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Cultivating an image is important for those in charge, as it helps to establish credibility and influence public perception. Some world leaders have become synonymous with their styles—Kim Jong-un, for example, with his stone-colored suit and flat-top haircut, and Winston Churchill with his bowler hat and cigar. But what about the folks at the top whose styles have become so iconic that they've filtered into the mainstream and inspired the fashion choices of everyday people?
From glamorous Jackie Kennedy to flamboyant Louis XIV, this gallery features some of the most fashionable leaders in history. Curious? Click through to discover who they are.
Julius Caesar was a general and politician who named himself dictator of the Roman Empire, which lasted less than one year before he was assassinated in 44 BCE.
According to Suetonius, an ancient historian, Julius Caesar sported "wrist-length sleeves with fringes" and wore his belt loosely fastened. His clothing style was all the rage among his supporters.
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 BCE. She was the kingdom's last active ruler and became known for her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Cleopatra was a hugely influential fashion icon at the time and continues to inspire modern fashion today. During her brief time in Rome, she left a lasting impression on its residents, with many upper-class Roman women emulating her eyeliner and tightly braided hair, styled into a bun at the back of the neck.
Louis XIV was the king of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. The king had flamboyant taste, and his influence can be seen in the grand Palace of Versailles and the extravagant fashions of his court.
Louis XIV had a preference for silk garments with elaborate accessories. He wore red-heeled shoes as a status symbol, signifying his royal authority and wealth. He is also often credited with popularizing wigs, particularly large, voluminous ones, which became a symbol of power and prestige throughout Europe.
Benjamin Franklin was an American scientist, inventor, politician, and businessman, best known as the only founding father who signed all three documents that freed America from Britain.
Franklin's trip to Paris in 1776 to seek support for the American Revolution resulted in the French aristocracy becoming obsessed with imitating the beaver fur cap he wore. The hat was so popular, it inspired French ladies to fashion their wigs to resemble a fur cap.
Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general, patriot, and republican, who contributed to the unification of Italy. Some of the men in his army lacked uniforms, and resorted to wearing baggy, red shirts into battle, earning them the nickname the "redshirts."
As Garibaldi became more famous, female admirers around the world adopted similar wool shirts as everyday outerwear. These military-inspired tops are now often cited as the inspiration for the modern women's blouse.
Daughter of Christian IX of Denmark and queen consort of King Edward VII of Great Britain, Queen Alexandra was a source of inspiration for many in high society in the 1860s.
Admirers copied Alexandra's jackets and skirts, sparking a new trend of suit-like attire for women. When she began wearing choker necklaces to hide a scar on her neck, the accessory quickly became a must-have item. Some even went as far as to imitate her limp, which was caused by a case of rheumatic fever.
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Winston Churchill helped defeat Nazi Germany during World War II. While he is known for his bowler hat and cigar, it was the siren suit that particularly caught the attention of fashion followers.
A cross between a business suit and a workman's coveralls, the siren suit was designed to be easily slipped on over clothes during air raids. Churchill loved wearing them so much that he had several versions, ranging from pinstripes to green velvet. The suit later became a popular garment in Britain’s air raid shelters.
Jawaharlal Nehru was the first prime minister of India from 1947 to 1964. He often wore a short-collared coat that is now commonly known as the "Nehru jacket."
A shortened version of the coat hit the West, and before long, it had been seen on the likes of Sammy Davir Jr. (pictured), Johnny Carson, and members of the Beatles. The jacket is still popular among certain Indian politicians today.
Jackie Kennedy served as the first lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, as the wife of President John F. Kennedy. She is undeniably one of the most famous style icons of the last century.
Jackie Kennedy is most famously associated with the pillbox hat. But she also helped popularize other fashions including white gloves, silk scarves, and oversized sunglasses. Women all over the world wanted to emulate the "Jackie look."
Former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was not only a symbol of resistance to apartheid worldwide but something of a trendsetter, thanks to his penchant for elaborately patterned long-sleeved shirts.
For most of his career, Nelson Mandela opted to wear brightly colored shirts instead of suits. He fell in love with the style after being gifted batik fabric shirts by the president of Indonesia. Wearing shirts with various patterns, from fish to flowers, he sparked a new fashion trend in South Africa.
Fidel Castro was a Cuban revolutionary and leader of Cuba from 1959 to 2008. He could often be found wearing an olive green military uniform, often with combat boots and a cap. He was named one of 'People' magazine's best-dressed people in the world in 1984.
While Castro didn't technically set fashion trends, he was viewed as something of a style icon, especially when he swapped his military garb for tracksuits after the Cuban Olympic team's outfits were sponsored by Adidas.
Attorney, author, and former first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama is known for looking both on-trend and timeless. She often mixed high-end designers with affordable brands, making her wardrobe relatable to a wide audience.
While her style did resonate with women all over the world, it was Michelle's arms that really captured attention and became a cultural phenomenon. Her toned arms sparked discussions about fitness and strength, inspiring a trend of women embracing a healthier lifestyle.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, or Kate Middleton, as she's also informally known, is married to Prince William, heir apparent to the British throne. In a 2018 poll, she was considered the most powerful royal fashion influencer.
Even before she married Prince William, Catherine had the power to sell out dresses from everyday retailers and pieces from independent fashion brands, and even inspired women to get the perfect blow-dry at the hair salon. The media dubbed this the "Kate Effect."
Jacinda Ardern is a New Zealand politician who served as the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2017 until she stepped down in early 2023. She became the world’s youngest female head of government at the age of 37 when she took office.
Jacinda Ardern's wardrobe choices were a mix of practical, stylish, and local designers, making her something of a trendsetter in New Zealand. She also popularized a more relaxed, approachable style in politics, moving away from the stiff, formal looks often associated with world leaders.
Sources: (History) (The Mirror) (Glamour) (Vanity Fair)
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FASHION Politics
Cultivating an image is important for those in charge, as it helps to establish credibility and influence public perception. Some world leaders have become synonymous with their styles—Kim Jong-un, for example, with his stone-colored suit and flat-top haircut, and Winston Churchill with his bowler hat and cigar. But what about the folks at the top whose styles have become so iconic that they've filtered into the mainstream and inspired the fashion choices of everyday people?
From glamorous Jackie Kennedy to flamboyant Louis XIV, this gallery features some of the most fashionable leaders in history. Curious? Click through to discover who they are.