The State of our (Fashion) Union
Safe, boring and the very definition of a fashion rut – tips on breaking free from pantsuit culture
Banality. It's the only word that comes to mind after watching the State of the Union (SOTU) on Tuesday evening. From a policy standpoint, it featured the usual laundry list of taxpayer-funded spending ideas, vapid proclamations about “democracy,” and “unity” and a dose of shout-outs to special guests sitting in the gallery. The formula is a familiar one and in desperate need of a reboot.
Perhaps nothing represents SOTU’s staid spectacle more than Washington D.C. fashion. By this, I mean the standard uniform worn by practically every female lawmaker – typically consisting of a dark pantsuit or a bright blazer (often royal blue) with black pants. That is why Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s over the top, highlighter yellow dress caught my attention – in a good way. To be clear, I am not a fan of the dress and found it wildly inappropriate for the occasion. However, in total opposition to banality of the evening, it was refreshingly feminine, modern and dynamic.
It made me ponder how the conventional sartorial choices made by many women in our political class projects an archaic feminist ethos where professionalism equates masculinity. Heretofore are my thoughts on injecting some femininity and a bit of creativity into our pantsuit culture.
Shirtdresses
From left to right: Red cotton poplin (Tory Burch); Taupe safari inspired (ALC); Refined silk (HVN Label); Patterned knit (Tory Burch)
Statement Blouses
From left to right: Silk satin bow tie (Max Mara); Gerber daisy print silk (La Double J); Printed v-neck (Isabel Marant)
Pair with a simple black pencil skirt (this or this would work nicely) or pants (like these) and throw on a contrasting blazer if required.
Other Dresses to Consider
From left to right: Pink floral silk (ALC); Navy polka-dot (Veronica Beard) also consider this very similar dress from Akris Punto; Moody dark floral silk crepe (Rixo)
Throw on a blazer for occasions that require more formality.
Pretty Pastel Pantsuits
From left to right: Silver mint crepe (Theory); Classic light khaki (J.Crew); Peony pink stretch crepe (Veronica Beard)