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Politicians & Suits

Tailored Suits Ed Miliband David Cameron Nick Clegg

 

IF, as it is considered, clothes make the man British politicians appear to be busy reflecting a message that contradicts the meaning of their profession. The old-fashioned, stuffy & traditional pin-stripe attire worn by generations of politicians has long been replaced with a more casual off duty approach to dressing. Although this implies unity with the people it does little in the way of earning respect for authority from the public. Whilst donning a handmade suit doesn’t instantly transform the nation’s views and opinions, wearing bespoke tailoring with confidence creates a more favourable and positive impression.

Public Engagement

Bespoke tailoring skillfully transforms body image, dressing confidence and the way in which other people perceive you. What it cannot do is alter posture, attitude and the ability to do the job. To genuinely look the part a politician must understand how to perfectly accessorise and present the bespoke suit. A handmade shirt, elegantly knotted silk tie in a refined but understated stripe design, exquisite cufflinks and handmade mirror polished shoes help to unite politician and bespoke attire so that they become sophistication personified. Without the confident attitude, street savvy mindset and charismatic personality to carry off a polished professional look a politician is simply a man in a posh suit.

As celebrities well know, to engage with an audience you must look, feel and think like a superstar. Whilst politicians are unlikely to scale such grand heights media attention is always gravitating in their direction. To appeal to the masses, in a role that should command respect, sharp and smart tailoring becomes essential workwear. We as the public, unfortunately, judge by appearance and unless politicians dress like they mean serious business we’re not interested in listening to what they have to say.

Status & Stature

Fashion and style are two independent statements that reflect an individual’s personality and appearance. In positions of power and influence it is important to present a sense of style and panache, simply because this is what we all aspire to possess. The way in which leaders dress is also reflective of the level to which the public feels valued. Scruffy dressing influences the audience to look elsewhere for direction and leadership.

Fashion is fleeting and rarely makes a lasting impression. For this reason alone bespoke tailoring remains the dressing option of choice for those individuals who want to project sophistication, charisma, power, knowledge and status – whatever the profession. Politicians like Nick Clegg and George Osbourne, for example, are trying too hard to be something they are not. Whilst a smart bespoke suit can make you look like someone who commands attention, authority and respect it is personal style that transforms perception. Today’s politicians lack the requirement of individual style and project an image that contradicts the reality. To look like a leader you need to think and act like one before slipping on a handmade suit to complete the picture.

In the political arena politicians must know their way around the fashion industry. Casual dressing should be reserved for off duty occasions when there is no camera in sight. Bespoke tailoring gives value and stature to your personality and when combined with accessories, and valuable fashion tips, it is simply the only way to go. To inspire like a true leader a politician must be prepared to stand out from the crowd.

 

How do they measure up?

Three new political leaders displaying three approaches to wearing a suit. David Cameron, leader of the Conservatives, enjoys flared trousers. Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, likes his slanted pockets on his jackets. Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour party, presents polished white shirt cuffs which are (correctly) longer than his suit sleeves. Notably, all three wear single breasted, two button suits – the choice of style for being a political leader.