Politicians are judged for what they wear, just like anyone else who is in the public eye. Although the fashion choices of some politicians may be dismissed, there is so much to analyse when it comes to the fashion of our government leaders.
Jeremy Corbyn
The former leader of the UK Labour party was well-known for setting a casual-scruffy trend with his fashion. Referred to as the ‘retired postman’ look, Corbyn donned crumpled shirts, jeans or corduroy trousers, and an overshirt or ill-fitting suit jacket.
The style caught on fast, with many party members wearing similarly-themed outfits to party conferences and meetings during Corbyn’s leadership. In 2017 Vogue called Corbyn’s style ‘Chic’, and said his choice of oversized jackets were a political choice:
“Corbyn knows that the backlash against “experts” and the “establishment” means we’re also distrustful of anyone in a suit that fits“the backlash against “experts” and the
“establishment” means we’re also distrustful of anyone in a suit that fits”.
This may well be the case. As the leader of a political party supported by the working class, many of the Labour leader’s clothing choices and actions reflected his party’s goals. Ever heard of ‘Traingate’? All of his actions and fashion were to appeal to his party’s main demographic, namely people who can’t afford a £3,500 tailored suit like former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron.
Boris Johnson
The current Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party is a pioneer of the ‘Silly Style’. He was often in the news during his eight-year stint as Mayor of London for his questionable fashion choices . These stories ran parallel to the evolution of Johnson’s hair.
Not only did Johnson and his American counterpart, Trump, revolutionise the way we view a leader’s style, but they were also able to use it to their advantage. Boris has been referred to as ‘bumbling’ and a majority of the British public believe him to be incompetent. However, much like his fashion sense, most of his political bluffs and guffs could well have been calculated.
We are encouraged to dress for success, and Johnson’s careful style choices stop him from being taken seriously. This means, coupled with his ditsy demeanour, many of his political moves are brushed off as just Boris being Boris.
Johnson once said he likes to make “models of buses” in his downtime, which was immediately on the front of every newspaper and the top of the Google searches. People were dumbfounded by this comment, however, it may well have been a strategic move.
Before this interview, if you searched for ‘Boris Johnson + Buses’ in any search engine, the first result would be those less-than-truthful slogans featured on buses during the Brexit campaign. After this interview, the Brexit buses weren’t even on the first page of results.
Hillary Clinton
Women are critiqued more on their fashion choices in any industry, and politics is no exception. Former American presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is one such example. When a documentary on Clinton’s life was released onto Netflix, Marie Claire said she was a “definitive style icon of our generation.”
Male politicians are not often viewed as trendsetters or anyone’s style inspiration. The same cannot be said for female politicians like Hillary. According to Marie Claire (before a primary debate) Clinton’s team had questioned her choice of shoes. She replied asking “Did anyone ask Bernie [Sanders] about his goddamn shoes? I don't care.”
Clinton is viewed as a pioneer of the pantsuit, even though she viewed it as a practical choice. People have called it her ‘uniform’, and it has become a staple in any female influencer’s wardrobe.
Granted, Clinton’s wardrobe probably costs a substantial amount more than Corbyn’s or Johnson’s. But the truth is women’s fashion choices are judged more harshly than their male counterparts. It’s a well-established feminine stereotype but would impact her political career nonetheless.
Jacinda Ardern
The New Zealand Prime Minister has been known for ‘wearing her message’ since she was elected in 2017. The Labour leader is known for her support of independent local designers and New Zealand’s Māori culture.
The youngest female leader in the world has often faced gender-based questions in interviews, such as if she planned to have children and what outfit she would wear to a debate. It’s fair to say male politicians do not often deal with the same questions.
But what Ardern does so well is she dresses “just like other women in New Zealand.” She has also worn clothing items that are in obvious support of the 15% of the New Zealand population that is Maori.
Labour’s approval rating, although having dropped recently, is still at 43%. Her fashion choices are an integrated part of her leadership style and will have contributed (in no small part) to the public’s confidence in her.
In summary
Whether we take a politician’s fashion choices seriously or not, they can have a huge impact on our impression of them. Whether you’re the ‘best-dressed man in politics’, Justin Trudeau, or a ‘retired postman’ politician, style matters. Take another look at your politicians and ask: who - or what - are they wearing?
Edited by Charlotte Lewis (Editor-in-Chief)
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