If clothes move to the spotlight with women leaders, should they duck it?

The prospect of having women at the helm of several crucial countries has put the spotlight again on their appearance, an inevitability that obviously goes with the gender if not the territory. Indeed, the fact that Donald Trump’s hairstyle has deflected attention from her own coiffure must be a source of at least minor comfort to Hillary Clinton in an increasingly fraught election.

But with the 'pob', or political bob — the contemporary equivalent of the infamous 'par kati' (short-haired) description by an Indian lawmaker some years ago — already being talked about as a defining trend, the stage is clearly set for more stylistic comparisons on the sidelines of high-level conclaves in the near future.

In that context, the new British Prime Minister Theresa May must be congratulated for resolutely refusing to sport the feminine version of the anodyne trouser suits worn by her male counterparts, and most of her female ones too. Since thigh boots, kitten heels, structured skirt and jacket ensembles and chunky accessories did not diminish her efficiency as Home Secretary nor put her out of contention for the top job, a lot of women will actually take heart from her boldness.

Notably, Indian women political leaders — par kati or otherwise — have not resorted to adopting the attire of their male counterparts either.