ComScore

Gwyneth Paltrow’s ‘The Politician’ Character Is Our New High-Fashion Style Icon

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

Gwyneth Paltrow is many things—wellness purveyor, Oscar winner, mother, wife and a business founder. In the 47-year-old actress’s new role in the Netflix series, The Politicianshe also reminds us she’s incredibly stylish both on-screen and off. 

In the Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan and Brad Falchuk (Paltrow’s husband)-created high school dramedy, Paltrow plays a monied woman with a jaw-dropping closet. In fact, we couldn’t help but notice that Paltrow’s character, Georgina, bears a striking (yet hyperbolic) resemblance to Paltrow’s real-life persona. She gardens in Carolina Herrera ballgowns, she channels Katharine Hepburn and every single outfit she wears is more opulent than the last. Although Ben Platt is the show’s lead, Paltrow is truly the show’s star.

So, what makes Paltrow’s style in The Politician so iconic? Let us count the ways.

gwyneth paltrow gardening in red gown
Netflix

1. She Prunes Roses In Couture

Murphy tapped a longtime collaborator of his, Lou Eyrich, to carefully create the cast wardrobes. As it pertains to Paltrow’s look in the series, Eyrich told W magazine Murphy “always wanted her dressed to the nines. Over the top, in an evening gown while she’s gardening, dripping in expensive jewelry, always dressed inappropriately.”

Although we have to agree that couture is hardly the optimal choice in gardening wear, it’s so shocking but so natural to Paltrow’s character. And we’d be remiss not to mention her matching gardening gloves and bejeweled earrings.

Get the look: Carolina Hererra knot-front silk trench dress in lipstick ($5,990)

gwyneth paltrow pink cape the politician
Netflix

2. She Wears A Pink Cape To Legal Meetings

Some consider business casual to include black blazers and shift dresses. Not Georgina. When meeting with the family lawyers about something rather unpleasant (no spoilers), Georgina selects a Duro Olowu caped suit with a tie bow neck and gold teardrop earrings. In a room full of masculine portraits and men in navy suits, she stands out even more. The best part? Paltrow has worn a similar cape in real life.

Get the look: Aqua reversible knit ruana ($198)

gwyneth paltrow white collar popped the politician
NEtflix

3. She Pops Her Collar Like A Pro

Sure, this may call to mind the days of Abercrombie & Fitch polos and ’80s prep for some, but Georgina believably pulls off the popped collar thanks to Paltrow’s loose waves and well-tailored button-down. Although you can’t tell in this photo, the rest of Paltrow’s outfit includes riding pants and equestrian boots, as Georgina had just come in from the family stables (natch) to deliver some bad news.

Get the look: Lauren Ralph Lauren long-sleeve non-iron shirt ($70)

Netflix

4. She Leans In To Maximalism

Not only does Georgina wear busy Gucci blouses with aplomb, she also accessorizes them with oversize rings on every finger. Take this as further proof that if you parse down the hair and makeup drama, you can get away with over-doing it on the accessory and print front simultaneously. If you feel comfortable being the center of attention, of course. 

Get the look: Gucci oversize printed silk-twill shirt ($2,200)

gwyneth paltrow burberry trench cape the politician
Netflix

5. She Puts A Chic Twist On Classics

A trench is a staple in any closet, but Georgina puts an unexpected spin on the classic by wearing a now-sold-out Valentino trench emblazoned with an image of a tiger. Did we mention she wears it as a dress with knee-high boots and large black sunglasses to travel via train to an ashram? It’s very Serena van der Woodsen in the opening scene of Gossip Girl but, like, grown up.

Get the look: Burberry check-lined rain cape ($1,520)

Netfilx

6. Her Idea Of Loungewear Is Very Different Than Ours

Wearing sweatpants in public isn’t really our vibe, but around the house we’re totally game. Georgina, on the other hand, prefers to lounge in immaculate all-white ensembles and massive diamonds. One evening, Georgina wafts into her son, Peyton’s (Platt), room to comfort him wearing this. It feels very Paltrow.

Get the look: Socialite rib wide leg lounge pant ($36), Theory wool and cashmere sweater coat ($446), L’agence Jane silk tank ($195)

gwyneth paltrow chartruese
Netflix

7. She Makes Dinner At Home A Formal Occasion

For dinner at home with her husband, Georgina doesn’t opt for a T-shirt and jeans. No, she instead selects a neon green textured silk top with large bows on her shoulders that’s offset by massive yellow diamond and peridot earrings. If we needed any further proof that neon can be formal, here it is.

Get the look: Theory easy silk camisole ($98)

gwyneth paltrow white suit the politician
Netflix

8. Even When Defeated, She Dresses To Impress

Georgina’s circumstances change drastically from the beginning of the series to the end, but her style never wavers. While auctioning off a great deal of her things, she opts for a sleek yet sultry white peplum waist pantsuit and matching white clutch. Dress for the life you want, not the life you have, right? Cheers to you, Georgina. 

Get the Look: Dolce & Gabbana double breasted stretch wool blend jacket ($2,745)


lex

Cat mom, yogi, brunch enthusiast

Lex is an LA native who's deeply obsessed with picnics, Slim Aarons, rosé, Hollywood history and Joan Didion. She joined PureWow in early 2017.