Victoria Beckham’s style should never be underestimated. Ordinarily, when she’s more likely to leave her house, she’s easily one of the most photographed women in the world; this means she yields significant power in the fashion industry and thus, on our wardrobes. Don’t be fooled however; Victoria is no clotheshorse. Far from it. Her flair for styling is palpable, and the polish she puts into her looks is imitable.
What we love most about Victoria Beckham‘s style is that you’re never quite sure what to expect from her next. One minute, she’ll be favouring head-to-toe black; the next, she’ll don all three primary colours in one go. It’s this fearlessness and unpredictability that ultimately makes her the icon she is.
If you were to enrol in our (imaginary) Victoria Beckham style school, you’d come out on the other side as an infinitely chicer, always pulled-together kind of lady. VB’s fashion persona is nothing short of impeccable. She never has a hair out of place or a mismatched accessory. Sure, she’s powered through many a highly documented fashion phase over the years (we’re particularly into her LBD collection). Still, since establishing a firm place within the industry’s top echelons, Beckham has proven time and time again to set trends and the agenda for working women, mums, handbag obsessives, and pretty much anyone with a general interest in looking sophisticated.
Of late, Beckham’s style has continued to flourish, and after collating a batch of her best-ever looks, more than a couple of familiar trends and outfit ideas started to present themselves. There’s a key lineup of subtle tweaks that the leader adds to her most successful ensembles. They’re so tiny you could miss them, so we’ve brought them into one place. From the way she tucks her shirts to the accessory rules (we swear) she lives by, keep reading to see Victoria Beckham’s style decoded into a handy guide.
Style Notes: In New York last February, ahead of her show, VB fashioned a laid-back suit wearing a crisp white shirt with black baggy trousers and an oversized coat, which she dressed down with Adidas Stan Smith trainers.
Style Notes: In 2017, VB’s favourite colour was bright blue. Here, she’s paired it with bright red pieces for maximum impact.
Style Notes: VB surprised us all this summer with these more laid-back, slouchy looks in New York. But take heed: Each of these relaxed items still has a luxe finish—like the slightly oversized sleeve of her shirt or the black-tie belt of her trousers.
Style Notes: Making the most of her chunky knitwear collection, VB knows that a statement neckline looks best with her hair up.
Style Notes: Print-clashing when petite can be a struggle, but Victoria’s lengthening technique (combining two items that are exactly the same print and in proportion) does wonders.
Style Notes: By going sans top with this pinstripe waistcoat-and–tailored trouser combination, Victoria has instantly upped the sassiness of what could otherwise reference corporate attire.
Style Notes: Temperature dipping but you still want to show off your new look under that old coat? Take VB’s tack and push your outerwear to one side, pop your hand in your pocket and let the show-and-tell commence.
Style Notes: Being someone who designs seriously covetable bags, it’s no great surprise VB has many opinions on how one can tote a tote. Here she’s going for the slouch-and-grab—very S/S 17.
Style Notes: This has become a trusted formula for many a clever girl. A boxy white shirt is indeed the perfect daytime partner to a fancy skirt—you can make this work IRL with flats.
Style Notes: You don’t have to look like the Man From Del Monte just because you’re wearing a white suit. Ground with polished black accessories and night-out makeup, and go.
Style Notes: By keeping the silhouettes extra-simple and pared-back, VB’s extravagant colour clash works a treat.
Style Notes: Whether rolled-up sleeves or turned-up jean legs, VB knows you can’t always just throw something on and leave the house. The little adjustments to make a piece fit properly can make all the difference.
Style Notes: Just because you’re wearing a pretty pastel outfit doesn’t mean you can’t whack on your fave sunnies. VB’s been wearing these flattering, geometric frames all year long, and as someone with a large eyewear collection, that’s saying something.
Style Notes: Victoria Beckham has Manolo Blahnik’s Chaos sandals in multiple colours and wears them with entirely different looks each time. The oldies really can be goodies.
Style Notes: It’d be easy to drown in a sea of orange here, but Beckham’s cleverly exposed wrists and ankles mean the expanse of colour isn’t overwhelming.
Style Notes: We often feel that midis are most flattering when cinching in at the waist, but actually, a loose-fit shirt and lower-slung midi can look more modern and just as slimming when paired with heels.
Style Notes: All-black outfits are easy to rely upon, but Tipp-Ex–white shoes do help lift them out of the dark.
Style Notes: When Victoria’s into something, she’s really into something. For example, the current silk-satin boom—she looks so chic head to toe. No regrets.
Style Notes: It’s a classic for a reason. The camel coat makes everything in your wardrobe look polished and chic.
Style Notes: It’s not a usual look from VB, but here’s proof that it’s not just hipsters wearing plaid shirts who can do the buttoned-down look.
Style Notes: High-waisted jeans flatter every shape and give you a great posterior.
Style Notes: In case you didn’t already know, Victoria is rather keen on wearing sunglasses. She’s rarely seen without a pair from her own collection.
Style Notes: Now we’re finally heading into spring, it’s time to embrace the all-white outfit. If it’s a bit chilly for you, layer a roll-neck underneath and pair with black accessories to make the white pop.
Style Notes: VB’s black boots come from her own collection, and she wears them all the time. As if we needed to tell you that black boots are a great wardrobe staple.
Style Notes: The big news, in terms of colour, pastels are making a comeback—especially in the form of purples and greens.
Style Notes: The latest silhouette VB is championing? The drouser (that’s a dress/trouser hybrid to me and you).
Style Notes: At the airport, Victoria Beckham wore a pair of black leather cropped trousers with white pumps and her camel coat.
Style Notes: The peep-toe boots are a bold choice from Victoria, but we love how she’s paired them with a black midi skirt, a white checked shirt and a yellow bag.
Style Notes: To break up a full black legging look, a nude bodysuit is a great idea.
Style Notes: Trousers and a jumper never looked so good. VB sticks to her usual blue and red colour combo but the blouse keeps this looking fresh and fun.
Style Notes: It’s one of the oldest styling tricks in the book, but matching your shoes to your bag will always look expensive. Just ask VB.
Style Notes: Whether it’s leaving the bottom buttons on your blouse undone or using the belt on your coat to create a new silhouette, get crafty with your fastenings to update your ensembles.
Style Notes: Sparkle isn’t reserved for party season—at least, not if you get them right. We love the shiny detail on VB’s midi skirt, which gives her look more interest and personality.
Style Notes: Satiny ruffle blouses can often look over the top, but Victoria keeps her cool by wearing hers with sharp tailoring and an effortless updo.
Style Notes: Clashing her prints is one of VB’s favourite styling tricks; her large windowpane checks offset her busy leopard print boots perfectly.
Style Notes: It’s tempting to always opt for fitted pieces, particularly for evenings out. But here Victoria Beckham proves that sizing up in the blouse department makes her outfit look ten times sleeker.
Style Notes: Victoria Beckham in a corsage? Believe it or not, VB has been adding corsages to lots of her outfits of late. Very Carrie Bradshaw.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
