A Political Fashion Statement

The other day I went to the Victoria and Albert museum (otherwise known as the 'V&A') based in South Kensington, London. I headed straight to the fashion area (no surprises there). Each window showcased the typical 'look' of each decade, spanning from the mid 1800's right through to the 21st century. The history of fashion was remarkable.

Image: V&M

But what struck me most wasn't just how much fashion has changed - to think Edwardian women had to wear a corset all day everyday! - but how fashion has was used as a political statement at key points in history.

A few examples stood out. The fashion of the 1970's punk age - when designer Vivienne Westwood made her claim to name - was charged with political energy. Customisation such as rips, zips, studs and badges were used to make a statement. Slogans replaced logos. Vivienne's 'anarchy shirt' is an apt example of how fashion was used to speak against the order and establishment of the government. People revelled in the way clothes could make such an impact and women were known to even scrawl slogans across their t-shirts with marker pens.

Image: foundsf

From a completely different angle - but sharing the theme of political fashion - are the clothes worn by  Margaret Thatcher (1952-2013). The V&A dedicated a window to her, not simply because she was the first female Prime Minister but because of how she used clothes as a political tool. For example, the symbolic blue Aquascutum suit worn to the Conservative Party Conference in 1987 and again to cast her ballot in that year’s election. Or the striking trouser suits, purposely worn to make a statement about her position in a predominately 'man's world' (for more read Female Politicians And The Power Suit).

Image: dailycrusadernews

And finally, an example that happened as recently as January this year. Following Trump's election in the USA, there was outcry against his previous derogatory comments on women. To make a statement against this, women were encouraged to partake in the 'Pussycat Project', buying or knitting bright pink hats to be worn at the Women's March in Washington. The sea of pink (above) resulted in a political statement symbolising female defiance against the US president.

There's no doubt fashion can be frivolous, enjoyable and fun - it's the main reason I started this blog almost three years ago. But it's all too easy to forget the more serious political impact clothes can have on society.

Who knew a piece of fabric could have so much power?

My favourites: the jumpsuit

Every girl needs a good jumpsuit. From summer garden party to glam night out, a jumpsuit will see you through. Not only are they both comfy and flattering, they also come in SO many varieties, shapes & styles. (Which begs the question, who needs a dress?!) Whatever the occasion, here are my Top 5 on the market now.

1. The Glamorous One 

Black Lace New Romantics Jumpsuit, £340, Alice Mccall

2. The Casual/Denim One

Dark Denim Jumpsuit, £42.99, Lost Ink

3. The Red Hot One

HotSquash Jumpsuit, £115, House of Fraser

4. The Floral One

Floral Jumpsuit, £75, Hope & Ivy (available Topshop)

5. The Structured One

Crepe Overlay Jumpsuit, £49, Warehouse

It's in the details

A few weeks ago I was at a fashion party in London, chatting to a guy over a glass of Disaronno (current favourite). I explained my belief that men have it much easier when dressing up. It can be roughly described as:

Black tie = suit.
White tie = suit, tails, white bow-tie.
Smart casual = suit minus tie, blazer optional.

Simple enough right? No. He explained that whereas women get stressed out finding what to wear (that perfect dress) for guys, just finding a suit isn't enough.There's so much more to it - where the trouser hem folds, the type of jacket lapel, the length of the blazer, the buttons on the blazer, the type of tie-knot, the matching handkerchief, how to fold the matching handkerchief, the type of cuff links etc, etc.

So to all men, firstly - apologies for doubting your effort in dressing. Secondly - it got me thinking about how some of the best outfits I've spotted have been due to the small details. The problem is, sometimes we think that being bold and unusual will result in a stylish look. This is true, and is certainly one way of doing it. Another way is the understated look, where the details are what pulls your outfit together into something wonderfully stylish.

Let's think of some examples.

A white shirt and tapered trousers. Now, if that white shirt has tiny silver buttons and the tapered trousers fall beautifully, what would have been a boring trouser look is transformed into something completely different. Victoria Beckham's understated style is a prime example - admire her or not, she always looks elegant and sophisticated and much of her collection is based upon simplicity combined with classy details.

Victoria Beckham Spring '17 collection. Image: Vogue

Or - take a plain black dress. If that dress has some embroidery - so subtle you have to be close to the person to see, your perception of the dress completely changes. Suddenly, what's 'just' a black dress becomes something more (and lo and behold you have a conversation starter to match).

A tiny charm necklace is another detail that can lift an outfit and add interest in the quirkiest of ways. I have a Russian doll one which I love to wear, especially with a simple top and jeans, so that the tiny necklace becomes the centre of the outfit.

Going forward, I'll be shopping more wardrobe staples with the details in mind. Is the tailoring of that blazer slightly unusual? Do those jeans have some subtle alteration that sets them apart? Don't get me wrong, I will always love my statement patterns and bright prints, but sometimes wearing something different because of a subtle detail is the best look of all.

It's a (sunglasses) match

Whenever there's a hint of sun in the UK, two things happen. First, the shorts/dresses come out. Second, the sunnies are on. Sunglasses are a classic statement in the fashion world - the likes of Anna Wintour, Victoria Beckham and Karl Lagerfield all have a pair in their style armour. It's a well known fact that sunglasses suit particular face shapes, but they can also suit different personalities, being an accurate reflection (sorry) of one's own character.

With that in mind, let the sunglasses match the person....

Best for: The black coffee addict 

You know what you want and how to get it. Minimalism is key. Mess is your worst nightmare. Delays on public transport are non-existent, since you always travel in a black cab (to suit your black coffee, of course). 

Velvet Cat Eye sunglasses, Italia Independent, £148

Best for: The happy go lucky one

Think festivals, Braids. Glitter. Life is short and fairy dust is endless. Will take 2 hours (at least) dressing up for any fancy dress occasion. Owns harem pants and temporary tattoos.

Brown Tortoiseshell Heart sunglasses, River Island, £12

Best for: The fashionista

Brands are everything. Spends any spare moment browsing Vogue or the more hip W Magazine. Wins best dressed in the office. Only settles for classic pieces - trench coat must be Burberry, sunglasses must be...you guessed it.

Original Wayfarer Classic, Ray Ban, £170

Best for: The retro queen

Spotify playlist consists of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Wishes they were born before the 21st century when life was simpler. Likely to attend political marches and peaceful city protests.

AJ Morgan Round Sunglasses With Mirror Lens, ASOS, £15

Best for: The corporate cookie

Always first into work and arrives early to meetings. Find them networking over lunch, front row of the annual business conference and at their bosses house warming party.

Michael Kors, £214