From her ‘effortless’ waves to her trendy high street outfit, Carrie Symonds’ chose an ‘edgier’ post-election look than her predecessors, according to style experts.
Miss Symonds, 31, was the picture of laid back elegance as she joined boyfriend Boris Johnson, 55, on the steps of Number 10 this morning, hours after he led the Conservatives to a landslide victory.
Speaking to FEMAIL, celebrity hairdresser James Johnson noted Miss Symonds’ hair is ‘very much of the now’, while stylist to the stars Rochelle White praised the ‘relaxed’ combination of a £98 Anthropologie skirt and £69 Marks & Spencer coat.
Make-up artist Olivia Todd added that Miss Symonds kept her skin ‘natural, fresh and glowy’.
The more casual look sits in contrast to the more polished, formal ensembles chosen by Samantha Cameron and Cherie Blair following the elections of David Cameron and Tony Blair in 2010 and 1997, respectively.
Carrie Symonds, 31, was the picture of laid back style as she joined boyfriend Boris Johnson, 55, on the steps of Number 10 this morning, hours after he led the Conservatives to victory
This morning Miss Symonds showcased her signature style in a classic black turtleneck jumper and the statement emerald green pleated midi skirt from Anthropologie, pictured
Miss Symonds has won praise for her put-together yet casual cloth choices from brands including Ghost and Whistles.
Comparisons have also been drawn between the PR guru and Kate Middleton thanks to their shared love of British labels like Eponine London.
This morning Miss Symonds showcased her signature style in a classic black turtleneck jumper and the statement emerald green pleated midi skirt from Anthropologie.
Miss Symonds chose an ‘edgier’ post-election look than her predecessors Samantha Cameron and Cherie Blair, according to experts. Pictured, David Cameron with elegant Mrs Cameron on the steps of No.10 after securing a coalition Government following the 2010 election
Cherie Blair opted for a classic dress and coat combination as she joined her husband Tony Blair and their three eldest children on the steps of their new home after the 1997 election
Never one to put style over practicality, Miss Symonds covered up in a biscuit-coloured wool blend herringbone coat from high street stalwart M&S.
She added a pair of dark opaque tights – women in the public eye often plump for nude instead – and finished the outfit with fashionable suede lace-up boots.
Rochelle noted the ensemble was more relaxed than those worn by Samantha Cameron and Cherie Blair, who plumped for a polished purple dress and a classic coat and dress combination for their first post-election outings.
Never one to put style over practicality, Miss Symonds covered up in a biscuit-coloured wool blend herringbone coat from high street stalwart M&S, pictured
Rochelle said: ‘I think Carrie has a much more relaxed look that others wives.
‘She clearly has an eye for fashion and hasn’t let that slip while in the public eye, which is refreshing. Carrie has been seen in some Key trend pieces. She hasn’t left her personality or sense of style.’
The relaxed look continued with Miss Symonds’ hair. James Johnson told how the Prime Minister’s girlfriend is very much a ‘woman of the now’.
Miss Symonds wore her hair in ‘effortless’ waves and opted for a relaxed parting as she joined Mr Johnson at Downing Street this morning, pictured. The effect was an ‘edgier’ look
PR guru Miss Symonds added a dash of bright lipstick to create a statement make-up look. Pictured, arriving at No. 10 with Boris Johnson this morning, hours after his election victory
‘Carrie is bringing some much needed hair goals back into Downing Street,’ he said. From the effortless waves, to the warm golden blonde perfect for this winter period.
‘I’m excited to see how she’ll experiment with different styles, and perhaps colour in the upcoming year. Overall, It’s nice to see a less polished Lady in number 10 compared to previous wives.
‘All of which are beautiful in their own way, but I am however enjoying this edgier, more quirky woman.’
Make-up artist Olivia added: ‘Her makeup looks very natural, her skin looks fresh and glowy and she has a slight flush to her cheeks. Her lips are similar tone but a slightly rosier pink than her natural lip colour.’
Carrie Symonds is crowned First Lady: Boris’s girlfriend, 31, takes centre stage as she enters 10 Downing St with PM after his stonking victory…. so will he make an honest woman of her after ‘engagement hint’?
By Tim Stickings and Martin Robinson, Chief Reporter for MailOnline
Boris Johnson swept into No 10 with his girlfriend Carrie Symonds by his side today as the Prime Minister made it clear she will be his First Lady after posing with her at the world-famous black door.
