A decade ago, as the United Kingdom prepared to vote in the EU Referendum, Sarah Vine accompanied her then-husband, Michael Gove, to the polling station. Reflecting on the experience, Vine shared her perspective on the intense public scrutiny that can fall upon women thrust into the political spotlight, drawing from her own past wardrobe challenges.
Vine described her outfit that morning as a significant sartorial misstep. She recounted wearing ill-fitting black trousers, ankle boots, a jacket that was too small and the wrong shape, and a faintly transparent leopard-print top. She expressed a decade later that she is "unsure that anyone has been snapped in a worse outfit." This personal experience, she stated, provides her with empathy for current female ministers facing similar public commentary on their appearances.
She noted that for women, especially those who do not conform to traditional fashion ideals, clothing can be a source of anxiety. Vine contrasted herself with figures like Lady Starmer and Samantha Cameron, who she felt could wear anything and still look striking. She also mentioned her mother and daughter as individuals who can elevate even inexpensive clothing.
Vine detailed other instances of perceived fashion failures, including an outfit for Rupert Murdoch's wedding to Jerry Hall, a dress worn to a state dinner at Buckingham Palace, and an ensemble photographed outside her home. She acknowledged that her own experiences leave her in a position where she is "in no position to comment on what anyone else wears," though she admitted this has not always stopped her.
She explained that dressing for public appearances, particularly in political contexts, requires significant planning and attention to detail. This includes considering how colors, shapes, and textures appear under various lighting conditions and on camera, as well as selecting appropriate undergarments. For women in frequent public view, such as members of Parliament or partners of politicians, this can become an "almost full-time job in itself" and may necessitate a substantial budget, as complimentary items are often not an option.
Vine contrasted this with the simpler requirements for male politicians, who primarily need to wear a suit and avoid spills. She argued that female politicians are expected to be stylish and elegant constantly, without appearing to try too hard and without repeating outfits.
Furthermore, she highlighted the difference between what looks good in person and what translates to camera, noting that certain fabrics can be unflattering under flash photography or high-definition recording. Vine suggested that for many women, particularly those over 40, the demands of image management can be a "rude awakening," a sentiment she shared from her own experience at age 49.
This period of intense public attention, Vine noted, ultimately prompted positive changes in her lifestyle, including weight loss and increased exercise. While she doesn't claim to be a style expert, she stated she has developed a better understanding of what works for her and how to present herself when photographed.
As a concluding thought, Vine humorously suggested that Westminster might benefit from a uniform to create a level playing field, likening the institution to a school and the Speaker to a headmaster.