Ivanka's Fashion Missteps: Outfits That Sparked Controversy

Ivanka and Melania Trump Spark Outrage for Going Headscarf-Free in Saudi Arabia

In May 2017, Ivanka and Melania Trump joined former President Donald Trump on their first overseas trip to Saudi Arabia. The first ladies made an elegant arrival at the state visit, with Melania wearing an all-black, long-sleeved jumpsuit accented with golden accessories, while Ivanka donned a chic, patterned, calf-length dress. There was little controversy surrounding their outfits, as Saudi Arabia's strict dress code at the time applied only to foreign women, requiring them to wear the conservative abaya, a loose-fitting black robe.

What did stir online debate, however, was their decision not to wear headscarves. The backlash gained traction due to a tweet from Donald Trump in 2015, when former First Lady Michelle Obama visited Saudi Arabia alongside President Barack Obama. Michelle, too, chose not to cover her hair, and Donald publicly criticized her for it. "Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs. Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted. We have enough enemies," he tweeted.

The situation seemed to expose a double standard, as he did not voice similar concerns when it came to Ivanka and Melania's headscarf-free appearances. Historically, other high-profile women, such as Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, had also visited Saudi Arabia without wearing head coverings, yet the controversy remained front and center for the Trump family.