Melania Trump’s Windsor banquet gown sparks color debate as insiders weigh in

Melania Trump drew attention at a Windsor Castle state banquet on Wednesday evening when she arrived in a yellow off-the-shoulder gown, a Carolina Herrera design, standing beside her husband, President Donald Trump, and the hosts, King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The striking hue and the dress's styling quickly sparked online chatter over color and coordination amid a pageantry-filled evening.

A source close to the First Lady told the Daily Mail that the dress was buttercream yellow with an Easter purple belt, clarifying the color debate that had surged online. Some photos showed the gown as a brighter yellow, with the belt appearing lavender, while others depicted a softer shade with a pink belt.

Photographers' lighting and post-processing can alter how colors appear in published images, fashion observers said. Liz Teich, a New York-based fashion stylist, noted that saturation, curves and contrast routinely affect how a yellow dress reads in photos, suggesting the look may reflect image tweaking as much as an actual hue.

Reaction to the look was mixed among fashion watchers and on social media. Some critics argued the ensemble was busy—the bold yellow dress paired with an Easter-purple belt and emerald earrings—while others defended the design as a cheerful, statement-making choice for a royal visit that carries ceremonial symbolism. Observers also pointed out that color perception can be affected by weather and lighting, particularly in the late-day Windsor setting.

Carolina Herrera has a long history of dressing First Ladies. The label has been associated with Melania on multiple occasions, including a prior appearance in yellow during a state visit to the United Kingdom in 2018 and a white Herrera dress with colorful stripes worn during a 2020 state visit to India. The First Lady also has a noted penchant for bold accessories, a trait that has drawn scrutiny and praise in equal measure over the years.

The day’s events included a ceremonial welcome in which President Trump walked in front of King Charles, a moment that accompanied other formal pageantry. Earlier, Trump laid a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in St. George’s Chapel as part of the visit’s commemorations. The Trumps are expected to remain in Britain through Thursday, Sept. 18, marking their second state visit to the United Kingdom, following the couple’s first in 2019.

Social media users offered a range of reactions, with some noting that the outfit’s color and belt combination created a striking visual contrast against the royal golds and glamor surrounding the ceremony. Others joked about the fashion risk, comparing it to other high-profile appearances Melania has made in the past, including a famous naval hat at her husband’s inauguration and a large purple wool hat she wore on a separate public appearance. One post on X captured the divide, stating, in effect, that some found the look bold and others found it distracting. Meanwhile, observers continued to weigh how the ensemble fits into Melania’s broader public image and the optics of a state visit that emphasizes Anglo-American ties.