I’m a fashion expert – how Victoria Starmer could save thousands on frocks without resorting to millionaire donor gifts
WANT to look as stylish as the Prime Minister’s wife Victoria, but you don’t have a millionaire pal to pick up the bill?
There are plenty of high street brands that are elegant enough for a first lady but don’t cost the earth.
And they won’t get you into a huge political row either.
Sir Keir Starmer’s wife has been in the spotlight all week since it was revealed she had been gifted dresses and other items worth around £5,000.
The man who stumped up the cash was millionaire Labour donor Lord Alli whose gifts also included a personal shopper’s services.
To add to the row, the PM initially failed to declare the gifts to the Parliamentary authorities.
But far from stepping away from the spotlight, Victoria, 50, chose to take to the front row at London Fashion Week this week in a borrowed dress by designer Edeline Lee that isn’t even available yet – but is set to cost thousands.
So before Lady S stages her next wardrobe reshuffle, Abby McHale shares some tips on how to get those designer looks – but on a budget that we’d all approve of.
POLKA DOT JUMPSUIT
HERS: £1,995
OURS £49.95
THIS week, just as the news was revealed that Victoria’s gifted clothing had not at first been declared in the Commons register of MPs’ expenses, she attended the Edeline Lee show at London Fashion Week.
There she sat in the front row, in a polka dot piece from the designer’s latest range.
The collection won’t be available until the end of the month, when prices will start from an eye-watering £825, up to a frankly bonkers £1,995.
But you can find something similar from NA-KD for just under 50 quid.
WHITE DRESS
HERS: £450
OURS: £18
IN July this year, Victoria jetted off to the US for a NATO summit in a £450 white midi dress from Needle and Thread.
That’s quite a smart and expensive option for someone catching a flight from Stansted Airport.
While £450 is a steep ask for a dress, you can hit the supermarket for a similar version.
George at Asda does one for only £18.
KHAKI OUTFIT
HERS: £2,455
OURS: £67.98
LONDON Fashion Week isn’t the first time that mother-of-two Victoria has been seen in clobber by designer Edeline Lee.
Last week in Doncaster, she wore a khaki dress and jacket that she borrowed from the brand.
The combo comes to £2,455 all in, but you can bag a similar look on the high street for under £70, with this £37.99 jacket from H&M and £29.99 dress from Zara, saving you well over £2k.
That could pay for a holiday!
FLORAL DRESS
HERS: £227.50
OURS: £11.09
SPENDING a day at the races this summer, Victoria wore a green floral midi dress from, you guessed it, Me+Em.
The kind of gown that every woman should have in their wardrobe, this style and pattern is a classic that you can wear time and time again.
However, at £227.50, the Me+Em dress will be a steep cost per wear.
Instead, this floral number from Quiz clothing is in the sale, currently £11.09 – an absolute steal in comparison
RED SHIRT DRESS
HERS: £445
OURS: £27.60
SHOWING her full support to husband Keir on election day, Victoria stepped out to cast her vote in a bright red shirt dress from American brand Simkhai.
While this frock will set you back a casual £445, you can buy a similar red shirt dress from Joanie, which is currently on sale, reduced to £27.60 from £69.
CREAM JACKET
HERS: £295
OURS: £29.99
WAITING for the election results in July, Victoria kept her look fairly neutral with a cream jacket and wide-leg trousers.
The top half of her outfit was once again from her favourite brand, Me+Em, costing £295.
Luckily for those without that kind of cash to splash, these structured jackets are plentiful on the high street.
You’ll find this more budget-friendly version at H&M for just £29.99
RED DRESS
HERS: £445
OURS: £27.60
CONTINUING the red theme after Labour’s election triumph in July, Victoria wore a dress in that colour on the steps of Downing Street.
It came from one of her favourite brands, Me+Em, which is said to be “intelligent style for intelligent women”.
Red is still a big colour this season and there are plenty of dress options on the high street, such as this one from H&M.