Will Julia Gillard pass the style test at the Royal Wedding?

AS the world waits to see Kate Middleton's choice of gown, fashionistas offer our PM tips for the fashion event of the century.

WHILE the world will be eager to see the dress Kate Middleton has chosen to wear for her prince on Friday, Australians will also be holding their breath to see how our Prime Minister represents us at the fashion event of the century.

Channel 9 fashion commentator Henry Roth said the stakes were high for our first female PM to get it right, saying the occasion lent itself to race wear.

"We all want Julia Gillard to be style striking at the royal wedding ... it is a bit like parents hoping their child pulls it together at graduation time with an outfit that represents the family well," he said.

Ms Gillard's trademark pantsuits will not cut the mustard, according to top Brisbane designer Paul Hunt.

"Pants are absolutely not acceptable to wear to the royal wedding. It's an English wedding, so it's more like race wear: skirt suits, dresses and definitely a hat and gloves," he said.

"The Danish royal wedding was a much more formal event, where a long dress was required.

"I'd like to see her in a Chanel-style skirt suit in a neutral colour, nothing too bright but with a shot of colour and a fabulous hat, not a fascinator."

Roth agreed a classic suit was the right choice.

"A classic cotton or linen-blend suit in a fresh blue with a cropped jacket and a linen or cotton hat would be perfect," he said.

"Then she could get changed for the ceremony into a simple matt beaded floor-length gown with a cowl neckline."

It will be a step outside the comfort zone for Ms Gillard, who has worn pantsuits almost exclusively since taking up her role as PM.

Kellie's tip:

For Ms Gillard, it's time to bust a fashion move. I'd love to see her in a stunning deep-blue, well-cut Carla Zampatti skirt suit with a silk blouse and cropped jacket - something classic but with a design edge that she can feel confident in. A beautiful but simple hat and a stunning pair of Australian pearl and diamond earrings would be appropriate and also help fly the flag for Australian designers.