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Theresa May wore a skirt that showed her knees and the British public couldn't handle it

Can a woman of a certain age not show her knees? [Photo: Getty]
Can a woman of a certain age not show her knees? [Photo: Getty]

People in a position of power are always closely scrutinised, but should their sense of style be up for inspection?

Since Theresa May took on the role of Prime Minister earlier this year, it’s not just her policies that have been judged – but her wardrobe choices. An issue we’re pretty confident David Cameron didn’t have to deal with.

At the Pride of Britain awards, held on Monday night in London and aired last night on national television, the PM was condemned for her outfit – a simple navy dress. So why was her ensemble such a talking point? The programme’s viewers took issue with the length and cut of Theresa’s dress; it fell above the knee and was sleeveless. The horror.

Taking to Twitter, viewers complained about the fact that you could see the PM’s armpits and knees.

Apparently, once you reach a certain age you shouldn’t show off such areas of your body.

This isn’t the first time Theresa’s hit headlines because of her outfits. She’s bizarrely infamous for her leopard print kitten shoes and now it seems like her hem length will be commented on at every occasion. But the PM’s not bothered by the remarks.

“I have grown used to the focus on my clothes and my shoes,” Theresa told The Telegraph. “As a woman I know you can be very serious about something and very soberly dressed and add a little bit of interest with footwear.”

Theresa’s by no means the first female figure who’s shocked the British public with her fashion sense. Back in June, Samantha Cameron caused a stir at the Queen’s 90th birthday service of thanksgiving by wearing a sleeveless dress. The L.K. Bennett number ruffled some feathers for not boasting any sleeves – as traditionally people dress modestly when in a place of worship.

However, across the pond in the US, Michelle Obama seems to have avoided any controversy. The current FLOTUS regularly wears sleeveless – and even strapless *gasp* – dresses and is praised for her glorious sense of style.

Perhaps there’s an expectation for women in a position of power in the UK to be more conservative? Tweet us what you think at @YahooStyleUK.

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