Why I am dressing like the Beckhams and why you should too

Before I delve into the wardrobes of Mr and Mrs Beckham, I have to address the elephant in the room. Unless you have been living under a rock for the past couple of weeks, you will have heard of the drama around this family. Brooklyn Beckham, the eldest son, posted an Instagram story explaining how he and his wife, Nicola Peltz, the daughter of a billionaire businessman, and with whom the mother-in-law Victoria apparently does not get along, are choosing to distance themselves from the family, citing reasons of control, performative actions for the media, etc etc. However, the most compelling part, which has everyone hooked to this story, is the detail of Victoria Beckham being accused of “dancing inappropriately on me” during what was supposed to be Brooklyn and Nicola’s first dance at their wedding. What that entails remains to be seen.

Whichever side emerges victorious (if there even can be a winning side), I still believe airing your family’s dirty laundry on an Instagram story is never the right move, but that’s not the point. What I really want to talk about is Mr and Mrs Beckham, and specifically their wardrobes: their separate evolutions and subsequent unification.

I have a personal adoration for the clothes [Victoria] makes using a fabric that looks almost unreal

First, Victoria. As one of five in the Spice Girls – more specifically, Posh Spice – Victoria had a sort of uniform to dress by: sleek, sexy, and posh. Think Tom Ford for Calvin Klein, or Gucci. Lots of mini-skirts and mini-dresses, lots of black, but also the occasional group-coordinated outfit. After the group’s fallout, Victoria embarked on a solo career (which unfortunately was not particularly successful) and her interest in high fashion grew a little bit avant-garde and experimental. This was also the time in which her relationship to David was made official with a ring (one of 15), but we’ll get onto that later.

In 2008, she launched her own fashion label, which began with some remnants of the high fashion style she was experimenting with, but slowly transformed into the sophistication that we know and love her for today. I have a personal adoration for the clothes she makes using a fabric that looks almost unreal, like a sheer, pearlescent silk that drapes onto the body like liquid, although far out of my budget. Everything she wears now is tailored, neat, and clean, far removed from the mini-everything of the ’90s and the neons of the ’00s.

A big pair of sunglasses can turn the tide on even the slouchiest of outfits

Something to take from Victoria’s progression through style is that what you like now may not be what you like in the future – and that’s okay! Obviously, as time passes, your life will change, and your style is likely to follow. Also, a big pair of sunglasses can turn the tide on even the slouchiest of outfits.

Next, David. It must be admitted that, though a browse through David’s catalogue does unearth some peculiarities (such as his choice to wear a durag to meet the now-King Charles), he remains one of the best-dressed celebrities (and certainly footballers) to grace the royal halls. Initially, as expected, David’s style resembled that of any athlete: sports gear, tracksuits, and baggy jeans paired with a blazer. He became more experimental with his choice of styling as his relationship with Victoria developed, shifting and transforming into the British gentleman who was knighted in November of last year.

Some say the hair makes the man, and in David’s case, hair was key. When Victoria introduced him to blonde highlights, paired with his longer, swooping hair, he became a heartthrob. Then, on 18 March 2000, everything changed: David Beckham had chopped off his luscious locks and had gotten a buzzcut. This soon became a trademark (after a couple of rogue mohawks), and paired with an asymmetrical forehead slit, it looked good. But by now, people had caught on, and the buzz wasn’t cutting it. In comes long and blond once more, going through a variation of lengths and styles, until finally landing on the classic high swoop accompanied by the suits, ties, and patent dress shoes.

Posh and Becks (as they were and still are familiarly known) have grown their style together and become almost symbiotic

On a personal level, David, like Victoria, is a clear example of allowing your style to change, move, and grow with you, as well as a how-to for being a pioneer.

Couples dressing was invented in the ’90s. To name a few: Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston (while that lasted); later, Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan; and of course, the Becks. Apart, David and Victoria have always been strong dressers. Together, they are an unstoppable force. After starting their relationship in 1997, Posh and Becks (as they were and still are familiarly known) have grown their style together, and become almost symbiotic. The evolution of their styles individually is, in fact, a reflection of their relationship with each other, and often follows the same lines. Their connection seems to speak through fashion, as well as the 15 engagement rings (which could also be a sign of David’s mess-ups). Some of their most iconic matching looks include full leather sets à la The Matrix, their wedding photoshoot in purple get-ups, and all-white at the MTV awards. Now, their style is still in sync but reflective of their maturity.

Couples who dress together stay together.