The Melania Trump Coat That's Worth More Than A Teacher's Annual Salary

Finding luxury clothing brands that are actually worth your money and fit your budget can be tricky, unless, of course, you are Melania Trump. The first lady of the United States — and fashion aficionado — has showcased many unique and flashy outfits before, during, and after her time in the White House, but one coat stands out amongst the rest. When Melania was visiting Sicily, Italy on an official presidential tour in 2017, she was wearing a Dolce & Gabbana coat with a striking floral pattern that cost $51,000.

If that figure makes your jaw drop, you are not alone. The price tag of Melania's coat is higher than what a starting educator in the United States makes for a salary in one year, which was only $39,249 during the 2017-2018 school year. As of 2025, $46,562 is the average base salary for a new American educator, a far cry from the high salaries of some blue-collar jobs, and still less than what Melania paid for her coat eight years prior.

Even the most passionate fashionista is still looking for ways to save money when it comes to buying outfits, from shopping at thrift stores to searching for items like a luxury Bottega Veneta bag alternative. Melania Trump, on the other hand, spares no expense when it comes to the best that money can buy and she can wear.

Putting aside her John Galliano designed Dior wedding dress that reportedly cost $100,000, there have been several standout pieces in her wardrobe that the average shopper might take years to afford. Since becoming the first lady, Melania has worn a $4,000 Valentino skirt and Louboutin heels to plant a tree, a roughly $7,600 Celine collared trench coat and belt for a visit to the prime minister of the United Kingdom, and a close to $7,700 Valentino calf-length coat that was accessorized with a cape to meet England's royal family. 

Melania is not the only first lady with a taste for upscale fashion. Former first lady Jill Biden's sparkly dress she wore to the 2023 Grammys cost about $16,000. Plus, that inaugural gown Hillary Clinton wore in 1993 cost about $50,000, which would be worth over $110,000 in 2025.