THE POLITICS OF POWER DRESSING

The Original Power Dresser

Think politics and powerdressing and the image of Margaret Thatcher immediately springs to mind. ‘The essence of a well-dressed woman shouldn’t be exaggerated,’ once said the woman who swiftly swapped demure dresses for skirt suits upon being elected PM. In a bid to keep Middle England on-board, she softened her uniform with pearls, an ever-present handbag – and a penchant for pussy-bow blouses.

The Fashion Plate PM

Theresa May’s signature leopard-print shoes first made their appearance at the Tory party conference in 2002… and exited when she left Downing Street in 2019. In-between, Mrs May has impressed with some brave choices – thigh-high latex boots, anyone?

– as well as a passion for fashion, declaring that her Desert Island Discs luxury would be a lifetime subscription to Vogue. ‘You can be clever and like clothes,’ she once remarked. Too true!

The Pant Suit Queens

Namely, Angela Merkel and Hillary Clinton, who love a trouser suit. Both stuck to suits to deflect attention away from the way they look – as Hillary Clinton says, her suits are ‘an anti-distraction technique’.

The Lip+hoops Congresswoman

Alexandria Ocasio-cortez’s red lippie and big earrings are a message to the next generation: ‘Next time someone tells Bronx girls to take off their hoops, they can just say they’re dressing like a Congresswoman.’

The Va-va-voom Politico

Brazilian politician Ana Paula da Silva received online rape threats after wearing a jumpsuit with a plunging neckline when she was sworn in. Da Silva said she would sue the trolls, with any compensation going to women facing abuse. She also vowed to continue wearing just what she wants.