All the hidden fashion messages from Trump's inauguration - from Lauren Sanchez's naked dress to clues that the First Family are positioning themselves as America's 'royals'

As they made their glittering return to the White House on Monday, the women in President Trump's inner circle may not have said much to the cameras - but their outfit choices certainly spoke volumes.

Over the past few days, the Trump family celebrated his electoral win with a series of extravagant events - beginning with a show-stopping firework display at the President's golf course in Washington on Saturday and ending with the traditional Liberty Ball on Monday night.

For the occasion, the First Lady, 54, opted for an elegant black-and-white strapless gown by Hervé Pierre.

Eagle-eyed fashion fans will have noticed it had a strikingly similar design to the dress Melania wore to the 2016 Liberty Ball - sending a firm message to the world that the First Lady is ready to get back to the role on her terms.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump's daughter-in-law Lara - who is married to the President's son Eric - was another high-profile guest who communicated with viewers with her fashion choices that evening.

The mother-of-two opted for a scarlet red gown, which she paired with a glimmering ruby necklace.

The show-stopping piece of jewellery could easily have been lifted from the Royal Family's collection - and looks incredibly similar to one owned by Queen Camilla - thereby cementing the Trump's family status in the US. 

Here FEMAIL reveals all the fashion messages that were hiding in plain sight during Trump's inauguration celebrations - from Lauren Sanchez's naked dress to the clues the First Family are positioning themselves as America's 'royals'.

Melania's updated ball gown: She's back on her own terms

Aware the world's eyes would be watching on Monday night, Melania Trump took a note from her own fashion playbook when choosing her outfit for the Liberty Ball.

For the historic occasion, the First Lady turned to her trusted stylist Hervé Pierre, who is also a designer in his own right.

Together, the pair settled on one of his gowns, which was incredibly reminiscent of the Hervé design Melania wore to the 2016 Liberty Ball.

As well as being off-shoulder and strapless, both ball gowns featured a silk frill running down the front.

Melania's first Liberty Ball dress was crisp white - except for a dainty red belt - and also featured a thigh-high split.  

Bringing the design into 2025, Hervé updated the dress to make it strapless and made the statement frills black.

To offset this added embellishment, Melania had a diamond broach, which was created by American jeweller Harry Winston in 1955, reworked into a choker with a black ribbon.

Melania's designer said in a statement: 'It is a big honor to have collaborated with the first lady on the design for her inaugural dress. 

'It was clear that Mrs. Trump was gravitating toward a combination of black and white — true to her own style and vision.' 

As she stepped back into the spotlight, it's clear Melania wanted to hark back to her previous work as First Lady in Trump's first term - and send a message to the American public that she is set on doing the job her own way.

Lara Trump: Royal necklace puts Trumps on par with the monarchy

However, Melania wasn't the only member of the Trump family to use her inauguration ball outfit to convey a hidden message. 

On Monday night, Lara Trump - who has been married to Eric since 2014 - wore a statement ruby necklace, which matched her scarlet ball gown from Oscar Garcia-Lopez.

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

Among her collection of jewellery, the royal has a five-strand ruby necklace, which is set with diamonds.

According to the royal jewellery blog The Court Jeweller, the necklace is thought to have been a diplomatic gift and is only worn by Queen Camilla on special occasions.

Lara's choice of necklace, with its royal connotations, appears to have been designed to send a message to the viewing public - putting the Trumps on par with the British monarchy.

After the ball, Lara posted a behind-the-scenes photo of her getting ready for the event. 

As she starred down the camera, Lara's makeup artist Axel Constanza was pictured adjusting her blonde hair, which had been styled in loose waves.

Sharing the image with her 2.4m Instagram followers, Lara used a kissing emoji as her caption. 

Lauren Sanchez: Defiant in the face of critics

There's no denying Lauren Sanchez raised eyebrows on Monday afternoon when she arrived for Trump's inauguration wearing a cleavage-bearing white blazer.

The white suit , which showcased her lace bra, caused a stir online about whether it was 'appropriate' for such an occasion.

Lauren's Swearing In outfit appears to be the same one she wore during a chat with Forbes executive vice president Moira Forbes at the 2024 Forbes Power Women's Summit in September. 

During the event, Lauren lamented how the public only associate her with her future husband Jeff Bezos - by wearing it again for such a historic event, Lauren could have been trying to hammer this point home. 

But Jeff Bezos' fiance clearly didn't let the social media frenzy get to her - and defiantly turned up to the inauguration ball in an equally racy gown just hours later.

Leaning into the 'naked dress' trend, the mother-of-three wore a peach-toned gown by Dolce & Gabbana. 

The whimsical gown boasted draped soft tulle sleeves with an elegant bodice that cinched in at the waist. 

