Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria walked to a polling station at Westminster Chapel in London to cast their votes in the local elections. The prime minister's wife chose a cream blazer for the occasion, following a long line of women who have used the power blazer at high-stakes moments. The blazer, reminiscent of a £1,690 ivory Alexander McQueen crepe design, made a subtle yet powerful statement.
The Power Blazer Tradition
Victoria Starmer is not alone in her choice. In the new series of Amandaland, character Amanda wears a beige double-breasted blazer for a pivotal scene. Earlier this week, the Princess of Wales launched the Foundations for Life report in a creamy beige Roland Mouret suit. These examples highlight the blazer's role in signaling authority and preparedness.
According to stylist Lauren Rothman, who works with politicians and business figures, the cream blazer has a professional, creative aesthetic. It says: 'I'm in my own lane of power dressing, and that requires standing out while still signalling competence.' Rothman refers to the blazer as 'the third piece' that turns clothing into presence, creating visual structure associated with authority.
Psychological Impact of Color
A cream or off-white blazer adds another layer. Rothman describes it as a 'high-visibility neutral' that attracts attention, unlike dark colors that recede. This changes the power dynamic, making the wearer more prominent in a room. Harry Styles' oversized Marc Jacobs blazer in his new video exemplifies this effect.
Next to her husband's dark tailoring, Victoria Starmer's blazer denotes a modern evolution of power dressing. Melania Trump wore a similar off-white Ralph Lauren blazer when welcoming the British king and queen to the White House. Hillary Clinton also used a cream blazer in the 2016 presidential debate to contrast with Donald Trump.
Approachability and Status
Rothman notes that creamy hues offer approachability, as seen when Usha Vance wore a cream blazer for a children's story session. The color also conveys status, since white and cream are impractical for those using public transport. Historically, cream blazers echo suffragette white, symbolizing female authority and solidarity. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore a white caped blazer to the 2019 State of the Union address.
Rothman often advises clients to wear white blazers, except when seasonally inappropriate or for those prone to spills. The cream blazer remains a versatile tool for making a statement in political and public life.
