Wear What Suits You: Zelensky and the Politics of Personal Style
- Theresa Miller
- Mar 7
- 4 min read
It's a sorry day for journalism when the only question a White House correspondent poses to the head of a nation at war with Russia is about what he's wearing.
After enduring President Trump's and J.D. Vance's verbal slings and arrows, the first question Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took from the press gallery was: 'Why aren't you wearing a suit?'
Brian Glenn a reporter for the conservative cable network Real America's Voice called out: "You're at the highest level in this country's office, and you refuse to wear a suit." Glenn continued: "A lot of Americans have a problem with you not respecting the dignity of this office."
Zelensky claims he wears military style shirts and trousers in solidarity with his soldiers and fellow citizens under attack. He says he'll wear a suit when there's peace in his country.
So, does it really matter what we wear publicly and what message do our clothes, hair and shoes send to our audience?
TM MEDIA put the question to two style experts who didn't comment on Zelensky directly but agreed our professional attire is important, especially if we're being interviewed on camera, speaking on an industry panel or giving a presentation.
Samantha Theron is global senior Visual Merchandising Manager for RM Williams, founder of Luxe Visual CoLab, and co-founder of the networking group Collabor8women.
"It takes one tenth of a second to make a judgement about someone," Samantha says. "We all do it, whether we like it or not." Samantha offers personal styling sessions to women to define and elevate their look, so they feel confident walking into any room.
"When you make an effort with your appearance it shows how much effort you put into everything," Samantha says. "Combed hair, ironed clothes, and shined shoes signal you are capable and pay attention to detail."
Lia Tsimos is the founder and designer of one of the few fashion labels still made in Australia. Moss & Spy is known for its high-quality classic women's wear. She says first impressions are everything. "I have already judged you before you speak," Lia says.
The Moss & Spy designer says back in the '40s and '50s there was a strict fashion code each season, which almost everyone followed slavishly. Now fashion is so broad almost anything goes, which can be confusing for people who don’t have an instinct for it.
"Don't be a fashion victim," Lia says. "Just because it's fashionable doesn’t mean you should wear it, especially if it doesn't suit your colouring, shape or age."
Lia advises people to be true to their own style by asking themselves:
Where are you going?
Who is your audience?
What do you want people to think about you?
Does your clothing say you are innovative and creative or conservative and dull?
Lia recommends adding a touch of flair to a well-tailored suit with a patterned shirt, colourful scarf or tie, or a tasteful piece of jewellery to reveal your personality.
There are of course, those eccentric public figures who break the mould exceptionally well. Their maverick look makes them memorable and reflects their personal brand.
Iris Apfel was a flamboyant New York interior designer who died in 2024 at the age of 102. Right to the end, she wore eye-popping outfits, heaps of costume jewellery and her trademark oversized glasses.
Winner of the SBS Alone series, and author Gina Chick doesn't wear shoes – not even on the red carpet for a premiere or during interviews at the Opera House. She says going barefoot helps her connect to nature and is essential to who she is.
The late Bruce Gyngell was the first man on Australian television and later managed the UK's TV-am channel. The British tabloids dubbed him the Pink Panther for his penchant for pink shirts and ties. When I was a producer on TV-am's Good Morning Britain, Gyngell vowed to sack any reporter or presenter who wore black on camera.
Entrepreneur June Dally-Watkins OAM was synonymous with class and style. The former model turned businesswoman ran personal development programs teaching etiquette and deportment. She also founded Australia's first modelling agency and a business finishing school. I had the privilege of interviewing her for ABC Radio National’s Life Matters program.
June's advice was very old school. "Don't wear dark underpants under light-coloured dresses and never let your bra strap show when you're wearing a sleeveless top," she said. Ms Dally-Watkins also eschewed plunging necklines. "Breasts are for babies and the bedroom," she said. "You want people looking at your smile, not your 'weapons of mass distraction.'"
Oh dear, it's probably best June didn’t live to see what sun bathers are wearing on the beach or not wearing on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. I doubt she would have approved pairing trainers with suits either – as sported by Rupert Murdoch at his latest wedding and by the former US ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy.
It's likely JDW would have advised President Zelensky to comply with the Oval Office dress code and don a jacket to meet President Trump. But my guess is, even if he'd worn a sharp Armani suit, it wouldn't have helped him win his war.
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