Politicians rate poorly in fashion stakes

Helen Clark is too inhibited, John Key needs some contrast, Gerry Brownlee could lose the white shirt look and Michael Cullen is pretty good for an older chap.

Those are the views of New Zealand stylist Stephanie Rumble as the election approaches and politicians jostle for attention.

"Helen Clark's style is constrained, which is what you would expect from a female politician," she said.

"She has improved a lot over the last five years but there are some obvious areas which appear to have been overlooked.

"John Key is pretty conservative. He always seems to be wearing the same suit -- probably the Canelli one he bought for $2500 from Harrods -- and a shirt with a different tie.

"He is tidy and well presented. It would be interesting to see him in something a little more contrasting."

Ms Rumble, who is launching her new style brand Flair Image tomorrow, said Bill English had "that wholesome boy next door look about him" and his choices were standard for a politician but she would like to see a bit more colour all round.

"Gerry Brownlee is a big man and it is not a good look with a yellow tie," she said.

"He could lose the white shirt and try something a little more interesting.

"Michael Cullen passes the test.

Although Miss Clark wears what Ms Rumble says she would expect from a woman politician, the prime minister doesn't do well otherwise.

She's on the stylist's list of worst dressed New Zealanders, along with radio DJ Pauline Gillespie, TV weatherman Jim Hickey, TV journalist Mark Sainsbury and radio and broadcaster Marcus Lush.

Among the best dressed are Petra Baghurst, fashion expert Lynn Wood and TV hosts Pippa Wetzell and Carly Flynn.