First Lady's Fashion Statement at Annual Thanksgiving Event
On a damp Tuesday morning in Washington, First Lady Melania Trump appeared hand-in-hand with President Donald Trump for the White House's traditional turkey pardon ceremony. The 55-year-old former model looked prepared to leave the rainy capital behind as she accompanied her 79-year-old husband for the 78th annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation.
Designer Details and Festive Attire
Mrs Trump made a sophisticated style statement in an oversized black bomber jacket featuring distinctive pocket detailing on the arms and ruched sleeves. The designer piece, identified as from Anine Bing, retails for approximately $400 at department stores including Bloomingdale's. She paired this with a brown houndstooth-printed tweed skirt and matching turtleneck top, completing her autumnal look with patent-leather brown heels and her signature waved hairstyle.
President Trump contrasted his wife's casual-chic ensemble with formal traditional dress coat and bright red tie for the ceremonial occasion. The presidential couple presided over the pardoning of two turkeys named Waddle and Gobble, continuing a decades-long White House tradition that sees the birds spared from Thanksgiving tables.
From Pardon to Palm Beach
Following the lighthearted ceremony, the Trumps immediately boarded Air Force One bound for Palm Beach, Florida, where they planned to spend their Thanksgiving holiday. This year's event maintained tradition while adapting slightly - though both turkeys will be spared, only one officially receives the presidential pardon.
The two fortunate birds, born last summer in North Carolina, had been prepared for their moment in the spotlight with a stay at Washington's Willard InterContinental Hotel to acclimatise to city life. According to reports, both pardoned turkeys will now live out their remaining days at North Carolina State University's Prestage Department of Poultry Science in Raleigh.
Mrs Trump has been embracing the seasonal spirit, having recently welcomed the official White House Christmas Tree to the presidential residence. The tree, sourced from Korson's Tree Farms in Michigan after winning the National Christmas Tree Association's competition in July, will be displayed in the Blue Room.
The turkey pardon appearance followed closely on Mrs Trump's joint visit with Second Lady Usha Vance to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina - marking their first official travel together without their husbands. During that engagement, Melania opted for brown leather trousers and a matching safari jacket by Blazé Milano, while Mrs Vance chose a burgundy turtleneck dress.
