Politically Speaking: dressing with a message

In an environment where image is everything, what a politician says, does and wears, often makes the headlines.

As a blog that focuses and features 'political style,' my eye is always trained to the subtle (or not so subtle) messaging that a politician might be sharing with what they wear. Are they looking to reinforce a particular policy point or pay homage to the city they are visiting? Or perhaps they even want to cause a little outrage with a jacket or a bag.

Fashion is often called frivolous, but the sartorial selections of our leaders can cause a real impact for the designers, brands and artisans who make creating clothes and accessories their life's work.

From Theresa May to Michelle Obama, here's how to dress with a message.

Theresa May's purple suit

Bold and bright, Theresa May's purple skirt suit is one of our favourites. Handmade by Daniel Blake, the Origami jacket with matching skirt is one that outfit that conveys the PM's strength and power. The poppin' purple hue reminds me of one of the colours in the suffragette palette, including the Votes for Women scarf that hangs in Parliament. 

May will often wear this at the dispatch box, giving proceedings a twist of chic and colour. We have seen this look paired with the Kitty velvet kitten heels from Charlotte Olympia, and the oversized Amanda Wakeley chain necklace and bracelet. It's a truly epic look. 

May has several tailored items from Daniel Blake in her wardrobe. A uniform that every political woman should aspire too. 

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Nancy Pelosi and the female Democratic caucus's white pantsuits

Tuning into this year's State of the Union address, you couldn't help but notice a sea of white pantsuits worn by female members of the Democratic caucus. Echoing the message of suffragette's, female members of Congress donned white outfits to send a message to the President- and the viewing public of their refusal to be left out of the administration's policy priorities. Newly elected Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez wore a white cape, and returned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi cleverly accessorised her white pantsuit with a red and blue chunky necklace - the colours echoing the American flag. 

This is not the first time we have seen female lawmakers don white to make a political point. From using white to support the ERA to Hillary Clinton wearing a sharp white pantsuit to accept the Democratic nomination for President, here's a run down of its historical significance. 

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Jacinda Ardern's Maori cloak

On her first visit to the UK as New Zealand's Prime Minister, Adern attended CHOGM and a dinner at Buckingham Palace wearing a traditional Maori cloak. Praised as a proud moment for women and Maoris, Adern wore a Kahu huruhuru; a Māori cloak adorned with feathers and bestowed on chiefs and dignitaries to convey prestige, respect and power. On social media in New Zealand the striking image went viral, with many people commenting that the picture captured the inversion of traditional gender roles; a female world leader wearing a powerful cloak while pregnant and representing her country. 

Theresa May's red jacket

A small and subtle gesture, Theresa May often wears something red when she is in Wales. At the launch of Women2Win Wales, May selected her red Amanda Wakeley jacket, teaming it with a pair of red patent kitten heels from favoured brand, L.K. Bennett. It's this type of stylish thought that brings a smile to a fashionista's face!

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Michelle Obama's Jason Wu inaugural gown

It's hard to believe that this iconic fashion moment was ten years ago. We all waited in anticipation to see if the new First Lady would make a political fashion statement with the choice of her inaugural gown - and she did not disappoint. Obama selected a white silk chiffon off the shoulder gown embellished with organza flowers and Swaorvski crystal embellishments for the round of inaugural balls. Designed by little known designer Jason Wu, the choice conveyed the Obama's message of hope and change- and a fresh start. It's still a classic and can be seen up close in the Smithsonian's Museum of American History. 

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Amber Rudd's black and white coat

Now, maybe not an immediate or obviously political choice, I did see the parallels in Amber Rudd's black and white piped coat with the uniforms of police officers whilst she was Home Secretary! Plus it's an awfully chic choice to pair with a blouse, trousers and heels. 

Theresa May's bee adorned Humbug shoes

We couldn't cover the Prime Minister without mentioning her shoes. May's choice of Russell & Bromley's Humbug shoes for the 2017 Conservative Party Conference earned little coverage  - but eagled eyed Miss Political Style here noticed that they were adorned with sparkling bees. Perhaps it was a subtle nod to the official emblem of the conference's host city, Manchester?

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Liz Truss's red dress

Budget Day is truly an exciting one for political geeks like myself, and aside from the fiscal fascination, we couldn't help notice that Liz Truss had selected a rather cool red dress to match the red box of the Chancellor. This particular dress was from Karen Millen - and sold out in rapid time. 

Theresa May's white and red ode to Japan

Much like her tribute to Wales, when visiting Japan in 2017, Theresa May selected a red jersey dress and white blazer to meet her Japanese counterpart. True literal dressing!

Theresa May's military inspired Sandhurst outfit

Standing in for the Queen during a passing out parade at Sandhurst in 2017 is perhaps one of Theresa May's most literal message laden fashion moments. From the Military navy coat by Daniel Blake, to the red hat by Liz Felix - this is the ultimate ode to the military uniforms of the cadets. 

Which of these sartorially savvy looks is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!