Melania Trump's Yellow Gown Divides Fashion Critics: Belt Color Sparks Debate!

FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP STEALS THE SHOW AT WINDSOR CASTLE WITH HER BOLD YELLLOW GOWN... BUT DOES IT WORK?

In a night of opulence and grandeur, Melania Trump once again proved she's not afraid to take fashion risks. Attending the state banquet at Windsor Castle alongside her husband President Donald Trump, King Charles, and Queen Camilla, Melania turned heads in a stunning yellow, off-the-shoulder gown designed by Carolina Herrera.

But as photos of the First Lady circulated, many couldn't help but raise an eyebrow (or two) at the daring fashion choice. The floor-length gown seemed to shift from vibrant yellow to muted butter-yellow depending on the camera angle, leaving some puzzled. And then there was the issue of the belt: was it baby pink or purple?

Insiders have come forward to clarify that the dress is indeed buttercream yellow with an 'Easter purple' belt. But experts say the confusion surrounding the color was likely caused by flash photography or pre-publication Photoshop manipulation.

"Photographers always play with saturation, curves and contrast in their photos," explained New York-based personal stylist Liz Teich. "I do believe that her dress was tweaked to look a bit bolder than it actually is."

Teich also noted that Melania may have been seeking something cheerful for the visit, especially given the gloomy English weather and the approaching autumn season. But some critics are not so kind.

"I find the styling distracting with the addition of a pink belt and emerald chandeliers," said celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. "There are too many touch-points here, and we should be looking at her first and the dress second."

Brown also pointed out that Melania's ensemble seemed out of place amidst the sea of gold lace, royal tiaras, and stately tuxedos. And she's not alone in her criticism - some have even compared Melania's look to a "summery choice" that's "not quite right for the season."

But this isn't the first time Melania has divided opinion with her fashion choices. She wore yellow to the couple's last state dinner in the UK during Trump's first term in 2018, and famously caused a stir with her oversized navy hat at her husband's inauguration ceremony.

In fact, it seems Melania has a penchant for hats - she wore another oversized wide-brimmed purple wool hat, designed by Christian Dior, during today's state visit. And the reactions from social media users are priceless.

"Kate looks amazing," one user wrote on X. "Melania looks ridiculous."

But not everyone agrees. "The photographer has messed with the exposure to ruin Melania's dress," another user claimed. "It's a beautiful, vibrant yellow but he has turned it bilious yellow!"

Despite the mixed reviews, Melania's ensemble still managed to turn heads. And let's be real - when you're wearing a Carolina Herrera gown, you know you're going to make an entrance.

As for the designer behind the dress, Carolina Herrera is no stranger to dressing First Ladies. She's previously dressed Melania in a black sequined skirt and a white Carolina Herrera dress with colorful stripes during her husband's inauguration festivities.

But what do you think of Melania's bold yellow gown? Does it work for you, or does it feel like a misstep?

THE SCHOLARLY NOTE EXCLUSIVE:

We caught up with fashion expert Liz Teich to get the lowdown on Melania's ensemble. "I think Melania is trying to make a statement with her fashion choices," she said. "She wants to stand out and be noticed, but sometimes it feels like she's sacrificing style for shock value."

But what about the rumors of flash photography or Photoshop manipulation? Teich thinks it's likely true. "Photographers often play with saturation and contrast to make images pop," she explained. "And pre-publication photoshopping is also common these days."

So, was Melania's dress really buttercream yellow with an Easter purple belt all along? It seems so. But the real question remains: does it work?

THE TRUMP'S UK VISIT:

The Trumps are scheduled to be in the UK until Thursday, September 18, and their itinerary is packed with events and meetings. They've already laid a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in St. George's Chapel, Windsor.

But what's really got everyone talking? King Charles inviting President Trump to walk in front of him during the ceremonial welcome. It seems like a small gesture, but it's clear that both leaders are trying to put on a united front.

And let's not forget - this is Melania's second time attending a state dinner in the UK. Last time around, she wore yellow and caused quite the stir. Will she do it again? Only time will tell.