"Concepts of a Plan" for Trump-Term Fashion

A shadow was cast over Melania Trump’s eyes during her husband’s big moment on stage. In typical fashion of the universe, this presented a metaphor for identity, gender, and their subsequent expression over the next four years—though a simple hat caused the darkness.

“Fashion functions as a mirror to our times,” stated Andrew Bolton, curator for the Costume Institute at the MET. If that remains true, the newly-instated political policies—the withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization, the removal of thousands of immigrants from the country, and the government recognition of two biological sexes—could cause a depressing spin to fashion.

Melania Trump foreshadowed this spin on Inauguration Day. In an excerpt from her memoir, Melania, the First Lady stated, “Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body?” Her statement provides a sincere contrast from her husband’s previously-known and then backpedaled views on the topic. But will women’s and gender-nonconforming people’s rights prevail this term?

Besides the infamous hat designed by Eric Javits, Melania donned an Adam Lippes navy blue double-breasted trench coat atop a white high-neck dress for the Presidential ceremony. The look’s neutral tones and nods to menswear tailoring provided a glimpse into potential fashion trends for the next four years.

In Trump’s January 20th executive order, he states that the government should hereby recognize only two sexes, male and female, and will “enforce all sex-protective laws to promote this reality.” This proves harmful to the LGBTQ+ community within professional, legal, and healthcare spaces. Eventually, these drastic changes can trickle down into personal spaces, which include personal fashion.

Since Election Day, fear has been mongered not only in the LGBTQ+ community, but also in immigrants, people of color, women, and anyone with an opinion opposing Trump. To divert this mental and physical fear—since the subsequent events of the Inauguration, like recent ICE raids—people may turn towards unobtrusive neutrals and subtly gender-neutral silhouettes. No fringe, feathers, or fuschia.

Melania Trump gave us a glimpse into how personal fashion may evolve during the new presidency on Inauguration Day, and Americans likely have two options. People of all gender expressions could lean toward a Melania-esque tailored, more utilitarian, professional look for day-to-day life. The new fashion trend could be anti-fashion.

In a more promising and positive objection, however, American people who oppose the Trump administration may continue this fight against politics with fashion as their weapon, bringing in more color than ever, adorned with “Look at me!” sequins and pearls that show a lack of fear and promise within “We the People.”

Unprecedented times in politics mean unprecedented times in fashion. As our new President famously stated during a debate, we only have “concepts of a plan” for fashion’s Trump-term look. Whether Trump’s new position provides anxiety or relief, we are all human when we wake up. And one of the first parts of waking up is getting dressed.