Melania Trump channels Jackie Kennedy but Conway grabs fashion headlines

REUTERS

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New U.S. first lady Melania Trump channeled style icon Jacqueline Kennedy on Friday but the Inauguration Day fashion headlines were stolen by a military-style coat worn by one of her husband's aides.

Melania Trump arrives on the West Front of the Capitol./REUTERS

Trump, 46, the White House's first former model, chose American designer Ralph Lauren's baby blue cropped jacket with cowl neckline and matching dress for the swearing-in ceremony in Washington.

President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania depart from services at St. John's Church during his inauguration in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2017./REUTERS

She later wowed onlookers in a sleek, off the shoulder white gown, slit to the thigh, designed by French-born Herve Pierre, for a formal inaugural ball where she and newly-elected President Donald Trump danced to the song "My Way," made famous by the late Frank Sinatra.

First lady Melania Trump looks at her son Barron after her husband Donald J Trump was sworn-in as the 45th President of the United States. /REUTERS

But the outfit grabbing most attention was the patriotic red hat with red, white and blue coat with brass buttons worn by Kellyanne Conway, senior aide to Trump.

(L-R) Dona'd Trump's White House Director of Strategic Communications Hope Hicks, Senior Counselor Steve Bannon and Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway arrive for the presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 20, 2017. /REUTERS

The $3,600 double-breasted Gucci coat evoked the American Revolution era and took social media by storm with ridicule, memes and comparisons ranging from Paddington Bear to Napoleon and a nutcracker.

U.S. first lady Melania Trump dances with army services member at the Armed Services Ball in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2017. /REUTERS

Conway described it "Trump revolutionary wear" in an interview with NBC television. The satirical "Daily Show" commented on Twitter that Conway was "dressed as the era Trump wants to take America back to."

U.S. President Donald Trump, his wife Melania, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen dance at the Armed Services Ball in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2017. /REUTERS

Style website Racked, however, complimented Conway as "the most high-fashion person in Washington" on Friday.

U.S. President Donald Trump salutes with his wife Melania at the Armed Services Ball in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2017. /REUTERS

By contrast, Melania Trump's outfit, worn with long matching gloves, stiletto shoes, and her long hair swept up in a loose bun, had a 1960s vibe.

The outfit, like other presidential inauguration dresses, will later be sent to the Smithsonian Museum.

U.S. President Donald Trump with his wife Melania and Vice President Mike Pence with his wife Karen cut a cake at the Armed Services Ball in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2017. /REUTERS

Fashion magazine Elle said Melania's choice "takes a very literal page" from Kennedy's inaugural look in 1961.

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the Freedom Ball in honor of his inauguration in Washington, U.S. January 20, 2017. /REUTERS

"It's a look that, overall, is very safe, if a bit costume-y (dye-to-match pumps!). As our first reality TV president enters office, this is a family that is undeniably aware of what works on TV, and this look is very on-the-nose, Jackie Kennedy-inspired, 'presidential,'" wrote Elle's Leah Chernikoff.

Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway talks with former vice president Dan Quayle prior to the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2017. /REUTERS

Melania Trump's Inauguration Day outfits had been the cause of much speculation after Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs and other leading designers said publicly they would not dress the 5-feet-11-inch (1.8-m) former model for her big day because they opposed her husband and his policies.

Advisors to President-elect Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway (L), Steve Bannon, (3rd R) and incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus (R) depart from services at St. John's Church during the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2017. /REUTERS

Lauren and his eponymous corporation (RL.N) became synonymous with American style through his preppy line of Polo shirts, casual slacks and shorts in the 1970s.

The company's Facebook page filled on Friday with both praise and dismay at his decision to dress Trump for the swearing-in ceremony.

He also designed the signature pantsuits worn by Trump's rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton, both during the 2016 election campaign and on Friday.

Elsewhere, white was the dominant color.

Ivanka Trump, who has her own fashion line, donned a white pantsuit with an asymmetrical cut designed by Oscar de la Renta.

Clinton went for a cream coat over a more traditional pantsuit, and Tiffany Trump wore a white double breasted coast over a white dress.

Melania Trump began her career as a teen model in her native Slovenia and has been featured on the cover of magazines like Vogue and GQ.

(REUTERS)