The Trump family’s subtle nod to the British Royals: How Melania, Ivanka and Lara replicate iconic looks by Meghan, Kate and Camilla

As they made their dazzling return to the White House, the women of President Trump’s family made an impact with their fashion choices. 

The Trumps appeared to channel the British Royal Family through their elegant, conservative ensembles, drawing parallels to iconic looks seen on Catherine, Princess of Wales, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Princess Diana, and even Queen Camilla. 

This resemblance, however, is not a recent development. Both Melania and her step-daughter, Ivanka, have long embraced a refined aesthetic closely associated with the royals. 

Melania has echoed Meghan’s understated style on numerous occasions, selecting perfectly-tailored coats and dramatic caped gowns in matching hues. 

Meanwhile, Ivanka frequently mirrors Kate’s wardrobe, donning identical outfits from some of the Princess’ favourite designers. 

It seems the Trumps might be hoping to establish themselves as America’s version of royalty, blending luxury couture with timeless elegance, much like their British counterparts. 

Take a closer look at the comparisons below…

Ivanka and Kate 

Monochrome magic

Ivanka made a noteworthy entrance at the Liberty Ball in a Givenchy haute couture gown, reminiscent of Kate’s monochrome look at the 2023 Bafta Awards.

Both women elevated their ensembles with contrasting black opera gloves and statement jewellery – Ivanka opting for a dazzling Leviev 50-carat diamond necklace, while Kate chose rose gold floral earrings from Zara.

Bold bow

Ivanka attended the National Prayer Service donning a vibrant coat dress by one of Kate’s favourite designers, Suzannah London. 

The scarlet outerwear, adorned with a bow at the neck, echoed Catherine Walker’s Beau Tie coat dress, which Kate debuted at her Christmas carol service in 2021.

Glittering glamour 

Both Ivanka and Kate have turned heads in dazzling Jenny Packham caped gowns at notable events.

Kate radiated elegance in a floor-skimming golden dress for the No Time To Die world premiere in 2021, while Ivanka sparkled in the mint version two years later.

Fit and flare 

During her campaign trail in 2017, Ivanka chose a breezy shirt dress by Alexis, featuring short puff sleeves and a midi-length.

The look resembled an Emilia Wickstead frock that Kate wore during her 2016 visit to Mumbai.

Timeless chic

At a wreath-laying ceremony, Ivanka appeared to channel a tonal outfit previously worn by Kate in 2022. 

She opted for an Oscar de la Renta coat with 3D floral appliqués, a mock turtleneck dress, leather boots and gloves. 

This was reminiscent of Kate’s Scarborough ensemble, which comprised a Max&Co coat, Gabriela Hearst knitted dress and Ralph Lauren pumps. 

Bridal statement

Kate made an unforgettable bridal statement at her wedding to Prince William in a breathtaking ivory lace and organza gown, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. 

Similarly, Ivanka’s wedding dress, designed by Vera Wang, featured layers of Chantilly and Lyon lace, complete with a voluminous skirt and semi-sheer sleeves. 

English florals

Ivanka and Kate both own Beulah London’s charming ‘Sonia’ blouson sleeve dress. 

The American businesswoman showcased hers with sky-high heels during a visit to a bakery. 

Meanwhile, Kate accessorised with nude slingbacks and oversized sunglasses at a charity polo match held at Guards Polo Club in Berkshire.

Style stripes 

Kate radiated sophistication at a 2022 charity polo match in Berkshire, donning an Emilia Wickstead fit-and-flare cloqué dress. 

The dress was distinguished by its contrasting piping details and came with a detachable belt, which the Princess opted not to wear. 

Conversely, Ivanka accentuated her waist with the belt while visiting The White House. 

Spot on 

Both Kate and Ivanka have Alessandra Rich’s coveted navy and white polka dot dress in their wardrobes. 

Kate first wore the vintage-inspired crepe de chine frock for Prince Charles’ 70th birthday portrait, later revisiting the look at Bletchley Park.

The dress features a pleated midi skirt, which Kate paired with denim-blue court shoes, while Ivanka complemented hers with navy-toned heels.

Ivanka’s nod to Princess Diana

Ivanka showcased refined style in a forest green Dior skirt suit, accessorised with a matching hat and Lady Dior bag, offering a firm nod to Princess Diana. 

The rigid rectangular bag, designed by Gianfranco Ferré in 1994, features a motif inspired by two items of furniture found in Christian Dior’s private mansion: Napoléon III chairs and a neo-Louis XVI medallion armchair.

The style was originally called ‘Chouchou’, but renamed ‘Lady’ in 1996 in Diana’s honour, after she was seen carrying it.

Melania and Meghan

Sharp tailoring 

For Anzac Day in 2018, Meghan Markle chose a somber yet sophisticated look, sporting a bespoke Matthew Williamson coat, featuring oversized lapels and double pockets. 

Two years later, Melania Trump echoed these design elements in an Altuzarra coat, worn to a wreath-laying ceremony marking the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. 

Both women styled their looks with black pumps and loose waves. 

Utilitarian chic 

At the White House National Day of Prayer service in 2020, Melania Trump opted for a sleeveless khaki trench dress by Dior, complete with utility-inspired detailing. 

She accessorised with a slim waist belt and eye-catching snake-print Christian Louboutin pumps.

Meghan wore a comparable look in 2018 at the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition, choosing a House of Nonie belted trench dress in a similar silhouette.

Slice hats

Philip Treacy’s iconic ‘slice’ hat has found a place in both Meghan and Melania’s headwear collections. 

Meghan debuted a custom straw version at Trooping the Colour in 2018, paired with a pale pink Carolina Herrera off-the-shoulder dress. 

The following year, Melania wore a similar design at the D-Day 75th Anniversary commemorations, styling it with a chic coat from The Row. 

Caped elegance

Floor-length cape silhouettes with embellished cascading sleeves have both been worn by the ladies for evening events.

Meghan set the trend in 2019, during a trip to Morocco, wearing a bespoke Dior creation, which skimmed over her pregnancy bump. 

Later in the year, Melania looked suitably festive for the Congressional Ball in the same champagne hue with beaded sleeves by Reem Acra.  

Adding definition 

Meghan exuded elegance during her first royal engagement with Queen Elizabeth in 2018, wearing an ivory Givenchy dress designed by Clare Waight Keller. 

The pencil silhouette was cinched with a slim belt for a polished look. 

Just a month later, Ivanka stood alongside Her Majesty at Windsor Castle in a tailored Christian Dior skirt suit featuring covered shoulders, a narrow belt and a midi length, offering a similarly refined aesthetic.

Ladies in red

Both Meghan and Melania showcased minimalist American-style elegance with striking red cape gowns.

During Donald Trump’s UK tour in 2019, Melania wore a Givenchy caped gown – coincidentally, a favourite designer of Meghan’s. 

Meanwhile, Meghan dazzled in a near-identical cape-sleeve gown by Safiyaa at the Mountbatten Music Festival during her farewell UK tour, completing the look with sleek, wavy hair. 

Lara’s Camilla moment

Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara, who is married to the President’s son Eric, communicated with viewers through her fashion choices at the inauguration ball.

The mother-of-two opted for a scarlet gown, paired with a glimmering ruby necklace, which could easily have been lifted from the Royal Family’s collection.

The show-stopping piece of jewellery featured three tiers of diamonds and rubies and resembles one of Queen Camilla’s favourite necklaces. 

The royal piece is thought to have been a diplomatic gift, only worn on special occasions.