Melania Trump’s second term as First Lady of the United States has seen her not just return to, but augment the FLOTUS aesthetic she conceived during President Trump’s first time around. Her styling has doubled down on homegrown American designs, whereas her first term as FLOTUS focused on her favorite European designers. The severe, elegant silhouettes, however, remain. But there are also new-found moments of softness, and if anything, quieter details of luxury—something that speaks to some level of awareness during these times of political and social tumult propelled by the Trump administration, when her fashion becomes more pared back.

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But it’s the Fourth of July weekend, and the Trumps must celebrate maximally. On July 4 2025, Donald and Melania hosted an Independence Day picnic for the military and their families, after Trump signed his ‘big, beautiful’ bill into law there and then that included significant tax cuts, more defence spending, and a focus on stemming immigration.

Melania opted for a cotton poplin a-line white shirt dress by Thom Browne, the signature red, white, and blue stripes sitting on the hips. (Browne is one of few designers to speak positively about dressing Melania Trump). She wore the collar unbuttoned to create some sense of relax and lightness. In what feels more distinctly the First Lady, she added a pair of red and white snake print Manolo Blahnik pumps for a pop of appropriate color—the Manolo Blahnik BB pumps are a go-to for Trump. Her highlighted hair was worn loose in a middle part, and she sported a nude manicure.