Online sleuths have discovered a connection between Erica Stoll’s outfit that she wore to watch husband Rory McIlroy win the Masters last week and Melania Trump.
Stoll watched on nervously alongside daughter Poppy as McIlroy sank the winning putt to beat Justin Rose in a playoff at Augusta National and complete a career grand slam.
The couple, who U-turned on their divorce and contended with affair rumors in the past 12 months, then put on a united front as they posed for celebratory pictures together.
But social media users have since realized that Stoll’s outfit of choice actually had a connection to the First Lady.
Stoll wore a cropped white patterned blouse with a matching miniskirt and completed the look with a wide-brimmed hat designed by Eric Javits, which costs $317.
It turns out that Javits also designed the hat Melania wore for husband Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration earlier this year.
Online sleuths have made a connection between Erica Stoll’s Masters outfit and Melania Trump
Stoll’s hat was made by Eric Javits, the same designer of Melania’s hat for the inauguration
As a result, some believe Stoll’s hat was an ode to Melania.
The two women – who live just 20 miles apart in Florida – have both contended with affair rumors in the past.
Just 11 months ago, McIlroy had filed for divorce from Stoll, sparking speculation of a potential romance with CBS reporter Amanda Balionis after the pair appeared to enjoy a strong rapport during a flirtatious interview at the Wells Fargo Championship.
However, McIlroy and Stoll have since reconciled and appeared to be every bit the happy couple after he won in Augusta.
Neither Balionis nor McIlroy have addressed their rumored romance, which was never confirmed.
As for Melania, her marriage with Trump has faced its fair share of tests since they got together and married in 2005.
Adult film star Stormy Daniels alleged that she and Trump had a sexual encounter in 2006 while Playboy model Karen McDougal also claimed she had an affair with Trump that year.
Trump has maintained he did not have an affair with either Daniels or McDougal.
Both Stoll and Melania have dealt with affair rumors in the past – McIlroy was rumored to have had a relationship with CBS reporter Amanda Balionis (left), while Stormy Daniels claimed she had an affair with Trump in 2006
Celebrity stylists revealed to Daily Mail the real reason behind Stoll’s outfit earlier this week after the New York native did her best to ignore the drama surrounding her marriage.
Discussing her statement ensemble, fashion expert Lisa Talbot said: ‘Erica’s choice of a wide-brimmed hat at The Masters was not only chic but incredibly intentional.
‘Wide-brimmed hats have long been a symbol of sophistication and quiet strength and in fashion terms, they command presence without saying a word.
‘Rather than hiding, this kind of accessory can offer a sense of personal space and control especially when in the public eye.
‘It’s a confident style move, and a beautiful reminder that fashion can be a form of self-care and quiet empowerment.’
Meanwhile, Oriona Robb, personal stylist and color psychologist, said: ‘Erica’s choice to wear an all white outfit with a wide brimmed hat at the 2025 Masters was a statement, both a stylish one and one about her marriage.
‘In fashion and color psychology, white is frequently associated with purity, renewal and a fresh start. By donning an all-white outfit, Stoll may have been signaling a desire to project calmness and control during a period of personal upheaval as she and Rory look to work on their marital issues away from the spotlight.
Stoll was overcome with emotion after watching her husband complete the career grand slam
‘It could also mean a fresh start for her marriage now they are looking to move away from divorce and work together on overcoming their issues.
‘The wide brimmed hat also added an element of privacy and sophistication, potentially serving as a subtle barrier against public scrutiny.’
Sophie McGown, designer and Founder of EAR SASS, echoed this reasoning, adding: ‘White oozes purity, honesty, and carries an almost angelic quality. It’s often chosen when someone wants to communicate calm, control, and clarity.
‘In Erica’s case, it could be because she wants to display messages of inner peace and serenity on her terms, as she may be conscious she will be in the limelight.
‘Many may interpret it as a message of innocence and transparency, and Erica’s outfit appears to speak volumes without her saying a word.’
