OP here, I'm also Catholic and had the same thought about too much black. I get if they want to follow offiicial protocol to be on the safe side, though, and apparently official protocol is a black mantilla and conservative black dress. I just think Hope shows that it doesn't have to look like a widow or a weird Halloween costume.

My aunt had a gorgeous black mantilla she bought in Rome in the 1950s....I guess this is why. I've sort of always wanted to wear it because it's so beautiful but never had a reason.

For the Catholics reading this, can anyone identify the religious order insignia that the press guy is wearing? It looks like more than just your run o' mill KoC outfit. I do wonder if the following of old Vatican protocol was the result of certain very conservative Catholics within the Administration who were trying to send a message to the pope about not being really down with his loosening up of the old ways, rather than an attempt to err on the side of respect.

Anonymous wrote:A bit too much, honestly. They could have done a little less funereal, a little less lace, a little less black. And I'm a Catholic.

+1

They looked like a trio of crows. Does the dress have to be so severe?

A bit too much, honestly. They could have done a little less funereal, a little less lace, a little less black. And I'm a Catholic.

Anonymous wrote:She does look great, and although the dress codes are relaxed, I agree a long sleeve would have been a more conservative choice.

Kills me to see a talented young woman like her throwing her energy towards restricting the freedom and opportunities for women.

Isn't your two sentences contradict to each other? Would require woman to cover her arms be a form of freedom restriction?

Anonymous wrote:She didn't wear long sleeves though - not following protocol

According to the protocol only shoulders has to be covered.

Yeah no this is tacky.

Melania looks like a ghoul from Halloween in her outfit

She does look great, and although the dress codes are relaxed, I agree a long sleeve would have been a more conservative choice.

Kills me to see a talented young woman like her throwing her energy towards restricting the freedom and opportunities for women.

She didn't wear long sleeves though - not following protocol

Yes she looks lovely.

I think Ivanka usually looks like a shit show.

Okay, since I've made a number of comments on some *weird* fashion choices by the Trump women, I just had to recognize WH aide Hope Hicks, who looks exactly perfect for the "black with a veil" rule. I liked Melania's mantilla, but thought the placement looked weirdly old-Italian-widowish, not elegant. Hope's is perfect. I also love the black lace dress. Here's a pic, although the live version from Fax (which Jimmy Kimmel replayed last night for comedic effect) shows the outfit better:
http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/24/politics/trump-pope-francis-white-house-staff/

Ivanka's veil is a sh*t-show and she needs to move past the "let's hold things on my head with a headband" triick that 6 year olds use for cat ears and unicorn horns.