It was not the ceremonial opening of parliament, so perhaps that is why fashion savvy Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller opted for her denim pant suit. The world's leading fashion designers have for several years now, elevated denim to couture status (even wedding gowns), and women of style like Simpson Miller know this well. So I don't get the fuss.

There is a dress code for the Honourable House. Perhaps it's time for a change and one of the less active back-benchers could get to work on it. I will volunteer my time to give some healthy suggestions.

For example: Select sensible textures and fabrics. These are the tropics and it's usually hot, so shed the heavy tweeds and polyesters and bring on the cotton and linen blends. Plus, since there does not seem to be a mandatory retirement age for politicians, they ought to remember the effects of menopause and andropause on body temperature.

Ralph Lauren pant suit

But I digress, in 2001, Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange nearly shook the House with her Ralph Lauren pant suit. This newspaper even got calls from the great designer's office when they saw our report.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton wears only pant suits on the job and her predecessor, Dr Condoleezza Rice almost always sported trousers too. No fuss there. Back at home, with all the problems on our plates, you would think there were more important matters of state to quibble about than choice of garb.

I have always admired Simpson Miller's flawless wardrobe choices. She wears the Escada suits well and accessorises them to perfection. Her choices for formal occasions are gorgeous too but I have only two complaints, she won't put her hair up and she could step out in a strapless gown for black tie affairs every once in a while.

By the way, Simpson Miller was dressed in denim because she had to stop to attend to a matter in her constituency before going to the House.

Portia Simpson Miller escorts Olympian Merlene Ottey home in 2005 in yet another tailored denim suit. We would bet the farm it's Escada! - Ian Allen Staff/Photographer

Olivia Grange all set for parliament in her Ralph Lauren pant suit on June 1, 2001. - Norman Grindley/Staff Photographer

Denims are practical and can be dressed up or down, so for the 2007 Labour Day Project, then Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller went to South West St Andrew in denim from head to toe. - Winston Sill/ Freelance Photographer

Studded denim jacket with inner blouse was the choice as Minister Portia Simpson Miller cuddles baby Chloe Stone on a visit to the Bob Marley Museum after laying a basket of flowers at his statue on the last day of celebrations marking Bob Marley's 61st birthday on Friday, February 10, 2006. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

This 1990 photo shows Simpson Miller in her role as minister of labour, addressing farm workers in Canada.

Portia Simpson Miller in Gordon House in a denim suit. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com