From fluorescent suits to Thatcher bows – Liz Truss’s fashion journey to No 10

Liz Truss’s journey from Liberal Democrat speech-maker to Conservative Prime Minister has involved a number of eye-catching moments, not least the colourful outfits she has worn.

Whether standing on a podium, striding to and from 10 Downing Street, or hitting the campaign trail, the latest UK leader has made a name for herself with a number of striking ensembles.

Then Chief Secretary to the Treasury Elizabeth Truss arrives in Downing Street, London, for a Cabinet meeting, in 2018 (David Mirzoeff/PA)

Ms Truss beat Rishi Sunak to the Tory leadership with 81,326 votes to 60,399, and has promised a “bold plan” to cut taxes and grow the economy.

While waiting to give her winning speech, her purple dress matched the purple seats at the venue, but perhaps more notably mirrored the plum attire of former American first lady Michelle Obama and the purple dress coat of US Vice President Kamala Harris at Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.

Liz Truss leaves after a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, London, in 2019 (Victoria Jones/PA)

An article in fashion outlet Grazia noted: “Could Liz Truss have been subtly aligning herself with the likes of such seasoned power players? Possibly.”

Meanwhile, New York Times chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman pointed to Mr Sunak’s high-end attire against the high street nature of Ms Truss’s outfits as a key battleground in the race to the top.

“What the candidates wore came to symbolise the differences between the two as much as anything they said on the campaign trail,” wrote Ms Friedman.

Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London as the winner of the Conservative leadership contest was announced (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire)

External commentary on her fashion choices will be nothing new to the South West Norfolk MP.

During her ministerial years, the outfits Ms Truss has worn, which include colourful blazers, tartan culottes and fluorescent suits, have been scrutinised in the press and online.

Then Justice Secretary Liz Truss walks through Downing Street, in 2016 (David Mirzoeff/PA)

Her style has taken on many shapes and forms on her various trips to Cabinet meetings – from a standard dress and blazer combination in July 2014 when she was appointed environment secretary, to a buttoned-up black coat and boots with matching hat in 2016.

One of her most striking outfits was a bright pink suit – including coat, shirt, trousers and matching bag – which she wore to a Cabinet meeting in September 2019.

Then Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss arrives in Downing Street, London, for a cabinet meeting, in 2019 (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Ms Truss will not be the first female prime minister to receive attention for her style – Theresa May was constantly linked to leopard print, which she wore in the form of a pair of heels.

However, the intensity of the spotlight may take some getting used to, with one such instance occurring during the Tory leadership race when Ms Truss’s clothing choice went viral.

Conservative party leadership contender Liz Truss arrives at Here East studios in Stratford, east London, before the live television debate for the candidates for leadership of the Conservative party, hosted by Channel 4, in July 2022 (Victoria Jones/PA)

When the former environment secretary appeared in Channel 4’s Tory leadership debate in July, Twitter users were quick to point out that she had donned an outfit that was strikingly similar to something Margaret Thatcher wore in a 1979 election broadcast – a black blazer and white blouse with a large bow.

Then International Trade Secretary Liz Truss arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, London, in 2019 (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Ms Truss subsequently hit out at comparisons to Mrs Thatcher, who died in 2013, calling them frustrating.

She told GB News: “It is quite frustrating that female politicians always get compared to Margaret Thatcher, whereas male politicians don’t get compared to Ted Heath.”