U.S. First Lady Melania Trump attends a luncheon in honor of President Donald Trump following the inauguration ceremony, in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday. AFP-Yonhap

At Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, where he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, Melania Trump's bold fashion choices drew public attention, receiving both praise and criticism.

Melania donned a dark navy suit with a military-inspired design and a wide-brimmed hat that partially obscured her face. Under the tailored coat, she wore a silk-wool pencil skirt paired with an ivory silk crepe blouse featuring a sharp neckline, with black leather gloves completing the look. The outfit was designed by emerging American designer Adam Lippes.

The most talked-about feature was her wide-brimmed hat, which cast a shadow over her face, making eye contact with cameras and others nearly impossible. The hat even led to a moment when Donald Trump's attempt to kiss her cheek was obstructed by the brim, creating a viral moment online.

President Donald Trump, right, reaches to kiss first lady Melania Trump as Barron Trump watches at the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday. AP-Yonhap

Reactions to her outfit were divided. Some lauded it as sophisticated and serious, while others criticized it for creating a somber mood. CNN described the hat as an "austere flourish to a neat, military-style ensemble." On the other hand, The Guardian remarked that with the dark attire, Melania, "who absented herself from the limelight for long stretches of Trump's first term, seemed to show little more enthusiasm about the second."

The Washington Post offered a colorful comparison, saying her look resembled "a mafia widow or high-ranking member of an obscure religious order," then added, "and a bit of My Fair Lady."

Melania Trump, left, and President-elect Donald Trump at his first inauguration ceremony in 2017. AFP-Yonhap

This outfit was notably different from her attire at Trump's first inauguration, where she wore a sky-blue Ralph Lauren suit paired with white stiletto heels. At the time, Vogue described the look as "1960s-inspired," drawing comparisons to former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Reflecting on the change in style over the years, a former CNN White House correspondent remarked, "As her public persona emerged, she still craved privacy." She noted that Melania's silhouettes evolved to feature long sleeves, cinched waists, structured shoulders and longer hemlines — elements that gave off a military-esque vibe — and suggested that the change felt like "armor."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.