From the advent of Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds' relationship – when the tabloids went to town on Symonds as they're wont to do when any young woman is involved in a story – to this very moment, when the pair have just made their first official appearance together at Downing Street, it was clear that this would not be a union without scrutiny.
Already, we've seen outrage expressed by many over the fact that the country's new prime minister is unmarried and – gasp! – living with his girlfriend, not to mention a whole lot of conversation arounda Ghost dress that sold out within moments of Symonds wearing it.
Today, Number 10 hosted a reception in honour of hospice staff, to which Symonds wore a yellow, gingham dress from another high street brand: Whistles.
The shirt dress is £159 and is still in stock in all sizes – but for how long is anybody's guess. With its short sleeves, cinched waist and full, midi-length skirt, it's an excellent solution to the ongoing conundrum of what on earth to wear to work during summer, and can easily be dressed up (with heeled sandals) or down (with white trainers).
With the country facing more political instability as we hurtle towards the October 31 deadline for Brexit, perhaps Symonds' choice of clothing is a distraction for some. For others, it might be yet another way to reduce women in politics to what they're wearing – something which still doesn't happen to men in similar positions.
Interestingly, the Ghost dress Symonds wore a few weeks ago not only sold out, it was also sold on eBay for nearly double the original price. Maybe things have become so bleak, we're all using the high street to pretend it's not happening. The only question left is: just where did BoJo get his tie from?
SHOP: Whistles, Yellow Gingham Shirt Dress, £159
Whistles, Yellow Gingham Shirt Dress, £159
1 of 1