The victorious Tory leader grabbed her hand and then put his arm around his partner in Downing Street after winning the biggest majority for the Conservatives for a generation.
His decision to re-enter the PM’s residence with his girlfriend cements her place on his arm as his official plus one and makes it increasingly likely he will propose when his divorce from second wife Marina Wheeler goes through.
Boris Johnson made Carrie front and centre with him as he arrived in No 10 after his sensational election win
Miss Symonds had largely not been seen with Boris until his big election win was assured
Mr Johnson appeared to grab her hand and then put his arm around his partner in a public show of affection
Miss Symonds, 31, has largely kept out of the public eye since Mr Johnson, 55, became prime minister in July – standing out of sight during the Tory campaign launch and not accompanying him on his tour of the UK.
Instead she made several solo appearances during the election campaign, often with the couple’s rescue dog Dilyn.
But this morning Carrie, wearing a £69 M&S herringbone coat and a £98 velvet peacock print skirt from Anthropologie, was front and centre as her boyfriend regained his Uxbridge seat and at the Tory victory rally at the QEII centre in Westminster.
Carrie had largely campaigned away from Boris, focussing on marginal seats, but will have a more formal role going forward
Celebration: Carrie Symonds holds her dog Dilyn at the prime minister’s Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency last night as Boris Johnson surged to victory
Winners: Prime minister Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds arrive for the Tory leader’s count in Uxbridge and South Ruislip last night
Boris hinted this week he could propose and declared how happy Carrie has made him – despite a rocky start to their relationship amid claims of an affair and a row at her flat that led to neighbours calling the police.
On election night she tweeted to congratulate winning Tory candidate Dehenna Davison, who defeated Labour in their former stronghold of Bishop Auckland. She also said she was ‘gutted’ at Zac Goldsmith’s defeat in London.
Former Tory staffer Ms Symonds, who is the first unmarried partner of a sitting PM to live in Downing Street, can now plan ahead for a five-year term.
Triumph: Ms Symonds and Mr Johnson arrive at the Uxbridge count, where Mr Johnson fended off a Labour challenge in his own seat and won a majority in the country
En route: An admiring Ms Symonds holds Dilyn as a triumphant Boris Johnson arrives at his constituency count in the early hours of Friday morning
Without the constraints of an election campaign, she could now seek to expand her public role – especially if she marries the PM, which Mr Johnson has hinted she could do.
Ms Symonds, a keen conservationist, works at at environmental group Oceana but took six weeks off to help with the campaign.
She was expected to return as the group’s communications chief after the election, which would limit her public appearances if she stays on.
In August, she stayed at home in the UK while other high-profile spouses such as Melania Trump and Brigitte Macron joined their partners for a photo opportunity.
Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds leave the Conservative Party’s headquarters with their dog Dilyn following the general election win
Companion: Dilyn the dog, who frequently appeared with Ms Symonds during the campaign, with the PM’s girlfriend on election night
Leading the way: Carrie Symonds takes Dilyn on a lead as she and Boris Johnson leave the Tory party headquarters in London in the early hours of Friday morning
In addition, when Mr Johnson took office, Downing Street announced that she would not have her own taxpayer-funded office to organise her public schedule.
Samantha Cameron, Cherie Blair and Gordon Brown’s wife Sarah all had their own full-time No 10 staff.
Mrs Blair employed Fiona Millar, partner of Tony Blair’s press secretary Alastair Campbell, to run her Downing Street office.
However, Norma Major kept a low public profile and had no such staff, preferring to live at the couple’s country home.
Together: Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds arrive for the count in Uxbridge, where Labour had dreamed of unseating the PM but their challenge fell well short
Similarly, Theresa May’s husband Philip largely kept out of the public eye and had no official Downing Street support.
Ms Symonds’ status is a delicate subject as the PM is still technically married to his estranged wife Marina Wheeler.
It has been suggested in the past that Ms Symonds could not become a fully-fledged ‘first lady’ until the couple were married.
Mr Johnson was coy when asked about the subject earlier this year, telling The Sun that marriage speculation was ‘a tiny bit premature’.
Five more years: Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson – pictured visiting a Hindu temple in the last week of campaign – can now prepare for another term in Downing Street