Fashion
The reason why Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t wear a suit to Pope Francis’s funeral
Pope Francis’s funeral saw leaders from around the world turn out to pay their last respects in Vatican City. As with many funerals, there was a sombre dress code of black suit, black tie and white shirt for men while women were advised to dress in long, black dresses with gloves and a veil.
But a few leaders didn’t follow the code, including US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, who wore a black jacket, black shirt and trousers, but no tie. It’s well-known that Mr Zelensky dresses in a style reminiscent of a military uniform to remind the world his country is at war.
He did so during a meeting with Mr Trump and his Vice President JD Vance at the White House in February when his clothes drew criticism from Brian Glenn, who reports for US media outlet, Real America’s Voice and is the boyfriend of Mr Trump’s firebrand ally Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Mr Glenn quizzed Mr Zelensky over his choice of clothes, asking: “Why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit?” The questions appeared designed to humiliate the Ukrainian president, who hit back.
Ukraine‘s leader replied: “I will wear costume after this war will finish. Maybe something like yours, maybe something better. We will see, maybe something cheaper.”
One of Mr Zelensky’s clothing brands is Damirli. A designer for the company, Elvira Gasanova, explained the president’s reasoning in an interview with Politico.
She said: “When world leaders see Zelensky in military style, it is a signal – ‘Ukraine is at war and I am part of this fight’.
“A persistent call to return to the suit is a de facto demand to return to the usual format of political dialogue, which means ‘enough of war, sit down at the negotiating table’.”
Ms Gasanova added that during the war Mr Zelensky is not just a politician, but the supreme commander of the army and civilians under martial law.
The designer added: “The classic suit would be perceived as a detachment from the reality of the front. And his clothes help him to keep the world’s attention on the war in Ukraine.”
While Mr Zelensky’s funeral attire may have raised some eyebrows, Mr Trump managed to veer from the sartorial script as well.
He caused a stir by dressing in a blue suit and was easily identifiable among the many mourners dressed in black.
Despite their differences in style and funeral garb, the two leaders did find time to meet each other on the sidelines of the funeral in St Peter’s Basilica, in their first face to face since their tense Oval Office meeting.
Images of the encounter inside the Vatican showed the two leaders locked in intense discussion in their fraught White House clash in late February.
The US president turned his criticism towards Russian President Vladimir Putin after the meeting in Rome.
In a post on his Truth Social website, he suggested Mr Putin maybe “doesn’t want to stop the war”, and that the Russian leader could be “just tapping” him along.
Mr Zelensky described it as a “good” meeting, adding: “We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.
“Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you.”
Model wears the Roman black mono floral palm print co-ord (Image: Roman)
If you’re looking for an easy alternative to the classic summer dress, let me introduce you to the co-ord. It’s the kind of outfit that makes you feel like you’ve made an effort, without actually having to try. Short for ‘coordinates’, a co-ord is essentially a matching two-piece set, usually in the same fabric, colour or print.
Versions are popping up all over the high street and my favourite thing about them is the versatility. Sure, they’re designed to be worn together, but you can just as easily mix and match them as separates with items from your existing wardrobe – making one a very cost-effective buy.
I particularly like Roman’s matching top and trousers with a cream and black abstract print, which give you multiple outfit options for just over £50.
Worn together, they make for a very chic statement outfit. Worn separately, you could pair the sleeveless top with your favourite jeans or a plain skirt, for example. While the wide-leg trousers would work well with a simple tee and sandals (perhaps with a blazer thrown over for a smarter look).
Roman currently has an extra 10% off new-season pieces using the code DREAM. This takes both items down from £28 to £25.20, meaning the pair can be snapped up for £50.40. If teamed with items from your existing wardrobe, you’re effectively getting multiple outfits for the price of one.
Shop co-ords rated by our fashion expert
Fashion co-ords to buy this summer (Image: charley williams-howitt)
Next’s co-ord for ‘grown-ups’
I love the intricate blue-and-white print on this set, but if pattern-on-pattern is too much for you, team either with a plain separate. The square neckline is great for anyone who doesn’t want to show too much cleavage –and office-appropriate – plus the cut would hide bra straps. The breezy wide-leg bottoms have a comfy elasticated waist – Next says that they are a loose fit, so bear that in mind when choosing your size. Both pieces come in sizes 6 to 22 but are selling fast.
TU’s smart shorts set
This shorts-and-a-top combination is a great price for a linen-blend outfit. It comes in one of this season’s trendiest colours: pastel yellow (or ‘butter yellow’ as the fashion crowd is calling it). The sleeveless top buttons down the back and would look great paired with a skirt or trousers. The Bermuda shorts are a smart take on the summer staple, and would be just as chic teamed with the matching top as they are with a plain white tee. If you want a bolder colour, this set also comes in red.
River Island’s holiday two-piece
With its fun tropical-inspired print in a cool cotton and linen blend, this set is beach-to-bar wear at its most stylish. The short-sleeved shirt that ties at the front will look fab with the likes of a maxi-skirt, culottes or jeans. Pop the trousers over your swimsuit or pair with a plain top to let the pattern be the star of the show.
Mango co-ord styled with a white suit (Image: Mango)
Mango’s multi-purpose pair
A skirt-top co-ord can be tricky to pull off, but I love the flexibility of this set. Style the bustier top with high-waisted trousers, or team the co-ord skirt with an oversized white jacket for a crisp, polished finish. Even as a complete set, it would work beautifully for a summer event, from weddings to the races. I wish the size range was a bit larger, however, as it’s only available up to a size 16.
