Move over Cara. Sit down Cheryl. There’s a new claimant to the fashion throne, and his name is Jeremy Bernard Corbyn.
Just like his policies, his fashion is on point. Whether he’s winning a leadership election or simply nipping out for milk, style is never sacrificed. In this image-focused world we need a Labour leader who can not only take drastic steps to end social inequality, but also accessorise better than a Kardashian. Here are five of my fave Corbyn looks.
1) El Classico
This is what you would call Corbyn’s traditional look. The simplistic colour scheme says “I’m going to Parliament and I’m in control”. The astounding elegance of his work attire fits perfectly with Jeremy’s grace in the realms of British politics. He may have claimed the smallest amount of expenses during the MP scandal of 2009, but his garms certainly don’t show it. The ‘ready for action’ large cream blazer lightens the otherwise dark outfit: a fitting metaphor for how he brightens the benches of the commons. Notice the omission of a tie; he is non-conformist in every aspect of his life. The brown satchel, most probably carrying new recipes for homemade jam, is slung nonchalantly over the shoulder. He strolls off to change the face of politics, creased shirt on fleek.
2) SK8r Boi
Epitomising the early 2000s Avril Lavigne look, Corbyn is truly ready to crash the mall. A standard polo with double stripes, offset with navy cotton shorts, is a timeless combination of British summertime and pensioner chic. As always, Jeremy has added a bold twist on an otherwise classic look with an oversized mint green clutch to accentuate the deep chocolatey tones of the shirt. Cheekily he’s opted for the ankle socks and trainers. Ever the practical man, we can assume that his choice was not only fashionable, but in case he needs a quick getaway from hordes of adoring Corbyn fans. Good move Jezza!
3) Jurassic Jezza
Possibly my favourite of all his style successes, this ensemble is fun yet maintains the elegance we’ve come to expect from the Labour Party Leader. Ice-white shirt with light moveable chinos: this look screams British gentleman abroad. Perfect for sight-seeing or a game of croquet. Obviously Corbyn’s inspiration here is taken from Richard Attenborough’s performance in Jurassic Park; in true Corbyn style, he’s made it his own. Simply by opening two buttons on the collar, he’s given the outfit a roguish feel. Accompanied by a forest green cloth satchel this time, Jeremy steps out confident that heads will be turning.
4) Victorian Corphan
Consider yourself the next Prime Minister.
The versatility of this look is incredible; with the right outfit you can go from Russian revolutionary to Railway Children in the blink of an eye. No jaunty angle needed for this cap as The Notorious JBC proves, wearing it facing forward yet preserving the impishness of the look. The ombre shades in his silvery facial hair finds that elusive balance between the shabby and the chic. A difficult quality to pull off for many, but Jeremy makes it look effortless.
5) Vintage Corbyn
Just like his ideals, his status as a style icon has never changed. This look from 1992 shows a youthful Jeremy not afraid to mix fabrics. A fitted denim shirt with a suede-look cardigan has that ‘70s are back vibe’. Retro before it was cool, Corbyn triumphs once more. Note the addition in of an anti-racism badge in a florescent contrasting colour, uniting fashion and activism creating a new genre I like to call ‘Fashtivism’.
Edited by Sarah Holmes
Image sources:
Image 1 http://d.europe.newsweek.com/en/full/13024/cameraman-injured-outside-jeremy-corbyns-house.jpg?w=730
Image 2 http://pbs.twimg.com/media/COyNMHtWIAAstWw.png
Image 4 http://i0.wp.com/barristerblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeremy-Corbyn-Lenin-cap.jpg
Image 5 http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/07/31/22/2B0042DD00000578-3181783-image-m-14_1438378525932.jpg