DECODING THE STYLE OF THE NEW LABOUR CABINET
It was like London Fashion Week early on Friday afternoon, as Downing Street transformed into something of a catwalk as new Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Cabinet appointees strode up to the doors of No 10, each wearing a carefully thought-through outfit for their first taste of power.
While we await their policy substance, here’s The Telegraph fashion editors’ verdict on the style messages on display as the new government gathered for the first time…
Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
The look: Smart and safe
A safe suit to semaphore the country’s in safe hands, Starmer opted for an appropriate sombre dark suit to mark the solemnity of the occasion. Paired with a dark red tie – his wife Lady Starmer’s tomato red dress was somewhat more vibrant in tone – and his favourite tortoiseshell glasses, a £216 pair from eyewear brand Garrett Leight. We’ll refrain from naff gags about having his eyes firmly on the prize…
Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Louise Haigh, Transport Secretary
The look: Retina-burning toothpaste
You’ve got to hand it to Angela Rayner – award for outfit most likely to keep the weary broadcasters wide awake is hers, hands down. The new Deputy PM, renowned for being brave with her colour choices (chartreuse and scarlet are other favourites), could have been making a conciliatory offering with her “menthol green” suit which not only matches the colours of Reform but The Telegraph’s own branding. “It’s Telegraph teal,” insisted one editor.
More likely, she was just keen to stand out for her big moment in the spotlight in a colour which looked wonderful against her Titian-red hair, even if her trousers could have done with a fit tweak and a steam. Curiously, the suit (trousers, £225 and jacket, £325) is by Me+Em, the same label worn by Lady Starmer to enter No 10 earlier in the day and for the count overnight – was there a group discount? A pop-up boutique at Labour HQ?
Also in teal was Louise Haigh, whose turquoise trousers were competing for attention with her red-dyed hair.
Ed Miliband, Net Zero Secretary
The look: Sharpening up
Miliband tows the party line in a standard navy single-breasted suit with that all-important fire-engine red tie, accessorised with a whopper of a smile. For a man who’s previously had a reputation for being somewhat awkward in his image making (Google will never let him forget that bacon sandwich), he looks pretty damn confident and sharp as he takes his place in the new government.
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
The look: Sleek suit (that’s a little bit French)
New Chancellor Rachel Reeves continued her notable new wardrobe direction, opting for an understated navy suit. With patent block heels and her swishy blow dried chestnut bob, it was about as close as any British politician is going to come to exuding a polished, together, slightly Parisien vibe.
Then along came Liz Kendall, wearing a similarly sophisticated cropped-trouser suit and very slightly vampy black slingbacks (she was in head-to-toe Jigsaw) and showed that two can play that game.
Peter Kyle, Science Secretary
The look: Silver fox
The former Labour MP for Hove broke from the standard dark suit memo with a sharp grey single-breasted alternative, which looks on point with his ashy hair. Note the “roped” shoulder that lends a slight peak; it’s designed to lend presence. The burgundy tie follows the red-spectrum dress code.
Shabana Mahmood, Justice Secretary
The look: Elegant in black and white
Dressing for the political stage is tough but Mahmood’s look of choice here is an excellent formula for doing it well without looking uncomfortable or try-hard. A black and white dress with an interesting design detail, a well-fitted black blazer and bow-adorned heels for a hint of wit. Et voila! She’s leaned on this kind of combination before – a poster woman for knowing what works for you and sticking with it.
David Lammy, Foreign Secretary
The look: Tie on, meaning business
Labour MP Lammy’s a passionate Tottenham Hotspur supporter; perhaps the purple tie was a nod to their kit? He often favours a collarless approach, but clearly the importance of the day calls for the fully smart kit and caboodle.
Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary and Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
The look: The “I’ve been here before” skirt suit
One of the few members of the cabinet with previous experience in government, Yvette Cooper’s neat £159 dress and £189 jacket – both from trusty British workwear brand Hobbs – had that comforting familiarity of a uniform which has been worn for years by politicians. Lisa Nandy’s coordinating grey jacket and dress had a similar feel. Exciting? Perhaps not, but as Starmer has so often reminded us, that’s not the aim right now.
Wes Streeting, Health Secretary
The look: Tone-on-tone
Blue against blue is pretty corporate-coded in terms of tailoring, and rather City-centric, but Streeting tends to favour light blue shirts rather than standard white. For his debut at Downing Street, the dark red tie was ever present too.
Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary
The look: Body-con
We thought that the newsreader/politician/Apprentice contestant dress was becoming a thing of sartorial history but Phillipson, in her bodycon number, reminded us that the style is alive and well. Points to her for the interesting lilac choice of colour, but this is becoming a go-to look which does women in the public eye a disservice – there are more modern, comfortable options out there. Love the hair though.
2024-07-05T17:38:25Z dg43tfdfdgfd