The subtle significance of Melania Trump's outfit to greet Queen Rania of Jordan
Melania Trump was in D.C. yesterday to join her husband in welcoming the King and Queen of Jordan to the White House, one of her important roles as first lady. Over the next four years, she'll meet leaders of nearly every state, and she'll have to follow the lead of former first lady Michelle Obama and other prominent women, like the Duchess of Cambridge, in how she strategically dresses for the occasion.
It's not just about elegant, polished looks -- which Melania has widely established will be her style m.o. -- it's also about making certain diplomatic nods to those she is meeting, whether in color choice, designer, or style.
For example, the Telegraph points out that Melania's emerald green dress chosen to meet the royals of Jordan is important for a few reasons: Green is one of the colors on the Jordanian flag, and is an important hue in the Islamic faith.
It's not uncommon for women in the public eye to allow their fashion choices to make a diplomatic statement. Every time the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the UK or meet world leaders, it's almost without fail that Kate will wear a dress by a designer from their host country or a color of significance. She's also had pieces specifically created as a nod to the country she's visiting -- such as a hat with maple leaves while visiting Canada, or a custom Jenny Packham dress covered in fern leaves worn in New Zealand. Michelle Obama often did the same, while she mostly championed American designers, she would often add a respectful nod to other world leaders through her style.
Back to the matter at hand, however, Melania also needed to choose her outfit very carefully for this first meeting with Queen Rania, as she's widely seen as one of the most stylish royals in the world. So naturally, Mrs. Trump knew that Rania would bring her fashion A-game -- and brought her own as well.
Melania's Hervé Pierre dress was cinched at the waist with a skinny black belt, and she added a conservative element with the use of a scarf in the same shade of emerald. In turning to Hervé Pierre again (he was the designer of her chic white inaugural ball gown), it's possible that Melania may be establishing a relationship she plans to carry throughout her tenure at the White House.
Queen Rania's black and white ensemble was every bit as fashionable and elegant as we've come to expect from her, with a high neckline and polished Christian Louboutin heels.
Click through above to see both ensembles, and below to see Melania's style through the years.
