It’s been several months now since Andy Burnham took the reigns at Number 10 Downing Street and his wife, Marie-France van Heel, became Britain’s new ‘first lady’. In her few public appearances with her husband since he became Prime Minister, she’s managed to cement herself as something of a fashion icon, stepping out in look after look that champion British designers and the high street alike. For Burnham’s first day in office, for example, van Heel opted for an elegant floaty midi dress by Victoria Beckham in a frosty pastel shade, paired with nude slingback court shoes from Office.
Yesterday’s appearance was no different. Pictured at Stansted Airport about to board a flight for the United States, ahead of Burnham attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York City today, van Heel wore a chic grey midi skirt with a short-sleeve black knit top and black heeled pumps. Her glam was natural with a dusty rose lip and dewy skin, while she accessorised with a delicate silver watch and her usual hooped silver earrings.
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Altogether, it was a sophisticated look that screamed business, largely thanks to the statement skirt she wore, in a style that would be an ideal addition to any autumn wardrobe. The garment, cut from a polished suiting fabric with neat tailored seams, is in a flattering asymmetric wrap style, boasting a gently folded, pinned front which creates a cascading drape with plenty of added movement, while subtly defining and bringing interest to the waist.
Rather than the rigidity of a classic pencil skirt, or the lack of shape in a skater, the fluid, sculptural shape gives her simple, smart outfit a modern and directional finish. It’s a style that has been spotted all over the British high street, and we’ve handpicked three of the best styles that can you shop below to achieve a similar look, starting from £95.
The couple’s visit today marks Andy Burnham’s face-to-face meeting with President Donald Trump as the UK’s prime minister and his first gathering with major world leaders. The day of diplomacy is expected to focus on both the opportunities and dangers associated with artificial intelligence, while Burnham is also expected to announce the kick-off of a new AI and Autonomy partnership between the UK and the US.
Van Heel and Burnham have been married for 25 years. She boasts her own storied career as a marketing professional and shares three children with the prime minister.
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Chiara Wilkinson is the Deputy Multiplatform Editor of ELLE UK, looking after the Culture + Life section on the website. She was previously Deputy Editor at Time Out and Senior Digital Editor at ArtReview and has written for British Vogue, The Guardian and Vice, covering arts, culture, wellness and travel. Chiara was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 awards and was shortlisted for Best Features Writer at the BSME awards.