The Most Expensive Outfits Melania Trump Has Ever Worn

What are the most expensive outfits Melania Trump has ever worn? The Trump name has been synonymous with lavish lifestyles, expensive taste, and designer labels well before Donald Trump became president of the United States. From the family's ownership of glittering casinos and international golf courses to their elite life in the posh Manhattan social scene, Donald and Melania Trump certainly have enjoyed luxurious housing, gourmet food, and of course, designer clothing.

Since entering the White House in 2017, Melania has often been seen wearing some of the fashion world's most expensive pieces. Even her daily fashion choices could break the bank of most fashionistas. The same could be said about the most expensive outfits Ivanka Trump has ever worn, too — clearly a taste for fine couture runs in the family.

Have you ever wondered what designers Melania prefers to wear? How much do her elegant gowns and designer evening wear cost? Wonder no more: here are the most expensive outfits Melania Trump has ever worn.

Melania Trump's expensive pussy-bow blouse caused quite a stir

We love a Gucci moment, no question about it, but Melania Trump made a fashion choice back in 2016 that had the internet buzzing — and not just because of the price. For the second presidential debate between her husband and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Melania chose to wear one of Gucci's signature blouses, the pussy-bow shirt. The blouse, made of a fuchsia pink silk crepe de chine, set Melania back $1,100, and was described by Net-a-Porter as the perfect blouse to "elevate office or weekend looks." 

But the color and price of the Gucci blouse was not the sole reason the media was on fire; just days before the debate, Donald Trump had landed himself in an aggressively awkward situation, as the Access Hollywood footage — which featured the then-Republican nominee saying he could "grab" women inappropriately because he was a "star" — had just been released. The internet rapidly speculated as to a potential hidden message behind Melania's outfit choice, given the name of the distinct Gucci bow.

Melania Trump dropped a big sum of money on this pricey yellow gown

From her early days as a model to becoming FLOTUS twice, Melania Trump has undergone a stunning transformation. While on a trip to the United Kingdom, she made it a point to stand out at a black-tie dinner. Wearing a pale yellow chiffon dress by J. Mendel, the first lady looked beautiful in the Grecian-inspired gown. The dress featured a fitted bodice with an off-the-shoulder neckline and an A-line skirt that featured subtle pleating details. The star of the dress was the shoulder detailing that flowed into a cape-design. Melania finished the look with a pair of color-coordinated Manolo Blahnik silk high heels.

Melania topped off the outfit with her very large engagement ring and studded earrings. The outfit also went perfectly with the setting of the rich gala: former Prime Minister Winston Churchill's family palace and estate.

So how much was the outfit? Well the dress alone was $6,990. But if it's the engagement ring you're wondering about, prepare yourself. At the time of her engagement to Donald Trump in 2005, Melania's engagement ring was worth $1.5 million.

New in town, Melania Trump took center stage in Washington, D.C., by wearing a high-priced designer dress

Donald Trump assumed the presidency in January 2017, but it took until June of the same year for Melania Trump and her son Barron Trump to join him in the White House. Shortly after she made the White House her home, Melania stepped out in a Monique Lhuillier dress for one of her first outings in the Washington, D.C., social scene, and the look did not disappoint. While attending the annual gala at the Ford Theatre in early June, Melania opted for a gold silk dress by the designer, that featured a delicate pleat and drape-detailed back. 

The dress fit the first lady beautifully, and she topped off the stunning look with a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels that complemented the color of the dress to a tee. The summers on the east coast can be especially hot, and the frock was both appropriate for the gala and a seasonal look. The designer dress set the first lady back $2,595, and since Manolo Blahnik pumps start at around $660, we can safely assume that this outfit is out of our price range.

Melania Trump's all-white outfit screamed money

It was the hat seen around the world. While hosting French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, Melania Trump dazzled in a white suit and hat, and had the internet buzzing about the outfit shortly after. 

The white hat was designed by Hervé Pierre — the designer behind her 2017 inauguration ball gown — and the look also featured a blazer and skirt suit from the Michael Kors Collection. The classy look cost the following (prepare yourselves): the suit alone was $2,195. Melania paired the crisp look with a pair of 4.7-inch heels from the iconic shoe mogul Christian Louboutin that cost $745.

