vicariousass

I sometimes think about going into politics. My hang-up? The uniform is ghastly.

I mean – have you ever had even a glimmer of admiration for a politician’s outfit (in the last ten years)? No, you haven’t. Neither have I. Which is too bad, because I think that fashion options are actually an acceptable way to make professional decisions. “But how will I look when I’m doing that job?” I silently ask myself, imagining a day at the office as a 2-page Teen Vogue spread. Kids, this is the stuff they forget to teach you in careers. You’ve gotta look the part (it’s half the battle).

So what part does our political class (tend to) “look”? Maybe if you’re a politician, you don’t have time to look cool because you’re so busy serving your constituents. Maybe. Or maybe you just blindly don a cute little costume of matching solids as you lace up for political theatre. Feeling sassy? How about *gasp* a pin! A tiny piece of metal affixed to your lapel. That’s cray-cray!

Diagonal stripes?! Did not see that coming, Stephen. (Cute pin).

You know what I’m talking about. I’m reflecting on how predictable and traditional our Members of Parliament (and other Legislatures) dress. All I could think about during the American primaries was how I wanted to take Mitt, Rick & Newt shopping for denim on Queen. There’s something about a politician’s wardrobe that says: Hey! I’m here and I’m boring! *Except their outfits don’t have exclamation marks – they’re all function, no flair. The dress is about fitting in when it should be about standing out. Do I think elected officials should shop trends at H&M? No (that’s my job). But would I like to see them looking hip, and not just in Roots-wear during the Olympics? Hell yes. Bonus? They’d catch the eye of constituents who might otherwise be dismissing them as uncool and uninteresting. They might even surprise someone with the admiration they’d invoke.

Guys, Kate Middleton can do it in a few days on Canadian soil with Canadian designers – she schooled our political class and looked appropriate. I don’t want a leader who “looks” The Part. I want one who defies it.