Melania Trump dazzles in yellow gown but critics spot 'inappropriate' detail
The state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, September 17, saw guests put on their best dresses. But some deemed Melania Trump's yellow gown was seen as 'inappropriate' due to one detail
Donald Trump was treated like royalty as he and his wife, Melania Trump, dined at Windsor Castle. However, one talking point for critics was the outfits worn by the main guests. Melania wore a bold bright yellow Carolina Herrera yellow gown with a pink belt for the state banquet at Windsor Castle yesterday (Wednesday, September 17).
She opted to wear her hair down, styled in soft waves, and accessorised with turquoise, dangly earrings to complete the look. However, many were quick to comment on the daring style of Melania’s dress, which bared her shoulders. This was contrasted to Kate Middleton’s Phillipa Lepley full-length hand-embroidered gold lace evening coat worn over a silk crepe gown.
Camilla wore a floor length royal blue Fiona Clare gown, a sapphire and diamond tiara, and a diamond necklace.
The First Lady, Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla all wore floor-sweeping dresses but Melania’s was deemed to be inappropriate because it was off-the-shoulder and showed a bit of skin.
Women in the Royal Family typically wear modest, conservative clothing to formal events, like state banquets.
Fashion etiquette expert, Lucy Hulme, who featured on The Royal Family Channel on YouTube in November 2021, has shared that guests are expected to follow dress code rules when meeting a member of the Royal Family.
Speaking to The Independent, Hume pointed to the yearly Royal Ascat as an example, where the dress code for the primary royal enclosure requires that women’s attire for both royals and guests must “come below the knee” and have covered shoulders.
Critics didn’t hesitate to note that Melania’s dress for the state banquet showed her shoulders.
The Royal Family shared an image on Instagram showing Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump and the First Lady standing in a row for a photo during the glittering occasion.
Commenting on Melania’s outfit, one commenter said: “The belt is just…nuh-uh. I may be mistaken but isn’t it inappropriate protocol to wear off the shoulder to such a function?”
Another questioned: “Off the shoulder what is she thinking?” And a third chimed in: “So inappropriate that dress!”
However, one observer believes Melania’s decision to wear yellow was strategic.
They remarked: “Melania has somehow hit the nail on the head. Love it or hate it; it’s working.
“She is wearing a colour that is exactly opposite that of Camilla in the colour wheel and which draws more attention to her as a result. I’m not a Melania fan but she looks great.”
A second commenter gushed: "She looks stand-out amazing as always”. Meanwhile, a third added: "Melania looks beautiful.”