The internet was quick to draw comparisons to pop-culture moments that featured a prominent, bold hat. Some users on X, formerly Twitter, pointed out the similarities to Beyoncé's "Formation" music video, in which she wore a wide-brim hat. Others drew parallels to the political drama "Scandal" and its main character, Olivia Pope, who was known for wearing a white hat in Washington, D.C. All we know is that the look is as memorable as it is expensive.

The first lady's 2017 inaugural ball gown was literally priceless

For the inaugural ball in 2017, Melania Trump was dressed by designer Hervé Pierre in a custom-made gown that was never listed for sale. Modern and timeless, the priceless silk column gown with a bold, ruffled accentuation was easily the star of the show — though Melania was so busy prior to the event that her priorities were elsewhere.

Melania donated the gown to the National Museum of American History, where it is featured along other dresses worn as part of the First Ladies Collection. Pierre attended the donation ceremony in October 2017, and said that Melania knew what she wanted to look like on that very special day. "She didn't want a big ball gown, she wanted something sleek, ivory, vanilla," he explained in an interview with The New York Times. "It had to be really, really right because it was going to be part of history — part of this country's history but also part of what I will have achieved on earth." Pierre added that he has designed countless dresses, but believes this one is the most memorable. 

Melania Trump's Halloween outfit broke the bank

We love a deconstructed, subtle Halloween look, and Melania Trump channeled a timeless movie with this outfit in 2018. As children stopped by the White House to trick-or-treat, Melania wore a checked wool coat from designer Bottega Veneta that was as classy as it was indicative of the truly iconic movie "Clueless" starring Alicia Silverstone. The yellow plaid design was unmistakably similar to Cher Horowitz's Dolce & Gabbana plaid skirt suit from the movie.

So how much did this look cost? Hold onto your hats — the Bottega Veneta coat was $3,950. That price has us saying "Ugh, as if!"

Her custom-made outfit at the 2017 inauguration made Melania Trump look like Jackie Kennedy

What a first lady chooses to wear during the inauguration is the talk of the town, and Melania Trump was clearly aware of that when choosing this look for the 2017 swearing-in ceremony. "Ralph Lauren was definitely at the top of the list, but there were also several European designers," said Joe Zee, the editor-in-chief of Yahoo Style while appearing on "Good Morning America" to discuss Melania's outfit. "I think it would have been a big mistake for her to appear for the first time at the inauguration in a non-American designer."

The custom, cashmere, powder blue suit was a hit, and Melania looked elegant and sophisticated. The outfit featured a turtleneck dress and a fitted, cropped jacket. The first lady finished the look with color-coordinated gloves, high heels, and a small clutch handbag. The ensemble instantly drew parallels to Jackie Kennedy and her choice for JFK's swearing-in ceremony.

While the actual price of this expensive look wasn't disclosed, dresses from Ralph Lauren can cost as much as $12,000 – and that's not for custom pieces either.

This expensive coat that Melania Trump picked for an international trip had us floored

Nothing beats a well tailored coat, and Melania Trump proved that while traveling with her husband in 2018. The first lady was spotted exiting Air Force One in Helsinki, Finland, en route to a summit with Vladimir Putin, in a wool coat from designer Isoude — and we were instantly struck with fashion envy. 

The heather-gray coat featured leather detailing on the pockets and was lined with 100% silk. Melania paired the gorgeous coat with a white button down blouse, tailored brown trousers, boxy sunglasses — here's why Melania Trump almost always wears sunglasses — and surprisingly, brown flats. Known for her ever-consistent stilettos, Melania's shoe choice was shocking, but the first lady definitely struck the balance between chic and travel-friendly with this expensive outfit. 

Since the coat was the star of the show, here's the price — and prepare yourselves, as this article of clothing will not be joining our wardrobes any time soon. The coat alone cost $3,995 which you can purchase online if you're willing to sell everything you own in order to afford it.

The first lady's casual moving-day outfit cost more than the average person's car

It took a minute for Melania and Barron Trump to join her husband in the White House. After Donald Trump assumed the presidency, the first lady stayed in Manhattan until June, citing her son's schooling as her main priority for delaying the move. But the time finally came for the Trump family to reunite, and unlike some of us who choose cut-off jeans and an old t-shirt for moving day, Melania opted for a far more sophisticated and expensive outfit that definitely had our budgets beat. 

