How the Prime Minister’s Wife Saved Thousands of Dollars on Dresses Without Relying on Donors
WANT to look as stylish as Victoria, the Prime Minister’s wife, but don’t have a millionaire boyfriend to foot the bill?
There are plenty of brands that are elegant enough for a first lady, but don’t break the bank.
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And they won’t cause you a major political row either.
Sir Keir Starmer’s wife has been in the spotlight all week after it emerged she had been gifted dresses and other items worth around £5,000.
The man who raised the money was the Labour millionaire Lord Alli, who also provided the services of a personal shopper.
To add to the unrest, the Prime Minister initially failed to report the gifts to parliamentary authorities.
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But rather than step away from the spotlight, Victoria, 50, opted to stand front row at London Fashion Week this week in a borrowed dress from designer Edeline Lee that isn’t even available for sale yet but will set you back thousands.
Before Lady S starts updating her wardrobe again, Abby McHale shares some tips on how to achieve those designer looks – but on a budget we’ll all be happy with.
DOTTED JUMPSUIT
HAIR: £1,995
FROM US £49.95
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THIS week, just as it was revealed that Victoria’s donated clothes had initially been left off the House of Commons MPs’ register of expenses, she attended Edeline Lee’s show during London Fashion Week.
There she sat in the front row, in a polka-dot dress from the designer’s latest collection.
The collection won’t be available until the end of this month, with prices starting at a staggering £825 and going up to a downright insane £1,995.
But you can find something similar at NA-KD for just under £50.
WHITE DRESS
HAIR: £450
FROM US: £18
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IN July this year, Victoria jetted to the US for a NATO summit wearing a £450 white midi dress by Needle and Thread.
That’s a pretty smart and expensive option for someone flying from Stansted Airport.
While £450 is a hefty asking price for a dress, you can buy a similar version in the supermarket.
George at Asda has one for just £18.
KHAKI OUTFIT
HAIR: £2,455
FROM US: £67.98
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It’s not the first time that mother-of-two Victoria has been spotted in an outfit by designer Edeline Lee during LONDON Fashion Week.
Last week in Doncaster she wore a khaki dress and a jacket she borrowed from the brand.
The total price of the ensemble is £2,455, but you can buy a similar look on the high street for under £70, with this jacket from H&M for £37.99 and a dress from Zara for £29.99. That’ll save you over £2,000.
That could pay for a vacation!
FLOWER DRESS
HAIR: £227.50
FROM US: £11.09
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WHEN Victoria headed to the races for a day this summer, she wore a green floral midi dress from, you guessed it, Me+Em.
It is a dress that every woman should have in her wardrobe. This style and pattern are classics that you can wear again and again.
However, the Me+Em dress does cost £227.50 per wear.
Instead, this floral number from Quiz Clothing is on sale, currently £11.09 – an absolute bargain in comparison
RED SHIRT DRESS
HAIR: £445
FROM US: £27.60
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On election day, Victoria showed her full support for her husband Keir by casting her vote in a bright red shirt dress from American brand Simkhai.
This dress will set you back an average of £445, but you can buy a similar red shirt dress from Joanie, which is currently on sale for £27.60 instead of £69.
CREAM JACKET
HAIR: £295
FROM US: £29.99
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AWAITING the election results in July, Victoria kept her look fairly neutral in a cream jacket and wide-leg trousers.
The top of her outfit was again from her favourite brand, Me+Em, and cost £295.
Luckily, for those on a budget, there are plenty of structured coats to be found on the high street.
You can find this more budget-friendly version at H&M for just £29.99
RED DRESS
HAIR: £445
FROM US: £27.60
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Following Labour’s election victory in July, Victoria continued the red theme by wearing a dress of that colour on the steps of Downing Street.
It came from one of her favorite brands, Me+Em, which is said to be “smart style for smart women.”
Red is still a popular colour this season and there are plenty of dresses to be found on the high street, such as this one from H&M.
