catherine's statement hat didn't cover her eyes as much as Melania's did. It's interesting, too, that Melania opted for Dior, since Catherine just wore a Dior jacket and skirt in July 2025 for the French state visit. While Catherine's jacket didn't have as dramatic of a waist as Melania's the cuts of the coats were quite similar, and the events were only two months apart. 

Both women have grown as style icons on the world's stage and seem to be growing together. Catherine has undergone a stunning style transformation, and Melania has also transformed her personal style. It makes sense that Catherine and Melania have fashion overlap. They both lean into conservative styles, preferring longer hemlines and higher collars. They both have big budgets, so they can work with the best designers in the world, and they're both tall with similar physiques, so it makes sense that there's some shared fashion inspiration.