While walking toward her new home, the first lady opted for a pair of Bally trousers, a classic pair of Manolo Blahnik heels, a Dolce & Gabbana blouse, and an Hermès Birkin bag. Here's the cost breakdown: the trousers were $575, the heels were $595, the blouse was at least $100, and to top it all off, the bag was $13,000. We can't imagine that Melania herself was doing much of the heavy lifting, but she definitely made moving look classy.

This overpriced outfit wasn't the only newsworthy detail from Melania Trump's RNC speech in 2016

Melania Trump's speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention was controversial, as people noticed it was eerily similar to a speech Michelle Obama made years earlier. However, others focused on the expensive outfit that Melania chose for the occasion instead. The first lady looked striking in a bold, white dress by designer Roksanda, but Melania didn't work with a designer for the occasion; she simply bought the dress off of Net-a-Porter herself. 

The "Margot" dress, which is described by the store as "a beautiful option for the modern bride," featured a fitted bodice and bell-shaped sleeves, and was made from a blend of cotton and silk. Net-a-Porter recommended pairing the dress with gold accessories, but Melania kept the look fairly simple. She rocked her signature, middle-part hair and kept her makeup classic. Get ready for the price: the dress cost $2,190, and Melania paired it with Christian Louboutin heels. The result was another expensive look, and an evening that we all remember for the cringeworthy speech and subsequent fallout.

Melania Trump started off her marriage to Donald Trump on a pricey note with her expensive wedding dresses

Melania Trump made quite the splash on the fashion scene early in her time in the spotlight, and the financial details of her engagement and wedding to Donald Trump truly make us feel faint. After announcing their engagement in 2004, The New York Times noted that Melania's engagement ring alone was worth $1.5 million. Of course, the jeweler, Gaff, gave Donald a discount, and he only paid for half of what the ring was worth. "Only a fool would say, 'No thank you, I want to pay a million dollars more for a diamond," Trump reportedly said about the ring.

For their big day, Melania opted for a custom-made wedding gown from Dior. The satin dress featured a 13-foot train and had 1,500 pearls and rhinestones adorning it. The bride also paired the $98,000 dress with a 16-foot veil. Since one expensive outfit wasn't enough, Melania had two. She changed out of the Dior gown and into a Vera Wang design for the reception, which featured a sleeveless neckline.

Melania Trump's 2016 election night outfit was as elegant as it was expensive

All eyes were on the Trumps in November of 2016, something that Melania Trump clearly understood, as she dressed to impress. On the evening of the election, the first lady-elect chose a Ralph Lauren jumpsuit while joining her husband on stage to celebrate his victory. The outfit was as bold as it was classic, and looking back, was a clear indication of what clothes Melania would opt to wear as first lady. 

The jumpsuit featured a dynamic silhouette and a one-shoulder neckline, and sold for $4,000 at the Bergdorf Goodman department store. Melania paired it with her classic, middle-part hairstyle, simple makeup, and a radiant smile fit for the occasion. 

Joe Zee, the editor-in-chief of Yahoo Style, told "Good Morning America" that Melania's choice to wear Ralph Lauren was an intentional one. "I think Ralph Lauren was one of the first American designers to step up and say that he would [dress Melania Trump]," Zee said, as politics and fashion had made finding designers particularly difficult for Melania.

Melania Trump's Michael Kors ensemble was criticized for being too flashy for Congress

While attending her husband's first joint address to Congress, Melania Trump stunned in a Michael Kors suit — garnering both positive and negative reviews on social media. The first lady's expensive outfit featured a cinched and belted waistline, and dozens of dazzling beads. 

From the 2017 Michael Kors spring collection, the suit set the first lady back $9,590, but the price was hardly the subject of the criticism she received. Some people took to X and said that the choice was far too flashy and inappropriate for the halls of Congress, while others rushed to her defense, calling the suit bold. Either way, the price tag is what has us freaking out. 

Michael Kors discussed the outfit after the occasion, saying "Mrs. Trump has been a long-time client at our New York boutique. She has a keen understanding of what works best for her and her lifestyle. My embroidered black suit reflects the streamlined glamour that she is known for." The black suit, appropriate for the occasion or not, was simply gorgeous.

The price of a dress she wore to a White House state dinner is only pocket change to Melania Trump

While attending the White House Historical Association Dinner in 2017, Melania Trump opted for a glimmering sequined gown by designer Monique Lhuillier, and looked just as radiant as the dress itself. Having been spotted earlier in the day wearing a pair of jeans and sneakers (finally pieces of her wardrobe we can actually relate to), the first lady quickly changed into the expensive outfit indicative of her elite Manhattan life before the White House. 

