Fashion writer Marc Beauge, who has advised at least one president, walked AFP through the evolving style rules for French politicians. For male politicians, he said, a simple uniform has become dominant: a navy blue suit -- fitted and generally a little too slim -- with a white shirt and thin tie. "It signals respectability, authority and above all a lack of ostentation.
It's middling quality and can't be accused of elegance," said Beauge. This is particularly popular among centrists and social democrats, and is the go-to look for President Emmanuel Macron, even though practically no one in France wears such outfits in the street or office anymore -- least of all the start-up crowd Macron favours. The president has changed styles since calling the snap election last week, however -- to funereal black suits.
"There's no more blue and grey," said Beauge. "It's a way of showing the gravity of the moment." Women politicians have largely abandoned the neat designer outfits of the past in a bid to look less elitist.
"It's always the same trouser-and-jacket combos that ensure no sexist commentary, but which risk making them invisible," said Beauge. Socialist Segolene Royale, once known for her preppy Chanel tweeds, headbands and knee-length skirts, went decidedly more demure by the time she was running for the presidency in 2017. When Bauge was summoned to the Elysee Palace by then-president Francois Hollande for style advice in 2014, his instruction was "neither too chic nor too r.
