In politics as in fashion, everything is cyclical.
From Brexit to the American elections, it’s been over a year of major changes in the zeitgeist.
Longstanding alliances and policies have shifted, while uncanny heroes have emerged in the face of adversity, leading with both poise and style.
We’ve rounded up the eight best-dressed leaders from around the globe. Click through to see whose style caught our eye and shop similar looks.
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While most people opt for basic outerwear, Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan arrived in Manchester, UK for a state visit wearing a jacquard coat, coordinated scarf and classic black pumps.
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When a staunch ally suddenly turns volatile and sexist, it’s best to let everyone know who wears the pants. That’s exactly what German Chancellor Angela Merkel did at the Women in Culture and Media round table in Berlin, wearing versatile beige slacks and a bright red blazer with sensible flats.
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Bare shoulders are a show of force for French politician Ségolène Royal as she arrives to greet South African President Jacob Zuma. The dish is in the details, with an illusion neck top, mixed media pants and caged stiletto pumps. Of course, she tied it all together with a lightweight striped scarf–like a true Parisian.
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Nothing says “I’m here to divorce my people from our economic allies” quite like showing up to the state visit of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto dressed like the kind of woman who leads men to divorce their wives.
Theresa May’s red boucle tweed coat takes textural contrast from knee-high reptile boots for style that perfectly captures “minx” and “market volatility.” Find a similar floral printed take on May’s jacket here.
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Kamala Harris of California showed up to cabinet confirmation votes for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Housing and Urban Development
Secretary Ben Carson ready to resist, with her fist raised. A houndstooth blouse under her navy blue suit demonstrates that you can always show off your personal style, even in business attire.
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French President Emmanuel Macron wore a navy sharkskin suit and matching tie to the welcoming ceremony at this year’s G20 Summit. Nailing a suit is all about tailoring, especially at the sleeves, as demonstrated by his quintessential French cuffs peaking out just enough.
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It’s rare to see world leaders dressed down, so enjoy this picture of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire at the Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, Germany. She wore a floral bodycon midi dress, while he opted for faded straight leg jeans, a casual blazer over a graphic tee and an O-ring belt.
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You don’t need to hold elected office–or be married to someone who does–to be a world leader. When Donald Trump nixed America’s participation in the Paris Climate Accord, the former mayor of New York stepped up, along with business, state and local leaders across the country to show the administration what real leadership is all about. Here he is arriving to the Met Gala in a black tuxedo and red bow tie.
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