Giorgia Meloni's wardrobe shift mirrors her move from outsider to establishment leader

Since becoming Italy’s premier in October 2022, Giorgia Meloni’s attire has moved from stark black boots and suits—symbols of her post-fascist party origins—to pastel-coloured, wide-legged outfits that hide her heels, reflecting a softer public image. Experts in fashion and politics argue that the change signals her shift from a combative outsider to a pragmatic establishment figure who now embraces a more moderate stance on European integration and backs Ukraine.

The transformation was highlighted at the 2024 G7 summit in Puglia, where she wore a flowing pastel pink suit, and again at the Evian-les-Bains summit, drawing a comment from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about her tie. Analysts note that similar wardrobe tactics are used by leaders like Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andy Burnham and Claudia Sheinbaum to convey political messages. Meloni’s office offered no details on any fashion advisors, while commentators stress the significance of her style choices for a country renowned for fashion and its economic importance.