- Melania Trump has worn neutral basics at recent official events, a departure from her usual style.
- She seemingly also hasn't spent much time at the White House, reportedly dividing her time between Florida and New York.
- Her subdued wardrobe and infrequent public appearances have helped her keep a low profile.
First lady Melania Trump rarely ventures into public these days. When she does, you might have a hard time spotting her.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, her wardrobe has largely consisted of muted basics in neutral tones.
A black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo for the National Governors Association dinner and reception in February. A gray Dior skirt suit for Donald Trump's joint address to Congress in March. A cream-colored Mackage trench coat for the White House Easter Egg Roll in April.
And most recently, on Thursday, a white blazer and black skirt for an event honoring military mothers.
It's a notable departure from her White House style during President Donald Trump's first term, when she made bolder fashion choices.
Back then, she wore vibrant, glittering gowns at state dinners, a $51,500 Dolce & Gabbana floral coat to a G7 summit, and of course, the infamous "I really don't care, do u?" jacket on her way to visit immigrant children at the US-Mexico border.
Melania Trump's involvement in public life this time around has been similarly subdued, which has helped her maintain a low profile.
In May, The New York Times reported, citing anonymous officials, that the first lady has spent fewer than 14 days at the White House since the inauguration on January 20. She has been photographed at the White House about once a month — twice in April.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
Ahead of Donald Trump's second term, Melania Trump indicated she did not plan to live at the White House full-time, an arrangement not typical of modern first ladies. In a rare interview back in January, she told Fox News that she planned to divide her time between Washington, DC, Trump Tower in New York City, and Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
"I will be in the White House," she said. "And, you know, when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach."
The shift to safer style choices could indicate a more matter-of-fact approach to a role she's already held, but perhaps the first lady is simply tired of launching a news cycle with every outing and look.
Throughout her memoir, "Melania," she expressed frustration with what she called the "vindictive attitude" of press coverage surrounding her involvement in public life.
"That campaign year would set the tone for my future relationship with the media — they would never treat me fairly," she wrote of campaigning in 2016. "They persisted in fabricating stories, undermining my efforts on behalf of children, and focusing on trivial matters."
A fiercely private first lady, Melania Trump's tempered wardrobe and infrequent appearances have given the media and the public little to talk about, which may have been the goal all along.