Although it featured a modest necklace, the dress had a slit in the front, which flashed Lauren's legs. 

Sanchez accessorised with large gold earrings and statement rings with her long dark tresses styled in loose waves and draped down her back.

The author's comments section was filled with comments from celebrity pals gushing over her inauguration ball look.

Kris Jenner gushed: 'STUNNING!!!!' Brooks Nader added: 'Belle of the ball.'

Ivanka Trump: Inviting Hollywood royalty comparisons

Audrey Hepburn has gone down in history as Hollywood royalty - and Ivanka Trump appears to have wanted to play into this with her Liberty Ball gown.

On Monday night, the mother-of-three encouraged comparisons with the late icon when she wore a  recreation of an iconic 1954 couture gown worn by Audrey Hepburn.

The First Daughter, 43, took to the stage with her husband, Jared Kushner, 44, to share in a romantic dance during the Liberty Ball in Washington, D.C., on Monday evening.

The mother-of-three opted for an elegant, strapless white gown that contained a long flowing skirt and intricate black floral detailing.

The dress was a recreation of a Hubert de Givenchy’s 1954 Haute Couture black-and-white gown that was originally designed for Audrey in the film Sabrina.

Ivanka's rep said that she was 'honoured' to wear the gown and 'incredibly grateful for Arnault family and the Givenchy atelier for creating the replica, capturing the original artistry and elegance with remarkable precision and craftsmanship.'

'Audrey Hepburn has long been a personal inspiration to Ivanka,' they added. 

'She views it as a great privilege to honor her legacy in this way, and is incredibly grateful to the team at Givenchy for bringing this moment to life.' 

Melania Trump: Royal Family homage

What's more, style watchers may have noticed how Melania Trump's inauguration ceremony ensemble gave a couple of nods to the British monarch - as the Trumps continue positioning themselves as America's 'royals'.

For the event, Melania Trump wore a sophisticated black coat dress by Adam Lippes and a hat from Eric Javits, who are both American designers.

The combination of smart coat dress and statement hat is a formula the Princess of Wales has become famous for during her 12 years in the Royal Family.

Meanwhile, Melania's silhouette was incredibly similar to an outfit Kate wore to the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey in 2022.

As well as opting monochrome theme, both women wore wide-brimmed hats for the occasion - perhaps signifying Melania is turning to Kate Middleton for inspiration as she returns to the White Office.

In addition, Melania's hat is also similar to one she wore to meet the late Queen at a Buckingham Palace party in June 2019.

Again this wide-brimmed hat, which had a black trim, was designed by Hervé Pierre, who created her Liberty Ball gown on Monday.

Ivanka Trump: Kate's Christmas look

The Princess of Wales set this season's colour as dark green when she arrived at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on Christmas day.

Taking to the festive service, Kate opted for her hunter-green Alexander McQueen coat, paired with a tartan scarf.

She teamed the coat with a matching fascinator, a pair of black gloves, and boots by Gianvito Rossi to keep warm.

The future queen also carried a small handbag by Grace Han - as she waved at the crowds outside St Mary Magdalene Church.

All eyes were on Kate that day, following her gruelling year after her shocking cancer diagnosis - and it seems as though Ivanka Trump was one of those taking fashion notes from the princess.

The 43-year-old mirrored Kate's Christmas look for a different Church service - the mass at St. Johns Church ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration.

As Ivanka smiled and waved to those outside the service, she donned a dark green ensemble, complete with a draped blazer, fascinator, and midi skirt.

Like Kate, the American businesswoman completed her look with black gloves and a matching leather bag.

Arabella Kushner: Nod to Princess Charlotte 

When Ivanka Trump's daughter, Arabella Kushner, took to the inaugural ceremonies at the US Capitol, she donned a cape coat reminiscent of Princess Charlotte's.

The American teenager, 13, the only daughter of Ivanka and Jared Kushner, opted for a biscuit-coloured knee-length overcoat with a wide belt, matching trousers, and chunky boots.

It was an outfit choice evocative of the one donned by Princess Charlotte during the King's coronation at Westminster Abbey in May 2023.

The young princess donned an Alexander McQueen dress and cape in ivory silk crepe with ivory stitch embroidery featuring rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs to signify the four nations.

Her mother, Kate, also looked elegant in a similar ivory silk crepe gown featuring silver bullion and thread work embroidery.

Instead of a tiara, the mother and daughter duo wore matching Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen Headpiece with silver bullion, crystal, and silver thread work three-dimensional leaf embroidery.

It's perhaps of little surprise that Arabella may have looked to Princess Charlotte for fashion inspiration, given her status as one of the most closely watched - and best-dressed - children on the planet with a wardrobe that pays tribute to classic British style.