Reflecting on personal fashion missteps and the disproportionate scrutiny faced by women in politics, particularly after a new Cabinet appointment. The author, drawing from her own experiences as the former spouse of a prominent politician, argues that the relentless focus on female politicians' attire is an unfair and exhausting extra burden that their male colleagues do not share.
A decade ago, on the morning of the EU Referendum vote, I left my home with my then husband, Michael Gove, to cast our ballots.
Those weeks leading up to the vote had been extremely tense, and my appearance was understandably low on my list of concerns. Yet, I believed I looked presentable-a perception that was, in hindsight, entirely mistaken. This experience gives me deep empathy for the female ministers who have recently become the focus of public scrutiny regarding their clothing choices after a new Cabinet was formed. Many of their outfits have not been universally praised.
Juggling careers, children, pets, and personal relationships is demanding enough; simply leaving the house on time and properly dressed is an achievement. The question of fairness arises: is it just that women face this additional judgment? The answer is clearly no-but it remains an unfortunate reality. I have never been known for my fashion sense.
My body shape does not conform to the slender ideals often celebrated in fashion, and I have often found clothes shopping to be a source of stress. Unlike figures such as Lady Starmer or Samantha Cameron, who possess an innate elegance, or my mother and daughter, who can transform thrift store finds into high fashion, I must work within limited options to find the least unflattering pieces.
The outfit I wore on that Brexit referendum morning remains a particularly baffling misstep. I wore ill-fitting black trousers that tapered at my ankles, drawing attention to my pale legs. The black ankle boots did nothing to improve the look. The worst element was a shiny black jacket that was at least three sizes too small, with quarter-length sleeves that exaggerated the size of my hands.
Underneath was a semi-transparent leopard-print top from M&S that revealed my bra and created a muffin top. I doubt I have ever been photographed in a worse ensemble.
There have been other notable fashion failures: a gold jacket at Rupert Murdoch's wedding that looked more suited for a pantomime, a dress at a Buckingham Palace state dinner that made me resemble a portly Morticia Addams, a hideous chevron-patterned top that suggests a moment of madness, and an outfit at the Westminster Dog of the Year that resembled an old cushion. These experiences have taught me the harsh reality of public photography.
To consistently look good, one must either be young and professionally photogenic or invest enormous effort in planning every detail: testing colors and fabrics under various conditions, meticulously choosing necklines and hemlines, and selecting appropriate underwear. For women suddenly thrust into the spotlight, this becomes an almost full-time endeavor, often requiring a substantial wardrobe budget. Free clothing from designers is typically discouraged due to potential obligations.
Female politicians and partners therefore face a disproportionate burden compared to men, who can simply wear a suit and avoid spills. Women are expected to appear stylish and original at every appearance without repeating outfits or seeming to try too hard
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