The floor length embellished gown was made from chiffon fabric, and featured a sheer, cape-like design. Melania paired the look with her classic middle part and soft waves, and opted to keep her makeup clean and subtle. The look was as classy as it was expensive, so get ready for the price tag: the Monique Lhuillier gown set the first lady back $7,995, and (at the time) was available for purchase from the Bergdorf Goodman department store.

Melania Trump dined with royalty in a costly red dress with a regal detail

Red capes aren't just for superheroes; when you picture a stereotypical king or queen, you might imagine them with a more luxurious take on Superman's most famous accessory draped over their shoulders. The vibrant garments signal to everyone who the most powerful person in the room is (no laser vision or super strength required), and cloaks and capes often serve ceremonial purposes at royal events. So when Melania Trump gave the status symbol a modern spin to dine with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the London residence of the U.S. ambassador to the U.K. in June 2019, it felt like a power move; she was sending the message that she was on equal footing with the royals.

Melania avoided making the faux pas of appearing to cosplay as a queen by opting for floor-length cape sleeves instead of an actual cape, and her $7,100 Givenchy dress was a few shades lighter than the rich crimson hue often seen on royal regalia. It was crafted from wool crepe and had a relaxed fit, with Melania opting for an elegant, sophisticated silhouette over the skin-baring, body-hugging designs with vavavoom vibes that would later become ubiquitous among the women in Donald Trump's orbit. However, she couldn't resist adding a touch of glitz when putting on the ritz; the neckline of her gown was embellished with sequins.

Interestingly, the dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller, the mastermind behind Meghan Markle's wedding gown. Sussexit hadn't yet happened, so perhaps Melania's designer choice was somewhat aspirational. Meghan is an American who married into the royal family, and Melania's husband has been accused of trying to turn America into a monarchy — Donald has even described himself as a king.

Melania Trump met the queen in a caped, canary-yellow coat that cost a pretty penny

Melania Trump just kept coming back to the cape silhouette when receiving royal invitations. However, to avoid making it feel like an overplayed, uninspired choice, she did mix things up a bit each time. In December 2019, she and Donald Trump returned to the U.K. and attended a reception at Buckingham Palace. The event was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was rather fond of dressing in vibrant colors. Royal commentator Daisy McAndrew told "Today" that the queen gravitated toward bright hues because "people could spot her easily" when she was wearing them. However, Melania looked like she was trying to eclipse Elizabeth and draw all eyes to her in a canary yellow Valentino cape coat, which was selling for around $7,700 at the time.

The pieces Melania wore with the heavy, midi-length coat were no less subdued. Pink feels like a color a pre-teen might pair with yellow when they're going through that "brighter is always better" phase, but that's what the first lady decided to wear underneath her bold coat. Her silk and cashmere dress was likely a custom design by her stylist, Hervé Pierre, which would have upped the value of her ensemble significantly. She finished the look with matching Christian Louboutin's So Kate pumps. At the time of this writing, used pairs of the suede stilettos can be found online for around $350. Melania's loud luxury look was giving Miranda Priestly, and even The Guardian described her as a "pop culture villain."

Melania Trump's five-figure, feline-inspired coat was a freebie

Melania Trump wasn't content to exude quiet strength when she co-hosted the International Women of Courage Awards in April 2025. Instead, she went all Katy Perry with her visual representation of a roar: leopard print — and a lot of it. Patterns inspired by feline fur can be found on club wear, inside Kardashian closets, in reruns of "The Nanny" and "Jersey Shore," on the red carpet, and at Halloween pop-up shops. When glancing at some animal-print attire, it can be tough to tell whether it's from Temu or a respected fashion house. Such was the case with Melania Trump's trench. If it weren't for WWD reporting on its origins, we wouldn't have guessed that it was worth a whopping $11,000.

