Election 2010: Best Dressed

Regardless of our political views, there’s no denying that the battle between the party leaders' wives in the style stakes has been a whole new ball game recently. Harriet Harman, deputy leader of the Labour party, apparently stated that female voters were not interested in what leaders' wives were wearing…as voters, Jane and I both disagree. I’m pretty sure a fair amount of effort was put together from all sides in deciding what to wear – from both the leaders and their wives. Ok, so he only has to select the right coloured tie, but she certainly wouldn’t walk out in any-old thing during the general election, surely? It all adds to the party image doesn’t it? Look at Michelle Obama – her fashion choices seem to have projected her and her husband into some sort of power duo, it seems people wait just as eagerly to see what shoes she co-ordinates with her blazer as they do to see what Barack has to say about his troops in Iraq. Oh and PS: Ms Harman came last in MyCelebrityFashion.co.uk’s best dressed list. Bitter, much?

Personally, with all the buzz and frustration of the election this year, I’ve taken great pleasure in letting my brain stop and melt for a moment over all the outfits that have been paraded by these politians’ significant others. I figured; why not compile a light-hearted top 3 of those fashion hits, because being married to a party leader shouldn’t mean you have to dress so seriously…Sarah Brown.

3. Coming in at third place (very apt!): high five to Miriam Clegg. You have some scrumptious Spanish curves right thurr, and make no mistake you rock them well. Elegance and class is your signature, defining a smart style with loose layers and subtle drapery. You choose practicality and make out like you don’t even try. Everyone loves effortless chic.

2. You go SamCam. You seem to add just the right amount of laid-back-luxe to your outfits to avoid looking too conservative (like what I did there?), which normally equals: boring. We loved those converse trainers with your skinny jeans and blazer. It said: “I mean business, but I’m cool, man”. We applaud that Vivienne Westwood dress with your Zara jacket – hello monochrome. You remain sophisticated, youthful and unafraid to play with the latest trends. Sometimes you do wear dresses that look like potato sacks, but hell, girlfriend’s pregnant. Comfort has to come first. Overall, thumbs up, and we admired your Downing Street debut dress last night. Jane comments, “She really made the effort - perhaps it was the thought that she was about to go to bed with the Prime Minister?! I know the testosterone must have been high but one got the impression that David couldn't keep his hands off her.” Yeh, you get the picture.

1. Finally, hands down Carla Bruni, you take our salute to fashion brilliance. Yes, you look incredible to begin with which always helps, but that aside, you don’t just get it right, you get it SO right. Maybe it’s that marriage between classic French and British style – a perfect poise meets understated sexuality? Or maybe it’s your dedication to Dior – surely such taste can rarely result in a fashion fail? Maybe you don’t even count seeing as you’re not married to a British leader…but, who cares! Whatever you have, we seriously want it. You’re 40, stunning, and continually marching forward as a pillar of composure even in the wake of recent rumours concerning your personal life. If there’s anyone endorsing the phrase that life begins at 40, it is you. Très Bien!