Truth about Melania Trump dress shocker as insiders reveal gown and belt details after fierce backlash

Sources close to Melania Trump confirmed her Carolina Herrera gown was buttercream yellow with a purple belt, after photos sparked confusion
PUBLISHED SEP 18, 2025
Melania Trump’s yellow State Dinner gown drew sharp criticism and forced insiders to respond (Aaron Chown-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Melania Trump’s yellow State Dinner gown drew sharp criticism and forced insiders to respond (Aaron Chown-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

WINDSOR, ENGLAND: Melania Trump’s latest fashion statement at Windsor Castle ignited a storm of debate online, with many unable to agree on the true colors of her bold ensemble.

The first lady, attending a state banquet alongside President Donald Trump, King Charles, and Queen Camilla, wore an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera gown that appeared dramatically different depending on the light.

Melania Trump yellow gown sparks color debate

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: First Lady Melania Trump arrives for the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle during the state visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. President Trump is in England from Sept. 16-18 on his second UK state visit, with the previous one taking place in 2019 during his first presidential term. (Photo by Aaron Chown-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle for the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla (Aaron Chown-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

In some pictures, the floor-length dress looked sunflower yellow, while in others it appeared buttercream. The belt added even more confusion.

Amid speculation, sources close to Melania clarified that the gown was buttercream yellow and paired with an “Easter purple” belt. Fashion professionals suggested flash photography and digital retouching likely created the mixed perceptions.

“Photographers always play with saturation, curves and contrast in their photos,” explained New York stylist Liz Teich. “I believe her dress was tweaked to look bolder than it actually is, judging by the saturation of the other colors in the image.”

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: U.S. President Donald Trump, (2nd R) First Lady Melania Trump, (R) King Charles III and Queen Camilla (L) rrive for the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle during the state visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. President Trump is in England from Sept. 16-18 on his second UK state visit, with the previous one taking place in 2019 during his first presidential term. (Photo by Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images)
Donald Trump, Melania Trump, King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended the State Banquet at Windsor Castle (Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images)

Teich noted that yellow is tied to optimism, speculating Melania may have chosen the cheerful shade to honor her husband’s Scottish roots and project positivity despite protests surrounding the presidential visit.

For the banquet, Queen Camilla, 78, chose a royal blue silk marocain gown by Fiona Clare, completing her look with a sapphire-and-diamond tiara and the King’s Family Order.

Critics say Melania Trump styling 'felt busy'

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump attend the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. President Trump is in England from Sept. 16-18 on his second UK state visit, with the previous one taking place in 2019 during his first presidential term. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Queen Camilla joined Melania Trump during the State visit by Donald Trump at Windsor Castle (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Celebrity stylist Samantha Brown criticized the pairing of the lavender belt with emerald drop earrings, calling the look “too busy.”

“There are too many touch-points,” Brown said. “We should be looking at her first and the dress second.” She added that the light yellow felt more suited to summer than a September banquet, calling it “not among her best looks.”

Marian Kwei, a Vogue contributor, noted that the gown was “not the expected colour to see at a high state banquet.” She added, “Although it may align with state dress protocol, the strapless gown is a little daring.”

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: First Lady Melania Trump sits in a carriage during a procession through Windsor Castle during the state visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Jordan Pettitt - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Melania Trump sat in a carriage during a procession through Windsor Castle on the presidential state visit (Jordan Pettitt - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Earlier in the day, Melania had chosen a dark gray Christian Dior haute couture skirt suit.

Melania Trump trolled online for outfit choice

Melania’s fashion choice sparked online trolling, with critics calling her gown “unflattering” and “out of place” for the event.

One user wrote, “This dress is awful… awful color, awful fit, awful style. It does nothing for her at her age and nothing for our country. Major fail.”



 

Another added, “One of Melania’s least flattering looks ever. She’s stunning with impeccable taste, but the dress was an unflattering color, ill-fitting, and too casual for the event. I don’t get the belt—and why pair emerald earrings with that combo? Just no.”



 

Some felt the look mismatched the occasion. “I’m not a fan of Melania’s look. It seemed too casual for a State Dinner when your partner is in a tux,” one wrote.



 

Another jabbed, “Melania’s dress is hideous! She looks like a giant Easter egg in that canary yellow with the purple belt.”



 

One critic added, “Melania’s gown is ugly. Sure, she can make other choices—why does she think this one is the best and appropriate?."



 

Not all reactions were negative. Supporters praised the first lady, calling the look a standout. “Absolutely gorgeous. The golden age of America!"



 

Another added, “Stunning. Perfect. And those emeralds!"



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

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