Boden wear-anywhere-suit
Few pieces are as timelessly versatile as a great suit, and this blue linen one from Boden is no exception. It’s an investment but it will last for years. Wear it as a co-ord with a crisp white tee, or switch the trousers for jeans and add ballet pumps for an easy but put-together look. For an occasion, I’d dress up the trousers with a voluminous off-the-shoulder top and pair with heels. You can currently get 15% off the price using the code PQ4D at checkout.
How to mix and match a co-ord like a fashion pro
Pair the top with denim: Swap out the matching bottoms for high-waisted jeans or a denim skirt for a more relaxed, everyday look. A structured co-ord top can instantly smarten up even your oldest pair of jeans.
Style the bottoms with a basic tee: Tuck in a plain white vest top or slouchy tee with the co-ord bottoms for an easy, off-duty vibe. Add sandals and sunnies, and you’re beach-bar ready.
Use accessories to change the mood: Change your vibe entirely with accessories – add chunky sandals and a crossbody bag for day, then switch to heels and statement earrings for evening..
Mix prints or textures: If you’re feeling bold, clash the co-ord with other patterns or fabrics—think floral trousers from your set with a striped cotton shirt or linen waistcoat.
Fashion
Meghan Markle breaks with tradition as Duchess sports three royal rings in new snap | Royal | News
Meghan Markle appeared to break with tradition in a new photo she posted on social media. The Duchess of Sussex took to her brand As Ever’s official Instagram account on Wednesday to post a new snap featuring her teas.
Meghan’s snap showed the Duchess spooning a tea mixture into a tea bag, captioning it: “Simplici-tea”. While various other glass jars and fruit tarts could be seen in the picture, it was the Duchess’s stunning ring stack that was in clear view.
But according to jewellery experts, she was wearing her three rings in a “non-traditional arrangement”.
Meghan wore her engagement ring first, followed by her eternity band and her Welsh gold wedding band.
The move is considered unconventional by some, as the wedding band is typically worn first with it being closest to the heart.
Now a jewellery expert gave their insights into Meghan’s new ring arrangement.
Ann Grimmet, of Jared Jewelers, told The Knot, as per GB News: “Traditionally, the wedding band is worn closest to the heart, meaning it’s placed on the finger first, followed by the engagement ring.
“However, like so many aspects of weddings today, it’s really about personal preference.”
Jewellers Beaverbooks said on their website: “Tradition states it’s your wedding ring first, engagement ring second and then finally your eternity ring.”
Meghan is known to experiment with her ring arrangement regularly.
Last month, when attending a TIME100 Summit in New York, she wore her wedding band first, followed by her eternity ring and her engagement ring.
Skechers, known for its comfortable footwear, has a deal just in time for summer. It is slashing the price of its sought-after sandals on Amazon, with one stylish pair dubbed “like wearing slippers” now going for 38% less for a limited period. Loyal fans appreciate the “non-break-in” design, and now, the chic black colourway, originally priced at £39, is discounted to a mere £24, knocking a cool £15 off the recommended retail price.
The popular open-toed sandals merge casual flair with sophistication. They feature an espadrille-style wedge heel and frayed edges along the soft canvas upper. Perfect for lounging by the pool, strolling along the beach, or dining out, these trending Skechers are perfect for summer.
They don’t skimp on comfort either, sporting the brand’s signature memory foam footbed that moulds perfectly to your foot. Plus, a flexible rubber sole adds support for those enduring long days on their feet.
Ranging from size two to eight, including half sizes, these sandals come with an adjustable sling strap with a little stretch, ensuring an effortless fit.
For those scouring the market for more options, Pavers offers an alternative – the comfy Dual Touch-Fastening Sandals have been cut from £29.99 down to just £34.99.
Alternatively, shoppers at New Look can bag the stylish £27.99 Cream Faux Leather Woven Strap Sandals, boasting a two-tone strap design for fashionistas on the hunt for that trendy edge.
With their growing fame, the BOBS Desert Kiss Sandals have earned the title of an “Amazon Choice” product, having garnered a stellar 5.5 rating from over 8,000 reviews praising their “very comfy” design that’s reportedly “perfect right out of the box.”
A glowing five-star review proclaimed: “Very comfortable! Can wear all day with no problems. No need to break them in!” [SIC]
Another satisfied customer raved: “These shoes are so comfortable! I can wear them all day on my feet at weddings, walking around during my travels, and just anytime. They’re cute, match everything, I didn’t have to break them in at all.
“They literally were perfect right out of the box. The straps are secure and don’t rub blisters, the memory foam is super comfy, and the bottoms have fantastic traction so you’re not slipping on any surfaces. 10/10 would recommend.”
However, one buyer said: “First, the sizing is off. My normal size is 8W and that size was comically large. I reordered the 7.5W and while the fit was fine, the toe strap rubbed the top of my big toe. I gave these 2 stars because they’re really cute–just wish they were comfortable.”
Meanwhile, a satisfied customer praised the footwear’s fit, stating: “These sandals are COMFORTABLE. Wore them straight from the box for door-to-door work and kept them on for over 12 hours.”
Another customer was thrilled with their purchase, sharing: “Absolutely the most comfortable perfect sandals you have EVER worn! It’s like walking on clouds! Going to buy a couple of pairs as I love them so much!”.
You can find a bargain on Amazon with a 38% discount on Skechers BOBS Desert Kiss—Adobe Princess Sandals right here.
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