It was actually a gift to Melania from designer Milly Park, who told WWD that she had also sent the first lady two other freebies. "I'm beyond honored and shocked that the first lady wore my piece today. ... This is something to celebrate about," she said. Park is a Venezuela-born immigrant who told Palm Beach Illustrated it was there that she learned to sew from her seamstress grandmother. She eventually became an American citizen and traded the lace scraps she practiced her early needlework on for more luxurious materials, such as the calf skin she used for Melania's trench coat. PETA certainly would not approve of the piece, as its high price tag partially comes from hides on the young calves that were used to make it. One reason calf skin costs more than regular leather is that it's not as readily available, but because it's softer and more supple, designers are willing to pay more for it.

Perhaps a detachable detail made Melania Trump's Dior coat so costly

Let's be honest: The ensemble Melania Trump wore to Donald Trump's joint session of Congress address in March 2025 wasn't much to look at. Her gray tweed blazer was a perfectly sensible choice for that particular occasion, but the Dior frock featured a detail that didn't exactly elevate it to the level worthy of its premium price tag. For $5,500, Melania didn't just wear the coat but an optional fringed scarf and black belt. But when she wore the belt that pulled the scarf tight over her neck, it just created an unflattering bulk around her waistline instead of giving her an hourglass shape. Perhaps it would have looked more streamlined if she had spread the scarf out more and smoothed it down, as a model is shown wearing it on the Dior website.

The rest of Melania's drab ensemble was even more strictly business below the belt. At the time of writing, her knee-length pencil skirt isn't available on the Dior website, but similar pieces sell for around $3,000. She completed her outfit by color-coordinating her black pumps with her belt. While it arguably wasn't one of her best fashion moments, image coach Lauren A. Rothman told Business Insider at the time, "First Lady Melania's style tonight is quiet authority — polished, self-assured, and entirely in command of her presence."

Melania Trump dug deep into her pockets to pay for her gardening attire

Money doesn't grow on trees, sadly, but if you're Melania Trump, you don't need it to. When the first lady had to pick an outfit to plant some of that greenery that wouldn't be producing any greenbacks, her gardening garb screamed elitism and was just begging for her to be accused of being out of touch with average Americans. Most people go for function over fashion when choosing attire to garden in — a sturdy pair of overalls, some grass-stained sneakers, a well-worn flannel shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat are unrestrictive and provide decent coverage from the sun. But in August 2018, Melania dressed more like she was going to a garden party for a White House tree-planting photo op. She wore a yellow pleated Valentino skirt that featured a multicolored floral pattern, a skintight sleeveless top, and a pair of matching dusty rose Christian Louboutin heels. The skirt was going online for $4,000 at the time.

Melania also carried an accessory: a gold shovel. On X, she shared a few photos proving that she actually used it to move at least one small handful of soil. "I had the honor to contribute to the beautiful & historic @WhiteHouse grounds today by planting a sapling from the Eisenhower Oak," she wrote. While gardening expert Alys Fowler was critical of Trump's footwear, she told The Guardian that the skirt was actually a practical choice. However, Fowler feared that the first lady was more focused on fashion than the task at hand. "I think we should be more worried for the tree," she said.

The first lady wore a floral Dolce & Gabbana jacket worth a gardener's annual salary

Miley Cyrus finds it empowering to buy herself flowers, but even with her massive bank account, she might feel a tad guilty about shelling out the amount of cash Melania Trump did on a floral Dolce & Gabbana jacket (if it wasn't a loan). It was something you'd expect to see on "Gossip Girl" star Blake Lively when she was flower bombing every red carpet during her "It Ends with Us" press tour, not on a first lady meeting the spouses of other world leaders while their significant others attended the 2018 G7 Summit.

Melania debuted her controversial $51,500 coat in Sicily, where she wore it draped over her shoulders like a cape. It was covered with silk blooms in an array of colors for a textured, 3D effect. Furthermore, the intricate beading made it sparkle in the sunlight and the flashes of the press cameras. Most of the other spouses were clad in monochrome ensembles, so Melania definitely stood out. She also got criticized for dressing like an oligarch in the piece; the price of her single sartorial bouquet of blossoms would pay a gardener's salary for a year.

Maybe she was trying to flaunt her wealth on a world stage, or perhaps she wanted to make sure everyone knew that at least one major designer wasn't shunning her at that point in Donald Trump's political career. On Instagram, Stefano Gabbana expressed his gratitude to Melania for wearing the expensive coat with an all-caps "thank you" and string of heart emoji. It's just a shame Donald drew inspiration from his Mar-a-Lago patio instead of the designer's work of art when he decided to give the White House rose garden a makeover.

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