So last Tuesday I got obsessed with finding Melania Trump’s red suit look. Saw those pictures everywhere, right? Classy power vibes. Figured I’d track down something similar without blowing my budget. Total mission mode engaged.
The Crazy Expensive First Try
Started simple: Googled “Melania Trump red suit outfit”. Big mistake. Page after page of designer sites popped up. Clicked the first few links and almost choked. We’re talking $2,000, $3,000 prices. No way! My whole clothing budget isn’t even close to that. Felt ridiculous.
Next move: Hit the fancy department store downtown. Walked straight to the suits section. Everything looked… okay? But nothing had that sharp, bright crimson shade she wore. Asked a saleslady. She smiled sweetly and pointed me towards a $1,500 number. Nice try, lady. Walked out empty-handed.
Switching to Bargain Hunting
Fine. Scrap Plan A. Time for thrifting. Hit three different thrift stores Wednesday afternoon. Dug through racks like a maniac. Found lots of red jackets – shapeless blazers, weird 80s shoulder pads, faded cardigans. Nothing resembling Melania’s sharp style. Felt super grumpy hauling myself home.
Thursday morning, I got smart. Searched online again, but added “affordable” and “dupe” to my keywords. Scrolled forever. Skipped past tons of sponsored ads pushing overpriced junk. Finally stumbled onto this discussion thread where real people shared where they scored theirs. Goldmine!
The affordable spots everyone kept swearing by:
- Chain Department Stores: Like Kohl’s or Macy’s during sales. Hunt for “fitted blazer” and “tapered pants”.
Online Discount Retailers: Sites known for cheap dupes (you know the ones). Search their “blazers” section carefully.
Budget-Friendly Fashion Retailers: Places like Old Navy or even Target for separates.
My Cheap Win (& Minor Alterations)
Took a deep breath Friday evening. Searched those bargain spots online like a pro. Found a bright red “slim fit women’s blazer” at one discount retailer for $45. Score! Paired it with $30 “ankle length trousers” from a chain store sale section that looked close enough to the pants in the photos.
Got the package Monday. Suit separates looked pretty decent! The jacket was actually the right shade – perfect cherry red. Pants were good length, straight cut.
Only hiccup? The blazer fit a tiny bit loose through the waist. Melania’s look is SNUG. Took it to my local dry cleaner who does basic alterations. Cost me $15 to get the sides taken in slightly. Boom. Sharp silhouette achieved.
Total damage? Blazer: $45. Pants: $30. Alterations: $15. $90 total. Not bad for a near-dupe of a look worn by a First Lady! The secret sauce? Forget the luxury hunt. Focus on affordable separates from known budget spots, and maybe one cheap tailoring tweak. Works wonders!
