 "‘You look fabulous’: What did Zelenskyy wear to White House months after he was mocked for his clothes?")
It was just a few months back when a reporter asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy why he chose not to wear a suit during his meeting with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office.
On Monday, Zelenskyy reached the White House dressed in formal wear rather than his usual military uniform.
The change of appearance drew a reaction from Trump, who commented that Zelensky was “all dressed up today.”
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So, what did he choose to wear on this occasion?
Let’s take a look:
Zelenskyy’s formal outfit at White House
Dressed in an all-black suit without a tie, the Ukrainian president arrived for his meeting with Donald Trump on Monday, months after facing criticism for appearing without formal attire during his earlier and much-discussed visit to the White House.
For this occasion, Zelenskyy chose a jacket once described as “suit-style” but not a complete suit, paired with a black shirt.
At the Oval Office briefing, American reporters noticed his attire and praised him. “Love the suit,” said one reporter.
It was the same reporter who had earlier questioned Zelenskyy for not wearing a suit. This time, the Ukrainian leader was told he looked “fabulous in the suit.”
Trump quickly joined in: “I said the same thing. Isn’t he the one who attacked you last time?”
🚨 LMAO! REPORTER to Zelensky: "You look fabulous in that suit!"
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 18, 2025
TRUMP: "I said the same thing! That's the one that attacked you last time."
ZELENSKY TO REPORTER: "I remember that. You're in the same suit. I changed mine." pic.twitter.com/FsGNeqv3DE
Impact Shorts
More ShortsZelenskyy smiled and said, “I remember him. But you are in the same suit.”
The exchange brought laughter in the room.
Trump also admired Zelenskyy’s choice of outfit, describing it as “fabulous.” The light moment came even as serious discussions continued between US and European leaders on Ukraine’s security and Russia’s demands.
Since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion three years ago, Zelenskyy has mostly appeared in public wearing army-style sweatshirts, polos and military clothing. Some Republicans had earlier criticised him for not wearing formal clothes when meeting the US president.
“This time the President [Zelenskyy] will be in a suit, but the style still remains in a military key with the same symbolism: He is the head of state, which is at war,” Elvira Gasanova, a Ukrainian businesswoman and designer behind Damirli, a brand known for creating one of Zelenskyy’s signature looks, told Politico.
Zelenskyy’s clothing choices, meant to show solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers and his war-torn country, have drawn both appreciation and criticism.
What happened last time?
The latest meeting comes months after Trump welcomed Zelenskyy to the West Wing in February, where the Ukrainian leader’s choice of military-style clothing drew light remarks.
Trump joked to the press, “he’s all dressed up today.”
JD Vance, however, appeared more displeased than Trump over Zelenskyy’s simple outfit, especially the absence of a tie.
“Why don’t you wear a suit?” asked Brian Glenn of Real America’s Voice. “You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit? A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office.”
Zelenskyy replied that he would wear a “costume” once the war was over.
That meeting ended on a tense note, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of being ungrateful for US support and “gambling with World War III.” Other scheduled talks were cancelled, and Zelenskyy was told to leave the White House.
Did White House pressure Zelenskyy to wear a suit?
Reports suggest the White House pushed Zelenskyy to wear a suit for his meeting with Trump on Monday.
A report by The Wall Street Journal, citing a European official and another source involved in the planning, said that the “White House has asked that Zelensky don a suit and tie to meet the president.”
When Zelenskyy arrived, though, he wore a black jacket over a collared black shirt buttoned up, but without a tie.
His outfit seemed to strike a middle ground, showing he was open to the suggestion while still keeping his independence.
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