Royal observers questioned if First Lady's strapless gown was appropriate for a formal state banquet.
'Elegant' or 'Exposing'? Melania Trump's $80,000 Pink Dior State Dinner Gown Is Getting Very Mixed Reviews
First Lady Melania Trump's choice of a pink strapless Dior Haute Couture gown at the White House state dinner for King Charles III and Queen Camilla has drawn mixed reactions online. Many people are wondering if the attire was appropriate for the conventional royal standards for white-tie occasions.
The April 28 dinner honored King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their official U.S. state visit. The occasion featured comprehensive ceremonial elements, including a military color guard.
It marked the first white-tie state dinner at the White House since 2007, when President George W. Bush welcomed Queen Elizabeth II. The royal couple received a warm welcome on the South Lawn before being escorted for official photographs at the base of the Grand Staircase, continuing long-standing diplomatic traditions linked to state visits, as reported by Irish Star.
The First Lady paired her gown with pale pumps and off-white suede gloves.
Melania Trump's $80,000 strapless gown has sparked controversy
Melania Trump wore a strapless pink Dior gown to the state dinner, estimated at up to $80,000, according to reports. The delphinium pink silk gown was crafted by Dior's couture atelier. The gown had a sculptural shape, and its gentle and romantic color was both classic and high fashion.
The First Lady, known for her taste, paired the look with off-white Dior suede gloves, with matching pale silk pumps. The appearance highlighted her enduring appreciation for European luxury fashion.
However, her dress became one of the most talked-about elements of the night. While state dinners often attract attention for their fashion choices, the first lady's strapless style and vibrant color drew particular scrutiny given the white-tie dress code, per GB News.
The dress drew mixed reactions — some viewers called it "elegant" while others questioned whether the style suited a formal white-tie royal event.
Critics argued that the dress style may have bypassed traditional royal protocol for such high-level events.
Social media users react to Melania Trump's outfit
The First Lady's strapless dress garnered many responses on social media and in public discussions after the occasion. Some users praised her style as "fashionable" and "eye-catching," while others described the design and color as "atypical" and too "exposing" for a formal state dinner.
Another commenter questioned whether the gown met the standards expected at a formal diplomatic event. Some more comments focused on her individual style, with some questioning aspects like the dress shape and shoe selection.
This is not the first time the First Lady has been questioned for breaking royal protocol. On Monday afternoon, she broke a strict royal fashion rule when she and Trump greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House.
Melania wore a light yellow two-piece outfit, with a tailored pencil skirt that hit just below the knee. She decided to showcase her bare legs, forgoing stockings, and finished her outfit with a set of patterned stilettos. Etiquette experts note that royal women are traditionally expected to wear sheer stockings at official engagements.