When Vijay took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, many expected him to appear in the customary white shirt and veshti that has long been associated with the state's political leaders. Instead, the former actor arrived in a sharply tailored black suit, immediately setting social media abuzz. Weeks later, the discussion around his wardrobe choice continues, and Vijay has finally addressed why he has made black-and-white suits a regular part of his public image.The question everyone was askingAccording to Hindustan Times, at a public gathering in Tiruchirappalli on Monday, Vijay directly responded to the conversations surrounding his attire. Since becoming Chief Minister, the TVK leader has consistently attended official events, government meetings and public programmes dressed in monochrome suits, a look that stands apart from the conventional political dress code in Tamil Nadu.Addressing the issue, Vijay told the audience, “Many people have been talking about the new suit that I have been wearing recently. Are we not allowed to wear a coat and suit? Is it meant only for people in positions of authority? There is nothing like that.”For Vijay, the black-and-white combination is not merely about fashion. Explaining the symbolism behind his wardrobe, he said, “I am not wearing many colours. It is just black and white, like all our hearts. The choice of these colours is to show that I will remain transparent and simple in everything, just like black and white.”The statement offered a glimpse into how the Chief Minister wants to be perceived, as a leader who values clarity, honesty and simplicity.Vijay's take on public speechesDuring the same event, Vijay also spoke about his approach to public communication. Unlike many politicians known for lengthy speeches, he maintained that he prefers brevity.“I am not someone who gives lengthy explanations or speaks unnecessarily. As people know, I usually speak for less than 20 minutes at most meetings,” he said. The comment drew cheers from supporters, many of whom see his concise style as one of his defining traits.Vijay's suit that started the conversationThe black suit worn by Vijay during his swearing-in ceremony became one of the most talked-about aspects of the event. Designed by Zafir and Shadab, the outfit drew widespread attention online. Sharing visuals from the ceremony, the designers wrote, “Proud historic moment! Congratulations to our Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri Vijay Joseph. Suited in our specially crafted black suit at the oath ceremony. Honoured to be a part of it.” The post quickly gained traction, with many praising the departure from traditional political fashion.Vijay's journey from silver screen hero to state leaderBefore entering politics full-time, Vijay was among the biggest stars in Tamil cinema, delivering hits such as 'Ghilli', 'Thuppakki', 'Kaththi', 'Mersal', 'Master' and 'Leo'. In 2024, he announced his retirement from films and launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), marking the beginning of his political journey.Just two years later, the party emerged as a major force in the 2026 Assembly elections, winning 108 seats. With support from its allies, TVK formed the government and Vijay took charge as Chief Minister.Tamil Nadu politics has traditionally been associated with white attire and simple clothing. Vijay's decision to embrace formal suits signals a shift from that long-established norm. Whether viewed as a style statement or a political message, his black-and-white wardrobe has become an extension of the image he is trying to build, one that combines modernity with accessibility.