Melania’s hat, Kate’s brooch and other looks from the Trump state visit

Hats! Jewels! Dresses! Tiaras!

State visits are as much about what everyone is wearing as they are about what they’re saying and doing.

It is an exercise in fashion diplomacy – and there has been plenty of it on display as US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania visit the UK.

From the First Lady’s hat, to the Princess of Wales’s feather brooch, here are some of the most eye-catching looks so far.

Melania is no stranger to impressive headwear – her white and navy wide-brimmed hat was a talking point at her husband’s inauguration earlier this year. There was an awkward moment when Trump tried to kiss her and the brim of her hat made it a tricky task. Cue the internet blowing up.

The first lady has gone for a similarly dramatic flourish on day one of the state visit. She arrived at Windsor Castle wearing a wide-brimmed purple hat that seemed to obscure her eyes, which she paired with a timeless dark grey suit by Dior.

“Melania’s hat is not by chance,” said Marian Kwei, a celebrity stylist and Vogue contributor

“The hat with the wide brim that hides her face is pointing to a stance where she wants all eyes on her husband and his agenda while here,” she added.

She noted that it matched the exact colour of Trump’s tie, in “a nod to her support for her husband’s agenda during this state visit”.

Dior is a favourite fashion house for Melania, and, for Kwei, her decision to wear it is a nod to America’s support for Europe.

On Tuesday, Melania stepped onto UK soil wearing the most British of fashion items: a Burberry trench coat.

She wore the honey-coloured, floor-length coat with the collar turned up, while flashes of its signature lining were visible underneath.

Melania, 55, completed the look with black sunglasses and boots.

Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic at The New York Times, said that wearing a British-made coat could be an example of engaging in sartorial diplomacy, which is something many first ladies have done.

For the Trumps’ last state visit in 2019, Melania – a former model – also dressed in her British best, opting for brands such as Burberry, although she added a mix of European fashion houses too (think Celine and Dolce & Gabbana), as well as American designers including Michael Kors.

It will be interesting to see how the choice of a British brand on this trip will be perceived back at home, says Kwei, given that Trump’s message is about serving the interests of the United States before those of any other country.

The Queen, 78, was seen in a vibrant sapphire blue dress, a matching coat by Fiona Clare and hat by Philip Treacy.

She completed the look with a sapphire and diamond brooch.

The Princess of Wales, 43, wore a burgundy Emilia Wickstead dress and a matching hat by Jane Taylor.

From both the Queen and the Princess, it’s a strong showing for British designers.

Catherine completed her look with a feather brooch.

Kwei noted it was interesting that, like the Trumps, the princess also chose to match her outfit to her husband, the Prince of Wales, 43, who wore a burgundy tie.

“As with Melania, this is to show support and that she’s at one with her spouse and home country’s agenda,” she said.

“Blue and red!”, royal expert Victoria Murphy said of the outfit choices by the Queen and Catherine.

“This seems a clear example of coordinated diplomatic dressing to me, to reflect the US flag. It’s an example of how the outfits can send a powerful diplomatic message.”