The Aesthetics of Power and Fashion; A closer look at a female politician wardrobe.
To be a woman in politics is to be constantly under scrutiny from the fashion police.
Anonymous.
I am one person who is pretty much inspired by my fashion choices than anything else in the world. If only I could be paid to just wake up and dress, I would be the richest person in the world. The dress code often has a clear communicative purpose. It has always been like that, and fashion knows it, so much so that there are countless examples of designers throughout history who have unraveled the most diverse issues; social, cultural, even anthropological, and philosophical. This power of clothes is not only exploited for storytelling, analysis, or criticism but is also used to express leadership, as is the case in the political world. Male politicians find it hard to distinguish themselves amidst piles of blue suits, powerful women are instead freer, at least from an aesthetic point of view, to manifest any stances or specific ideologies, precisely through their looks. Kenyan senator Gloria Orwoba seems to have understood this very well when she showed up in the parliament wearing an outfit with period stain that was supposed to advocate for period shame and affordable pads for high school girls.
The evolution of female power dressing
The fashion of female politicians has evolved from the suffragettes’ attire to modern-day political leaders. Iconic female figures have used their fashion choices to make bold statements and gain respect in male-dominated environments. Starting from Giorgia Meloni to Michelle Obama, are very inspiring political fashionistas. How can one not refer to the power dressing forcefully introduced by Armani in the 1980s with the desire to dress women as equals to men- mind you, not as men — to counter the ridiculous and outdated idea that the only role they could aspire to was that of secretary and certainly not CEO. King George’s almost interchangeable suits have for decades sent a message of interchangeability, precisely, of male and female figures as well, without in any way relegating the latter to unimportant positions. Personally, whether I can be CEO or secretary (believe me I am more ambitious than you think) as long as I am allowed to be stylish in either of them, I will be just fine. If I am given a political position I will want to be classy and level-headed even with my appearance, for impressions always matter.
One Cabinet secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action, Aisha Jumwa recently faced criticism from social media over her dressing when she received Senegal’s President Macky Sally at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. While other government officials dressed in suits and ties, Ms. Jumwa chose an African print dress top paired with what appeared to either be black tights/leggings or body contouring jeans. She complemented her outfit with ankle boots. Fashion police had a lot to say about the inappropriateness of her attire at a function as highly regarded as that, but others thought we should give her some room because no female should be policed into what to wear. Like their male counterparts, female politicians should be allowed to wear professional attire that aligns with the cultural norms of their region and respects the formalities of the political setting they are in.
Female politicians have been breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and making their mark in the political landscape. As we applaud their achievements and progress toward gender equality, it is essential to discuss an aspect that sometimes overshadows their accomplishments: the dress code. How a politician presents herself can send a powerful message of confidence, leadership, and identity. Let us delve into what is important when styling female politicians, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and empowerment in their fashion choices.
Balance professionalism and personality.
This entails addressing the balance between maintaining authority and expressing individuality through fashion. Professional attire is essential for all politicians, regardless of gender. It conveys a sense of responsibility, respect for the office they hold, and commitment to their roles as public servants. While professionalism is vital in politics, it doesn’t mean sacrificing flair. Striking a balance between a formal appearance and a touch of individuality can set female politicians apart from the traditional mold, and this can prove to be a daunting task for many female politicians. It is important to seek professional image identity in cases where you are unable to meet your authenticity, clothing choices should be able to communicate your values and adhere to the formalities of political settings. Ms Jumwa was probably trying to create a rapport while on her official duty of receiving Senegal’s president Sally, dressed in an African print which was commendable but the addition of black leggings did not suit the professional situation. Adding subtle accessories, opting for statement pieces, and showcasing cultural elements in their attire should demonstrate a strong sense of identity without compromising professionalism.
Challenging Stereotypes
Unfortunately, female politicians have often faced criticism and scrutiny over their clothing choices, overshadowing their expertise and dedication to public service. Female politicians face gendered expectations, including those related to their appearance. By embracing a diverse range of styles, female politicians can challenge traditional stereotypes and societal norms that limit them to a specific image. One Giorgia Meloni an Italian politician who has been serving as the prime minister of Italy since 22 October 2022, the first woman to hold this position has been showcasing a lot of nonchalant through her fashion choice, especially in a country where women's fashion is strictly defined. She has been wearing a lot of designer Armani pantsuits, from the formal transition to the news conference after the first meeting with the cabinet. She has also been seen wearing sleeveless tops with bare backs and big chunky, ethnic bracelets in public at social functions. Her choices have been scrutinized but she has stood to build an image for herself and showcase that women can wear something outside the norm. Instead of imposing a restrictive dress code, we should encourage a wide spectrum of professional attire, allowing them to express their personalities and cultural identities.
Fashion as political expressions
Fashion can be a powerful tool for political expression, it explains how female politicians use their clothing to make political statements or support causes they champion. Women in leadership roles have leveraged fashion as a means of self-expression and an assertion of their identities. American politics has been a great field study for political expressive fashion, some have worn jewelry pieces or specific colors to communicate their stance on an issue. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Melania Trump, Kamala Harris, and others have sent messages with their outfits. Many female political figures have carried on the tradition of wearing white to honor the women who fought for the right to vote. Kenyan senator Gloria Orwoba showed up to the chambers recently with a period-stained outfit despite her knowledge, using this moment to advocate for period shame. These influential women have used clothing to communicate strength, intelligence, and confidence.
Cultural and religious influences
Fashion varies across cultures and regions, and this holds for female politicians as well, it is essential to point out how cultural and regional influences shape their sartorial choices and the impact it has on their connection with constituents. Politics is a global stage, and female politicians come from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Acknowledging and respecting their cultural norms in terms of dress is vital. Encouraging them to wear attire that reflects their heritage and traditions can be empowering, as it allows them to celebrate their identity while serving their constituents. A good example is the way African leaders showed up on the global stage donning their African prints during the coronation of King Charles 111, It depicted an excellent impression of the pride, solidarity, and cultural togetherness of African nations and their entirety.
Confidence is key.
Confidence when won well is the best outfit, and it is no exception to female politicians—prioritizing comfort and confidence in what you wear, as it can significantly impact your performance and demeanor. Avoid wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting clothing that might distract from your message or cause discomfort during long events. Confidence is the cornerstone of effective leadership, and it applies to fashion as well. Dressing in a way that makes you feel confident will enhance their public presence. The former first lady of the United States of America has given so many looks into her wardrobe on matters of confidence. Whether it is a tailored power suit or a timeless dress, the key is to choose attire that reflects their authority while staying true to their taste.
Styling female politicians is not just about fashion; it is about empowerment, authenticity, and representation of diverse perspectives in politics. As we witness more women stepping into leadership roles, let’s celebrate their accomplishments, their voices, and their unique styles. Together, we can create a world where both style and substance go hand in hand in shaping the future of politics.
