Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, were treated to a royal reception as they dined at Windsor.
However, the outfits worn by the main guests sparked some debate. First Lady Melania chose a striking Carolina Herrera yellow gown with a pink belt for the state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, September 17.
She styled her hair in loose waves and added a touch of glamour with turquoise, dangly earrings. Yet, many couldn’t help but comment on the daring style of Melania’s dress, which revealed her shoulders.
This was in stark contrast to Kate Middleton’s Phillipa Lepley full-length hand-embroidered gold lace evening coat worn over a silk crepe gown. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, opted for a floor-length royal blue Fiona Clare gown, adorned with a sapphire and diamond tiara, and a diamond necklace.
Even though all three women wore floor-sweeping dresses, Melania’s off-the-shoulder number stood out from the crowd. It showed a hint of skin, which was deemed inappropriate by some.
Women in the Royal Family are known to wear modest, conservative clothing to formal events, such as state banquets.
Fashion etiquette expert, Lucy Hulme, who appeared on The Royal Family Channel on YouTube in November 2021, stated that guests are expected to adhere to dress code rules when meeting a member of the Royal Family.
Speaking to The Independent, Hume highlighted the annual Royal Ascot as an illustration, where dress codes for the main royal enclosure stipulate that women’s clothing for both royals and attendees must “come below the knee” and feature covered shoulders.
Critics were quick to observe that Melania’s gown for the state banquet exposed her shoulders.
The Royal Family posted a photograph on Instagram displaying Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump and the First Lady lined up for a picture during the spectacular event.
Remarking on Melania’s ensemble, one commentator stated: “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?”
Meanwhile, another asked: “Off the shoulder what is she thinking?”. And a third contributed: “So inappropriate that dress!”
However, one spectator considers Melania’s choice to wear yellow was very clever. They observed: “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 commentator enthused: “She looks stand-out amazing as always”. And another added: “Melania looks beautiful.”
