– Melania Trump’s fashion choices as First Lady ranged from poised and polished to controversial.– Her most notable piece of fashion was the stiletto, which symbolized her acerbic and iron-willed public persona.– Recently, she has been seen embracing a new look in the shoe department: the soft ballet flat.– On two separate occasions, she was spotted wearing Chanel ballet flats in khaki and black, matching her outfits.– There are several reasons why Trump may be shifting to flats, including her age and the comfort they provide.
Melania Trump Embraces a New Shoe Trend: The Ballet Flat
Like many First Ladies before her, Melania Trump’s personal style has said a lot over the years.
During her time at the White House, Trump’s fashion statements ran the gamut from poised and polished to controversial (the selection of a Zara jacket that read “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” during a 2018 visit to displaced migrant children who were separated from their families became something of a “Let them eat cake” moment for the former first lady).
But perhaps her most notable piece of fashion was the stiletto. Throughout her run as First Lady, Trump appeared again and again in sky-high stiletto pumps, always seemingly unfazed by the height, the pitch, the pinch of the toe or the severity of the shoe. No wincing, no hobbling, and no breaks from the high heels (at least not in public). Coupled with her steely gaze and a few notable and now-infamous behaviors (refusing to hold her husband’s hand, a leaked tape revealing that she hated working on the White House Christmas decorations), the shoes came to symbolize the first lady’s public persona: acerbic, iron-willed, a little frosty.
But lately, Trump has come to embrace a totally new look, at least in the shoe department. On two separate occasions over the past week, she has been spotted wearing the very opposite of stiletto heels: the soft ballet flat.
First, on June 8, the former first lady arrived at Trump Tower in a khaki midi skirt, black sweater, giant sunglasses, and a pair of Chanel’s classic two-toned, cap-toe ballet flats in soft leather. The shoes were an easy tie-in with the color palette of the outfit and matched the quilted black leather Chanel bag that Trump carried along with her on the way into her New York penthouse.
What could have been written off as a one-off look seems well on its way to becoming a trend for the former first lady. On June 12, Trump appeared again outside Trump Tower — and again in a pair of flats. This time, she paired a classic khaki trench coat over a black dress with a pair of sleek black leather flats with a pointed toe.
There are a few reasons why Trump could be shifting her footwear choices. At 53 years old, it’s understandable if her body has had enough. Years of wearing high heels can take a toll on anyone, and perhaps she is now opting for comfort over style. Additionally, ballet flats offer a more casual and approachable look, which may be a deliberate choice as she transitions away from the White House and into a different phase of her life.
Whatever the reason, it’s refreshing to see Melania Trump embracing a new shoe trend. The ballet flat is a classic and timeless style that can be both comfortable and chic. It’s a versatile shoe that can be dressed up or down, making it a practical choice for various occasions.
As the former first lady continues to make her mark outside of the White House, it will be interesting to see if her newfound love for ballet flats becomes a signature part of her personal style. Regardless, it’s clear that Melania Trump is not afraid to switch up her fashion choices and make a statement with her footwear.
