Angela Rayner ghastly trouser suit

NotSpaghetti

My father must have been an extraordinary man in his time, Casdon as his big love was always clothing (other than Mum and I of course).

He spent all his demob spare cash on new clothes after the war - including a very pale, very full, cream long tie-belted fine wool and cashmere coat - that my mum said "was so bold a statement at the time that it felt awkward to be out with him".

He spent all his demob spare cash on new clothes after the war - including a very pale, very full, cream long tie-belted fine wool and cashmere coat

Good for him! I'm sure he earned it.

Wow. Smart Dad!

He used to laugh about the coat - and mum's reaction to it - he said he felt like the bees knees. He said he just HAD to have it and complained that there was way too much brown, black and grey and drab colours after the war and he was determined to be joyful.

I always notice what a man is wearing before I notice the man.

It doesn’t have to be a smart suit. A slightly crumpled (emphasis on the slightly) linen jacket can draw the eye providing its in the right setting as can a weathered Barbour jacket so long as the man wearing it looks as though he belongs in it.

Blue suits are an absolute turn off.

Dickens

Casdon

Men don’t care about clothes much on the whole, but the majority of women do. I can’t imagine us ever reaching a point where that stops happening, whether people see it as a throwback to the 1950s, or for that matter the 1750s, because it’s just the way we are. I don’t think it’s a party political issue, whoever was in power would be critiqued. If only we could keep it just to the clothes, we’d have moved forward a long way.

True Casdon.

The men only come under the spotlight if they discard the uniform suit and wear a donkey jacket or whatever it was that Corbyn wore at the Cenotaph for which he was criticised. I'm not a fan of Corbyn however it was interesting to note that after the ceremony when all the other politicians and big-wigs hastened out of the rain to luncheon, Corbyn stayed outside talking to the service men and women.

Maybe that was his plan and why he didn't wear the obligatory suit. Who knows.

Was that Corbyn?
My memory was of Michael Foot.

There was, at the time, a fair amount of criticism of Carrie Johnson's choice vis-à-vis interior design. Although it might have been the associated cost.

However, it's such a personal thing that I'm not sure any choice of interior design can be thought of as "in poor taste" or "horrible". The material point is in how it's all assembled, and the quality of fabric and furnishings. I've seen interiors that I wouldn't touch with a bargepole, but have admired the co-ordination of all the relevant items and the ultimate 'look'.

You can appreciate another's 'style' even if it's not one you'd choose yourself.

RosiesMaw

Dickens

Casdon

Men don’t care about clothes much on the whole, but the majority of women do. I can’t imagine us ever reaching a point where that stops happening, whether people see it as a throwback to the 1950s, or for that matter the 1750s, because it’s just the way we are. I don’t think it’s a party political issue, whoever was in power would be critiqued. If only we could keep it just to the clothes, we’d have moved forward a long way.

True Casdon.

The men only come under the spotlight if they discard the uniform suit and wear a donkey jacket or whatever it was that Corbyn wore at the Cenotaph for which he was criticised. I'm not a fan of Corbyn however it was interesting to note that after the ceremony when all the other politicians and big-wigs hastened out of the rain to luncheon, Corbyn stayed outside talking to the service men and women.

Maybe that was his plan and why he didn't wear the obligatory suit. Who knows.

Was that Corbyn?
My memory was of Michael Foot.

Foot wore the donkey jacket.

I'm not sure what Corbyn wore to the Cenotaph - some sort of rain-coat / jacket - I didn't pay much attention, it was the appropriately dark colour anyway. But he was criticised for it, whatever it was.

I could google it, but don't have the time now.

merlotgran

I was reminded of Coco Chanel’s quote this morning.

‘If a woman is poorly dressed, you notice the dress.’
‘If a woman is impeccably dressed, you notice the woman.’

I like it! Adding that to my list of philosophical quotes.

Pouring rain here so I'm wearing my old stretchy pants a shrunk lambswool sweater and have the heat on again.

Another quote, this time from jane Austen:
Woman is fine for her own satisfaction alone. No man will admire her the more, no woman will like her the better for it. Neatness and fashion are enough for the former, and a something of shabbiness or impropriety will be most endearing to the latter

and this thread has rather proved that point.

People's clothes do matter even if we think they shouldn't.

When I had breast cancer, at one of my hospital appointments I saw a different consultant to usual, and he was wearing an unironed shirt with messed up hair and looked like he had just got out of bed.

Maybe he had, but it gave me no confidence .... and I was right because he tried to prescribe me something which fortunately I knew I shouldn't have. He hadn't bothered to read my notes.

Re criticism of what male politicians are wearing, I suspect it reflects how the speaker feels about person's politics and, for example, showing respect (as they speaker sees it).

It could be the same with regard to female politicians, but I suspect it often has more to do with fashion and what the speaker likes/dislikes.

Good exam issue. Discuss.

Don't anyone dare take issue with the line above this! 😆

Foot did not wear a donkey jacket, his wife was so angry when this was said, he wore a wool coat, not full length because of his
injuries, I saw the coat, not a donkey jacket

I do like a man who is a natty dresser NotSpaghetti, there are far too few of them around.

I’d love to see a thread where we could talk about what people are wearing with no judgement about the people themselves, I wonder if we could collectively achieve that as it’s so interesting (to me anyway).

I think the front bench well females should dress in Boden …. Affordable, flattering and fashionable…. Sensible prices too so shows a canny attitude to spending. That would be an improvement!

Can't agree with you there! In fact 'Boden woman's has become a stereotype.

We need our politicians looking smart and businesslike, not trying to be fashion plates. Smart and businesslike does not have to be boring and frumpy.

GSM yes, but to be fair, one person’s boring and frumpy is another person’s smart and comfortable. So we’d be back to being judgemental.

If you read the opening post I doubt it was really about the suit.
"She looks like she either has no bra on or a badly fitting one. Her boobs are almost down to the waistband of her trousers...."

Mollygo

GSM yes, but to be fair, one person’s boring and frumpy is another person’s smart and comfortable. So we’d be back to being judgemental.

I think you’re right. For example, more puffed sleeves (not milkmaid style obviously) - I’ve seen people criticised for wearing them but if they cover your arms I don’t see why - fashion has moved on since our youth, shapes and the cut of clothes changes over time, and nothing ages you more than something that looked good twenty, or ten years ago but is not current. It’s a fine line.

Here’s an example from this morning of what I mean. Yvette Cooper on her way to cabinet. She is a quietly and professionally dressed lady, and this outfit looks good - except the skirt length makes it look outdated.

The skirt could be shorter, I agree. But I would put it in the smart and businesslike category, unlike the trouser suit and dresses that AR has been wearing these last few days.

except the skirt length makes it look outdated

I rather liked the skirt length.

Perhaps it’s one she’s had for years, and is bringing it out of the wardrobe now she is being photographed more?

Good on her, getting plenty of use out of her clothes.

Like Princess Anne.

I wouldn’t wear a light coloured outfit to lunch or dinner these days. I’m quite likely to drip my soup or gravy down the front.
Dark colours disguise.