Melania Trump Bares Her Shoulders in Striking Yellow Gown at UK State Banquet

Criticism erupts online over the U.S. First Lady's bold gown at a royal event, as online viewers call it "embarrassing" and "inappropriate."

The First Lady of the United States' (FLOTUS) fashion has once again ignited a firestorm online. What was meant to be a moment of diplomatic glamor turned into a social media battlefield, with Melania Trump's daring look slammed as being wildly out of touch with the evening's regal tone.

As the Trumps dined under the vaulted ceilings of Windsor Castle with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, online critics zeroed in not on policy, but on Melania's polarizing dress, which even drew comments from a celebrity stylist and Vogue contributor.

A Royal Dinner… and a Fashion Disaster?

On September 17, 2025, the FLOTUS and President of the United States (POTUS) Donald Trump attended the lavish State Banquet — an event steeped in historic significance — hosted by the British monarch in Windsor, England.

In contrast to the opulent surroundings, Melania stepped out in a floor-length, bright canary-yellow, off-the-shoulder gown featuring a structured bodice, long sleeves, and a bold lavender belt — all capped off with a dramatic side slit. Her look was completed with pointed-toe heels and large statement earrings.

Her husband donned a classic suit with a tailcoat and a white bow tie. Standing alongside them, King Charles III wore formal regalia, complete with ceremonial sashes and medals, while Queen Camilla opted for a rich, royal blue gown featuring subtle embellishments and a dazzling tiara.

The photo op captured a blend of old-world grandeur and contemporary style, with Melania's ensemble stealing much of the attention, and not all of it for the right reasons.

'It's [...] Not a Night Club': Critics Tear Into the First Lady

The fashion fallout was swift, with netizens taking to various platforms to air their opinions about Melania's sartorial choice. One person wondered, "What in the world is Melania wearing [sic]…." while another echoed a similar sentiment, "Melania's dress didn't fit the event."

Someone else penned, "This belt is just….nuh-uh. I may be mistaken but isn't it inappropriate protocol to wear off the shoulder to such a function [sic]?" and another observed, "It's a state dinner not [sic] a night club. So embarrassing…" "What is Melania wearing? She looks very out of place," opined another spectator.

And the takedowns didn't stop there. One critic commented, "Looks like a banana and the belt seriously." Another stated simply, "The belt ruined the look."

Meanwhile, the images showing the FLOTUS, POTUS, King, and Queen all together seemed to spark discomfort for some. "This is such an uncomfortable photo," remarked one viewer.

A Lonely Voice of Praise, and a Vogue Contributor's Take

Conversely, a rare note of praise surfaced in the sea of scrutiny. "She always looks so stunning 😍," gushed one admirer, offering a lone voice of appreciation for Melania's bold fashion choice.

Still, even fashion experts weighed in with reservations. Marian Kwei, a celebrity stylist and Vogue contributor, shared that Melania's gown was "not the expected colour [sic] to see at a high state banquet."

She went on to say, "Although it perhaps is in keeping with state dress protocol, the strapless gown is a little on the daring side," suggesting the look teetered dangerously close to fashion faux pas at such a historically formal event.

Did She Break Protocol? The Truth Behind the Dress Code

Despite the uproar, as the celebrity stylist had already suggested, Melania's ensemble technically did not break royal protocol. According to the Daily Mail, while the FLOTUS' bright yellow gown may have raised eyebrows, it adhered to the State Banquet's official dress code.

The traditional white-tie dress code for such events requires female attendees to wear a full-length ball gown — preferably one featuring a fitted bodice and a full skirt. Though long gloves were once considered customary, modern interpretations no longer deem them essential.

As for male guests, the requirement remains clear: full evening dress, including tails or a dress suit — the most formal level of attire.

More than Just Dinner, These Banquets Define Royal Diplomacy

The formality of the dress code is only one layer of what makes the State Banquet such a momentous occasion. For more than a century, successive British monarchs have welcomed American presidents to the United Kingdom (UK) in grand fashion, celebrating the enduring transatlantic bond through carefully curated ceremony and royal pageantry.

These banquets, often held in the glittering halls of Windsor or Buckingham Palace, are steeped in tradition and symbolic significance.

From former President Woodrow Wilson's historic visit in the aftermath of World War I to Queen Elizabeth II's meeting with President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1959 at Balmoral, each encounter has marked a chapter in the ongoing story of UK–US diplomacy.

Former President John F. Kennedy and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy famously dined with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1961, while former President Ronald Reagan enjoyed a horseback ride in Windsor Home Park with the late Queen during his 1982 visit.

In more recent memory, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama were warmly received by the Queen in 2011.

This week's event marked the POTUS' second State Visit to the UK, having first been hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019. Against such a rich historical backdrop, the 2025 Banquet at Windsor Castle continues the legacy of friendship and diplomacy between the two nations, with the current King and Queen now at the helm of hosting tradition.

Melania Trump's Outfit Evolution: From Classic Morning to Bold Evening

Earlier that same day, during the Ceremonial Welcome, Melania struck a markedly different tone with her wardrobe. Standing alongside Donald as they were formally received by the royal family, the FLOTUS wore a sharply tailored, charcoal ensemble — a knee-length skirt and structured jacket paired with matching stilettos.

The look was completed with a wide-brimmed hat, which lent an air of classic sophistication and solemnity befitting the diplomatic occasion.

The understated outfit contrasted dramatically with the vibrant yellow gown Melania Trump would wear just hours later, reinforcing the day's visual narrative of duality — one of restraint and tradition in the morning, and bold fashion experimentation by night.