As Angela Rayner arrived to take up her new role as deputy prime minister, some online commentators went into meltdown – not because of her historic appointment, but because of what she was wearing. Rayner walked up to Number 10 Downing Street wearing a bright green, relaxed cut, trouser suit from the brand Me+Em. According to fashion writer Laura Craik, this is the go-to fashion brand for many female politicians , celebrities and royals.
The criticisms of Rayner in her suit were twofold. First, that it did not look good, she looked like a “clown” , it was too bright , it did not fit . Second, Rayner is famously from a working-class background, and the suit is said to have cost £550 .
So the suggestion is that she has “sold out”, and she should have worn something more befitting a person from a working-class background. Although it’s not clear what that is. Despite having had three female prime ministers previously, (one famously the daughter of a shopkeeper), social class is still an issue for women in politics.
Another new cabinet member, transport secretary Louise Haigh, was also mocked online for her outfit – notably, for not wearing a suit . These criticisms remind us of the difficulties that women have when they become successful and more importantly, powerful. What is appropriate to wear to convey power and success? For men, it’s very easy.
Men wear suits. The man in a suit and tie is the man in charge. In Britain, one of the phrases which indicates sm.