Melania Trump chose a crisp white Thom Browne shirtdress to attend the White House’s Independence Day picnic on Friday. The first lady joined U.S. President Donald Trump in hosting the annual event on the South Lawn, welcoming military families for a celebration marking America’s 249th birthday.
Melania Trump listens as U.S. President Donald Trump (not pictured) delivers remarks during an Independence Day military family picnic on the South Lawn of the White House on July 04, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
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The dress, a cotton poplin A-line shirt dress, featured a sharp collar, button-down front, and a distinctive grosgrain tab at the waist adorned with Thom Browne’s signature red, white and blue stripe — a quiet tribute to the holiday’s colors. Melania completed her ensemble with red snake-embossed Manolo Blahnik shoes.
In 2018, Thom Browne spoke about the possibility of dressing Melania during a Q&A at 92Y. “Look, I respect her as the First Lady and it is something that I would respect,” Browne said at the time. Melania previously wore a Thom Browne design at her husband’s second swearing-in ceremony in January.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump descend stairs after speaking to active-duty military service members and their families during a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 2025.
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The Independence Day picnic itself was a festive affair, featuring remarks from President Trump and a B-2 bomber flyover as part of the celebrations. Military families enjoyed classic picnic fare, lawn games, and a fireworks display, with the first lady greeting guests.
The first lady has been embracing conservative silhouettes in the past couple of months. In June, she attended the celebrations of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with the Grand Military Parade wearing an ivory and navy pinstriped double-breasted blazer with silver-tone buttons and a coordinating long skirt from Adam Lippes.
Melania Trump and Children’s National Hospital President and CEO Michelle Riley-Brown (L), walk through the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden at Children’s National Hospital on July 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
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On Thursday, Melania was also seen visiting the Children’s National Hospital wearing a polka dot dress by Gabriela Hearst paired with a matching pencil skirt and Roger Vivier ballet flats.