Politics and fashion don’t often collide, but Second Lady Usha Vance recently found herself at the center of an unexpected style debate—this time over an affordable maternity dress that cost less than $10.
Vice President JD Vance joined his wife for a special Father’s Day edition of her podcast, Storytime with the Second Lady. For the episode, the lawyer wore Old Navy’s The Occasion Maternity Asymmetrical Shoulder Maxi Dress in a coral shade. The one-shoulder, midi-length design originally retailed for $49.99, but after markdowns and additional promotions, she purchased it for just $8.75.
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Usha Vance Responds To NYT Fashion Piece On Her Pregnancy Style
The dress later became the subject of a New York Times style column examining pregnancy fashion among high-profile Republican women. Chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman analyzed the wardrobes of several prominent conservative figures, arguing that form-fitting maternity styles, including Vance's coral dress, reflected the Trump administration's emphasis on family values.
Usha responded to the article with humor, revealing just how inexpensive the dress actually was. "Now that we know the political significance of my $8.75 coral maternity dress from Old Navy, can't wait to hear what the New York Times has to say about my elastic-waistband pants and compression socks!" she wrote on X. "In the meantime, enjoy my pregnancy fashion (or lack thereof) and a good story with your kids on Storytime with the Second Lady."
Her response quickly went viral, with many social media users praising both her sense of humor and her budget-friendly wardrobe.
"My wife is 20 weeks pregnant. I showed her this post, and now she's filling an online cart with Old Navy maternity clothes, which are all currently on sale. Thanks for the tip—she's happy," one user wrote.
Another commented, "They love to mock right-wing women who don't feel the need to flaunt their wealth with pretentious designer fashion. Pretty coral color!"
"If your dress was $875, they would criticize you for being an out-of-touch elitist," another person added.
Others applauded her relatable style. "You are adorable, elegant, and classy no matter what you wear! You just know how to make an affordable find look expensive," one commenter wrote.
Another added, "You look great in everything you wear. I love that you're thrifty! You're normal and relatable."
Vice President JD Vance also joined the conversation, poking fun at his wife's bargain-hunting skills.
"She bought a $50 dress for $8.75," he wrote on X in response to her post, which included the receipt. "America: meet your next director of the federal budget!"
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Usha Vance and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have both embraced maternity fashion that highlights, rather than hides, their baby bumps. Throughout their pregnancies, the two frequently opted for form-fitting silhouettes that celebrated their changing figures.
Leading up to the birth of her daughter, Viviana, Leavitt often wore feminine dresses featuring bold colors, floral prints, and tailored cuts. Since welcoming her daughter, she has transitioned to more relaxed looks during maternity leave, favoring breezy white midi dresses and other effortless summer styles. That polished, feminine aesthetic extends beyond the women who are currently pregnant.
Prominent figures within President Trump's circle who aren't even pregnant, including Lara Trump and Ivanka Trump, are also frequently seen in flowing midi dresses, tailored separates, and classic silhouettes, reflecting a consistently elegant and traditionally feminine approach to fashion.
