When Melania Trump walked into Jimmy Carter’s funeral, her outfit immediately caught everyone’s attention. Dressed in a black dress with a striking white collar, her look stood out among the crowd. People online couldn’t stop talking about it—some found it elegant, while others couldn’t help but wonder if it carried a hidden meaning.
The white collar on her dress reminded many of traditional religious attire or even costumes from The Handmaid’s Tale, a story often linked to themes of oppression. Memes flooded social media, with one person saying, “She looks like she just stepped off the Mayflower.”
She looks like she just stepped off the Mayflower
— John Szymanski (@UncleHohn) January 9, 2025
Another commented, “Melania looks so beautiful and dressed so appropriately for a funeral.”
Melania looks so beautiful and dressed so appropriately for a funeral. She has incredible style, IMHO.
— Solange Lemieux (@SolangeLemieux) January 9, 2025
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Others couldn’t help but comment on how the dress seemed to have deeper meaning. One fan wrote, “Melania’s coat dress that she wore today is by designer, Valentino. Valentino used a print of the sculpture ‘The Kiss’ in this collection that she’s wearing. The sculpture was part of a larger work titled ‘The Gates of Hell.’ How fitting to wear in a room full of traitors.”
Melania’s Coat Dress that she wore today is by designer, Valentino.
Valentino used a print of the sculpture “The Kiss” in this collection that she’s wearing.
The sculpture was originally conceived by a larger sculpture titled, “The Gates of Hell”.
How fitting to wear in a room… pic.twitter.com/5RfC7u4AHI
— MAGABrittany (@paintsaints) January 9, 2025
But not everyone agreed with these interpretations. Some people just didn’t understand the dress and made jokes about it. One person compared it to a Quaker woman’s shawl.
Beyond her outfit, the event itself had its fair share of tense moments. The Carters were remembered for their humility, but the atmosphere among attendees was anything but calm. Notably, Bill and Hillary Clinton appeared to avoid interacting with Donald and Melania Trump. The cold shoulder sparked online debates, with many praising the Clintons for their subtle snub.
Melania’s choice of clothing isn’t just fashion—it’s conversation. First ladies have always used their wardrobe to send messages. Michelle Obama wore American designers to boost local talent, while Jill Biden’s dresses often feature symbolic elements, such as embroidery representing every U.S. state. For Melania, her outfits often leave people guessing. Whether it was her infamous jacket that read, “I really don’t care, do u?” or this bold white-collar dress, her fashion statements rarely go unnoticed.
This time, the design’s resemblance to The Handmaid’s Tale costumes struck a nerve. With debates about women’s rights dominating the political landscape, some felt the outfit might carry subtle commentary—intended or not.
Social media reactions were split. Supporters called the look classy and fitting for the occasion. Others criticized it as too dramatic and out of place. But for some, the debate wasn’t just about fashion. They questioned whether the dress was a deliberate nod to conservative ideals or simply a personal style choice. Either way, the conversation it started overshadowed much of the event itself.
Featured image via Screengrab
