WHEN MIDDLING FITS There’s a go-to look for centrists and social democrats in France, like President Emmanuel Macron, so they “can’t be accused of elegance,’’ as one fashion writer puts it. —Agence France-Presse PARIS, France — France is in the midst of two of its favorite pastimes: political turmoil and fashion week. Fashion writer Marc Beauge, who has advised at least one president, walked Agence France-Presse (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.
READ: Macron urges French to make ‘right choice’ in snap polls 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 startup crowd Macron favors. But since calling the snap election last week, the president has changed styles—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-j.
