Still, the first lady returned to full-glam for the state dinner, wearing a black embroidered Gucci cheongsam-inspired gown with bubblegum-pink Manolo Blahnik heels — a contrast to the day’s flats and a reminder she often favors 5-inch stilettos.
As the resurfaced images circulate online, users on X criticized the flats as a 'try-hard' bid to seem relatable and urged she 'just wear sneakers.' The resurfacing comes as President Trump, 79, began a May 13, 2026, China visit without his 56-year-old wife, arriving to a red-carpet welcome and bringing dozens of U.S. executives along for talks.