Melania Trump returns in style on Inauguration Day

Melania Trump returns to Washington, DC, in style.

The future first lady — who was dressed in a navy dress and coat, matching pumps and a hat for the occasion — and President-elect Trump arrived in St. John’s Episcopal Church on Monday morning, prior to the President’s inauguration.

Melania Trump has projected glamor and style since her first term as First Lady from 2017 to 2021.

“Mrs. Trump really shocked the world in 2017, at the inauguration, in the powder blue Ralph Lauren suit that was very evocative of a Jackie Kennedy suit and really seemed to suggest that she had studied the role of first lady,” said Vanessa Friedman , the New York Times’ chief fashion critic, to ABC News.

The first women’s fashion has long been steeped in history with unspoken messages conveyed in their clothing choices. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis elevated first lady status to royalty with her pillbox hats and tailored pastel suits, while Michelle Obama emphasized inclusion with her laid-back and affordable separates. Jill Biden highlighted American designers while hinting at attainability with her polished look.

Style experts seem to agree that Melania Trump’s style is more “aspirational,” focusing on designs from high-end fashion houses like Dior and Versace.

“She’s drawn to designers who have the fashion establishment’s blue stamp on silhouette, likes clothes that have structure, often with a waist. She likes a pencil skirt. She likes a sharp shoulder. She often wears military-inspired suits ,” Friedman explained.

The first lady-to-be has carved her own path with wide-ranging outfits over the years, and her Inauguration Day outfit will showcase her style once again.

“The inauguration is really just a theatrical moment where everyone is watching. So every decision has an impact and contributes to the storytelling of the day,” Friedman said.