After two presidential elections, the First Lady’s aesthetic has become a recognizable beauty trend. Melania Trump has been called the ultimate ambassador of this polished look. E
ven when it comes to her nails, with her signature milky manicure that she has remained faithful to since 2011, Melania proves that timeless elegance is about finding what works and never letting it go. Just like Queen Letizia with her signature hairstyle, Melania leaves no room for improvisation, embracing a beauty routine that is as consistent as it is sophisticated.
© Brian ZAKThis nail trend is loved for its versatility and elegance, two qualities nude shades are known for. The milky finish adapts to any situation, which explains why Melania has stayed faithful to it for over a decade. Before adopting this style, she favored a clean, natural manicure with only a clear top coat.
© Brian ZAKBefore the Milky Nail Era
In her earlier years, Melania opted for simplicity and discretion. Her nails were perfectly shaped, medium in length, with no bold colors in sight. The only time she embraced a trend was in 2007, when she wore the classic French manicure, a timeless look with a nude base, medium length, and a delicate white tip. This elegant style visually elongates the hands and has never gone out of fashion. Still, it was only a stepping stone toward her now-iconic milky nails.
© Gilbert CarrasquilloThe Rise of Milky Nails
It was in 2011 that Melania discovered her perfect match: milky white nails. Unlike traditional white polish or transparent nude shades, this look achieves the ideal balance, translucent yet soft, creating a clean, polished effect. At first, she kept them at a medium length, but as First Lady, she embraced a longer, more sophisticated style.
© Karwai TangThe First Lady’s Signature Look
Her loyalty to this manicure was on full display at the Candlelight Dinner in Washington, D.C. in 2017, during Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 45th President of the United States. That night, Melania introduced a variation of her go-to nails: a hybrid between milky white and French manicure. With a subtle gradient that echoed the “baby boomer” technique, it became one of her most memorable beauty statements.
© PATRICK T. FALLON
© WPA PoolA Timeless Choice in 2025
Now, as Donald Trump leads the United States, Melania continues to rely on her trusted manicure.
Whether attending state visits, official galas, or elegant dinners, her milky French nails remain a constant. They are her secret weapon to ensure her hands always look refined, well-groomed, and perfectly in line with her polished style.
More than just a beauty choice, Melania Trump’s nails have become part of her identity, proof that sometimes the key to timeless elegance is finding what works and staying faithful to it.
