Carla Bruni-Sarkozy: Style by stealth

Naturally, the coat was Dior, incomparably French and incomparably classic Photograph: Shaun Curry/AFP

Carla did make one wardrobe mistake. She opted for a classic black, framed handbag, a style which her hostess has made her own. The verdict? The Queen's was way more stylish Photograph: Pool/PA

Gently rounded lapels recall 1960s tailoring, while the mini pillbox hat is inextricably linked to the first lady style of Jackie Onassis Photograph: Pool/PA

The black pumps were chic and practical, though their flatness inadvertently drew attention to her husband's stature, and the fact his heels had height Photograph: Darren Staples/PA

Below-the-knee tailored grey wool, fastened tightly to the neck, is a failsafe option Photograph: Shaun Curry/AFP

Some wardrobe detractors will say that the Bruni look is boring ... Photograph: Pool/PA

... but for a president's wife, different rules apply. Safe can become stylish Photograph: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

The shoes were an integral part of a fabulously chic Dior-fest Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA

Carla is brilliantly consistent with the colour palette of her wardrobe. So far, she hasn't really strayed beyond the confines of midnight blue, grey, black, white and denim ... Photograph: Pool/PA

... with the odd jolt of regal purple Photograph: David Bebber/Pool

But dressing in a uniform way isn't a weakness Photograph: Daniel Berehulak/Getty

The French first lady is entirely right to stick with classics Photograph: Philippe Wojuzer/Getty

Her classic pieces had just the right quota of on-trend detailing to lift them beyond boring Photograph: Stephen Hird/PA