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Blue belle

Melania Trump channels Jackie Kennedy in a powder blue Ralph Lauren dress and matching gloves ahead of husband Donald’s inauguration

IT'S clear Melania Trump is keen to cement herself as the First Lady of fashion.

After dazzling in a glittering gold gown at last night’s black tie dinner, she donned a chic, high-necked powder blue dress for husband Donald’s inauguration today.

 Melania Trump, pictured with husband Donald, looked chic in a high-necked cornflour blue dress believed to be by American designer Ralph Lauren
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Melania Trump, pictured with husband Donald, looked chic in a high-necked cornflour blue dress believed to be by American designer Ralph LaurenCredit: AP:Associated Press

Fashion-watchers wondered who would dress the 46-year-old mum-of-one for the prestigious event, with many top designers reportedly refusing to offer her garments.

Ralph Lauren is the designer behind the elegant tailored ensemble, which Melania paired with her signature pin-thin heels and leather baby blue gloves.

Some observers claim the cashmere, mock-turtle neck dress is reminiscent of the iconic garments worn by Jackie Kennedy.

 Melania's elegant blue outfit has been compared to that of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy
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Melania's elegant blue outfit has been compared to that of former First Lady Jackie KennedyCredit: Getty Images
 Melania paired the block colour dress with a pair of her signature pin-thin heels and matching gloves
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Melania paired the block colour dress with a pair of her signature pin-thin heels and matching glovesCredit: AP:Associated Press

The former First Lady wore a similar outfit back in 1961 when John F. Kennedy was sworn into office.

Melania kept her make-up simple, ditched her normal bouncy blow dry for an understated updo and accessorised with diamond stud earrings.

Style lovers got a first glance of Melania's outfit as she left Blair House alongside her husband on their way to a service at St. John's Church.

The family were joined by 300 guests before they moved on to breakfast with the Obamas, with the official inauguration ceremony later on this afternoon.

Ralph Lauren is rumoured to have also created an evening ensemble for Melania.

She previously wowed in a £3,250 white trousersuit by the New York-based designer on Election Night.

 Michelle and Barack Obama pose for a photograph with Melania and Donald Trump outside of the White House
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Michelle and Barack Obama pose for a photograph with Melania and Donald Trump outside of the White HouseCredit: Sky
 Melania and Donald attended the traditional Inauguration Day church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, which is a short walk from the White House
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Melania and Donald attended the traditional Inauguration Day church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, which is a short walk from the White HouseCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Melania dazzled at last night's pre-inauguration dinner in a glittering gold gown by Reem Acra
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Melania dazzled at last night's pre-inauguration dinner in a glittering gold gown by Reem AcraCredit: Rex Features

Ralph Lauren already has links to The White House and became Hillary Clinton’s favoured dresser during her own presidential campaign.

He designed the white blazer and trouser suit she wore to the Democratic National Convention as well as several of her other outfits on the trail.

It is believed Melania will change into a second outfit for the evening’s celebrations.

Fashion industry insider Jean Shafiroff, who sits on the New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology's Couture Council Of The Museum, told the  earlier this month that Zac Posen, B Michael America, Victor de Souza and Zang Toi would all be willing to dress Melania.

 Donald and Melania Trump were welcomed on stage as President and First Lady Elect for one final time last night
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Donald and Melania Trump were welcomed on stage as President and First Lady Elect for one final time last nightCredit: Rex Features
 Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the pre-inauguration Candlelight dinner
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Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the pre-inauguration Candlelight dinnerCredit: Getty Images

Other designers, meanwhile, have publicly said they would refuse to provide her an outfit.

They include Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs and Sophie Theallet.

Yesterday Melania attended a number of daytime events in a custom-made black coat by American label Norisol Ferrari.

The double-breasted coat was designed to pay tribute to the US military because one of the engagements was a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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Donald Trump and his wife Melania take part in a Make America Great Again welcome concert in Washington

 Melania, pictured with Donald, opted for a glamorous black coat by American label Norisol Ferrari and Gucci sunglasses
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Melania, pictured with Donald, opted for a glamorous black coat by American label Norisol Ferrari and Gucci sunglassesCredit: Alamy
 Jackie Kennedy famously sported oversized black sunglasses during her tenure as First Lady
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Jackie Kennedy famously sported oversized black sunglasses during her tenure as First LadyCredit: Getty Images

“I was honoured to dress the First Lady of the United States for her visit to Arlington Cemetery,” said Ferrari in a statement.

”Throughout American history, our military personnel have faced difficult circumstances with courage and bravery.

“The men and women interred at Arlington gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, as did their families who lost loved ones. We owe them our reverence and support.”

Melania accessorised the look with large Gucci sunglasses - a signature accessory of Jackie Kennedy.

Later that evening, Melania shone in a glimmering dress by Reem Acra, a Lebanese-born, New York based designer renowned for her feminine, embellished designs.

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