One thing perhaps as polarising as fashion is politics. When the two are combined, dress codes go out the window, and politicians begin to tread very carefully with their attires (unless, of course, they’re making a statement by treading in Adidas Sambas).
Labour leader, Keir Starmer, and Conservative Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, have chosen their favourite pieces to re-wear more than ten times throughout their campaigns: a quarter zip jumper and a plain navy shirt. Interestingly, both of the items are blue: colours of the Conservative party.
For Sunak and Starmer, the style stakes have never been higher than during the course of this campaign, with both candidates sharing similar fashion tastes. Here are the hidden meanings behind their clothing choices and what it means for the UK’s General Election.
Reliable repeats
Outfit repeating is an age old tactic employed by celebs and royals alike. Whether to appear reliable or sustainably conscious, recycling an outfit is never a poor decision.
According to Dr Tim Ellis-Dale, senior lecturer in history and political masculinity at Teeside University, “Seeing the same outfit again and again will convey consistency. Consistency will breed a sense of familiarity, and that in turn can lead to trust.”
Interestingly, both often opt for blue. It’s an unsurprising choice for Tory Sunak, but does bode the question as to why Starmer sports it so often. Anna Curtis, colour stylist and founder of The Colour Code, notes: “Blue is the colour of trust, integrity, knowledge and leadership.
“It’s the most universally loved of all the colours and there’s a reason why so many uniforms of those in service and care are blue. The lighter the shade is more relaxing, so a great colour to wear during tense exchanges and amongst hostile constituents.”
Starmer’s bold choice is undoubtedly a calculated one to distinguish between his party and the current Tory government. Ex-Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, always managed to look slightly scruffy in his bright white shirts, which were sometimes untucked and crumpled.
Curtis notes: “Keir’s navy shirt reinforces his message of reliability. Blue is the colour of communication and the darker shade makes a more formal appearance with a distinct focus on leadership without looking too corporate.”
When Starmer does indulge in his party colours, he opts for a muted red, often paired with a white shirt and navy suit. This reserved approach elicits Starmer’s caution, as red is often equated with “confidence and charisma”, notes Curtis.
Whether the candidate’s attires convey stability or tedium – one thing about fashion is that the message isn’t always clear – so perhaps we should leave that to their policies.
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M&S, Sartorial Regular Fit Luxury Cotton Double Cuff Twill Shirt, £45