The minimalism of power

Claire Underwood (Robin Wright), the ruthless, many a times pure evil and cold-hearted politically ambitious First Lady and Vice President who makes Lady Macbeth look like a pussy cat is no role model material, but her wardrobe and sense of style are certainly drool worthy. Even when she is busy destroying lives and manipulating people to her advantage, she still takes time out to look like the master of power dressing.

The First Lady is all about looking sexy without revealing skin. She is always covered up but the clothes have sex appeal. They show off her lean and toned athletic figure. While she is happy to show off her model-like body, Claire doesn’t draw unnecessary criticism for wearing expensive accessories. If you have noticed, there is hardly any jewellery or fancy bags ever. The only accessory that seems to be a favourite is the skinny belt that makes her clothes look more streamlined. A bit like Queen Rania of Jordan but without the frills. She doesn’t want to be known as the handbag queen.

Claire’s presidential look is a fan favourite this season.

Claire means business and her clothes send the message across. It’s about being in control and covered. Don’t expose yourself to the enemy or power players in Washington whom you are engaged in constant battle with. Kemal Harris, the stylist behind the awesome wardrobe always says in interviews that “good tailoring” is the key to Claire’s hit style. There is nothing frumpy or dowdy about it. Apart from structure, it’s all about clean lines and no frills.

Her wardrobe shrieks expensive and many a times made-to-order designer wear. She will never be caught dead wearing anything showy like her real life counterpart Melania Trump, who chose a $51,000 Dolce & Gabbana coat for the recent G7 summit. Her picks are always understated and the colour palette revolves around soft tones and mostly grey, blue, white and the occasional black. Claire’s labels of choice include Michael Kors, Armani, Derek Lam, Door, yes D&G too, and Ralph Lauren for her evening wear. She also loves her white, collared shirts.

The only accessory that seems to be Claire’s favourite, is the skinny belt that makes her clothes look more streamlined.

Till now, Claire has often been spotted in pencil skirts and jackets teamed with pencil heels, but as her ambitions grow and she battles with opponents to stay in the White House and one day become the President herself, her style too is evolving. Kemal has revealed that Claire’s style will be more militaristic and now it’s going to be hello pantsuits.

Like real-life politicians, Claire, too, has always maintained short hair. Apparently, it’s hard to take a politician with flowing locks seriously! Hillary Clinton, Theresa May, Angela Merkel, Mayawati...  the world over, female leaders like to have fuss-free hair. Now, like Hillary, she too will be seen in pantsuits, but of course, they will be super glamorous. The skirts have to go because Claire, a southern belle, is now a major player in the political scene and as Kemal said in a recent interview, “How many more skirts can she wear?”

Claire will be bidding good bye to skirts. She will welcome glamorous pantsuits instead.

Going forward, we can see Claire team her pants with pretty blouses, turtle neck sweaters and closed necklines with more button detailing as she works towards remaining in the White House for a long time.