Aesthetics and Styling Decisions in The Politician

Campaigns, treachery, and designer clothes— Netflix’s The Politician tells of the high stakes class presidency race between main characters Payton and Astrid and all the madness in between. The captivating plot and lofty sets weren’t the only eye-catching aspects of the show keeping our attention, but the costume design and clothing were their own special entity in and of themselves.

When watching you begin to feel as if you are stuck in an 80's and 90’s time warp. As if you have traveled back in time to the 80’s or 90’s, and can actually imagine what the Bush or Clinton presidential races looked like. However, it keeps modern tones with scenes and outfit choices having conversations of sexuality and fluidity within both.

The performances weren’t the only noteworthy aspects of the show; with every costume change we see the personality of each character. Thanks to the style director, Claire Atkinson, this dream was brought to life. The costumes kept to the theme of the time period illustrated and weren't afraid to show a pop of color. It seems that every character had a moment of a bright green, pink, or floral ensemble.

The Politician is a show depicting extravagance. Set in the hills of California, you can feel the wealth between the mansions and designer ensembles each character wears. This reflects the modern day loftiness of campaigns, most of the time the people we are voting for, who appear to pander to the voters as being down-to-earth, are most likely wearing expensive designer suits. The show ultimately speaks to the larger ideas of how fashion plays into politics and asks the question, ”Can you trust someone who doesn't look good?”

The main characters’ fashion choices that captured the hearts of its viewers are Payton Hobart, Astrid Sloan, Alice Charles, McAfee Westbrook, and Georgina Hobart. 

First, we have Payton (played by Ben Platt), our protagonist. He is charming, charismatic, and slightly sociopathic. He exemplifies what the perfect politician would look like; clean, cut, and with never a hair out of place. He’s a perfectionist and it shows in his clothing. To be the part you have to dress the part and his outfit selections are a way of getting his peers to trust and vote for him. His style can be described as Ivy League and University styling, with his sweater vests, chinos, and polos. The most daring things he does with his outfits are a pop of color here and there. He is likened to a young JFK with this three piece suits and “American Dream” look. This exudes wealth, while also being modest. 

Astrid Sloan (played by Lucy Boynton) is your average Beverly Hills rich girl. She’s smart, has designer everything, as well as deep underlying issues with her father that get smoothed over with the swipe of a credit card. She can be described as a Cher Horowitz or Beverly Hills Blair Waldorf. She combines classy and preppy. Her power and angst are shown through her clothes. Her most iconic pieces are of Mod stylings and Chanel piece suits. Her go-to’s are high knee socks and oxfords, and her hair is always in a perfectly puffed up-do.

Next is Alice Charles (played by Julia Schlaepfer), the first lady. She serves up Jackie O realness with every pearl and tweed skirt suit. She is meek and modest, always at the beck and call of Payton. She is the female version of the American dream with her silk blouses, diamonds, and soft pastels.

Our working woman is McAfee Westbrook (played by Laura Dreyfuss), the head campaign manager. There is nothing that McAfee takes more seriously than her career, and it shows in her wardrobe. Every time you see her, she is in a power suit. She makes it her own by not being afraid to brighten it up with colors and not being shy of the flair pant trend. Her style mimics the rise for the working class woman in the 1970’s. Her wardrobe also plays a role in the conversation about her sexuality as spoken upon in the show. Her suits are loose, flowing, and fluid-- just like her personality.

Lastly, my personal favorite, is Georgina Hobart (played by Gwyneth Paltrow). Georgina is a WASP with a heart of gold. Always meaning well and wanting to do right in the world, but also not wanting to give up her worldly possessions, she is where bohemian free spirit and high class meet. She is casual yet expensive, commonly seen in grand flowing gowns, paired with jewels.  

The Politician shows a lifestyle that few can afford but many aspire to have.  Through the glam of each outfit there are deeper conversations being made that cannot be discussed here without giving away any spoilers.

Go and watch for yourself, and hopefully you fall in love with the fashion like I did.