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In her new book, Style Forever fashion journalist Alyson Walsh says there are seven style tribes. Here are four of our favourites. Which are you?
The Ageless Rocker
“Look out you rock ’n’ rollers, pretty soon now you’re gonna get older,” warned David Bowie in 1971. But 44 years later, musicians like Patti Smith, Marianne Faithfull, Françoise Hardy and Chrissie Hynde are still rolling on. As fans of what I like to call Rock Chickery, they’re growing older with dignity and style and a wardrobe full of effortlessly cool clothes.
The essentials: Mussed-up hair, mannish tailoring, military gear, a leather biker jacket and black skinny pants.
The style heroines: Yoko Ono, Debbie Harry, Kate Moss, former model and muse Betty Catroux, model and actress Lou Doillon, Grace Jones, model Stella Tennant, musicians Kim Gordon, Viv Albertine and Joan Jett.
Check out more of Alyson Walsh’s book, Style Forever, here.
The Older and Bolder Brigade
The Older and Bolder Brigade celebrate life with equal measures of energy and eye-popping accessories. These women are confident, creative and they care about how they look. This flamboyant peacock style is all about individuality and enjoyment. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think Older and Bolder is bloody brilliant. A gang of pensioners with a punk rock attitude – count me in.
The essentials: A turban – best worn with a brightly coloured collarless coat, a printed dress
or an all-black outfit and a denim jacket; a plain, long-sleeved T-shirt with beaded necklaces in the same colour.
The style heroines: Grey Gardens’ ‘Big Edie’ and ‘Little Edie’, all the Advanced Stylistas (from Ari Seth Cohen’s blog Advanced Style), fashion director of British Vogue Lucinda Chambers, fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, Helena Bonham Carter (and her mum Elena) and Vivienne Westwood.
The Gentlewoman
An elegant, grown-up tomboy with discerning taste, a love of culture and an eye for detail: meet The Gentlewoman. Her look is pared-down, modern, a blend of masculine and feminine. From Goodyear-welted brogues to average weft-count, attention to every last detail is key.
The essentials: A mannish shirt, a cashmere sweater, a men’s watch, a white T-shirt, Chelsea boots, rolled-up chinos, brogues, a navy overcoat, Levi’s 501s, Ray-Ban Aviators.
The style heroines: Film director Sofia Coppola, Amelia Earhart, fashion designer Margaret Howell, actress Katharine Hepburn and fashion consultant Yasmin Sewell.
The Superpower Dresser
The Superpower Dresser’s signature look is always polished and professional. Style is part of her DNA. You know what you’re going to get – and that means she can get down to business. Take the less-is-better approach – the simple jewel-coloured shift dress, necklace and kitten heel combination is smart, simple and easy to replicate.
The essentials: A pussy-bow blouse, a leather dress, wide-leg trousers in primary colours, a blazer, a white shirt, a printed pencil skirt, pointed shoes (heeled and flat), a power necklace, a regular blow-dry and a chauffeur.
The style heroines: Facebook CEO Sheryl Sandberg, Michelle Obama, IMF managing director Christine Lagarde, broadcaster Mary Portas and creator of Browns Joan Burstein.
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