My Style: Bec Astley Clarke
Photo: Courtesy of Bec Astley Clarke
What are the rules in the way you dress?
My mantra is ‘Go Precious Everyday’, which literally translated means that you shouldn’t be afraid to wear your fine jewellery with everything from a little black dress to jeans and a t-shirt. I always try to wear one fabulous thing — whether a fur jacket, amazing jewellery or great shoes — the rest can be low key.
Please describe your style in three words.
Chic, simple, elegant.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Being over-dressed.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, Charlotte Rampling is an inspiration to me.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Denim and silk.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
There are a lot that I object to — I find bad colour combinations particularly offensive.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
It pains me to say this, but French women dress as if they are from a different planet.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Neither.
Celebrities and style...
Do not always go together.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Jewellery, of course.
A woman should always look like...
Herself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My mother, fashion magazines and my French girlfriends.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
My days are filled with meeting important people and visiting our concessions in Harrods, Liberty and Selfridges, so I have to look well-dressed each morning. My staple is jeans, a silk shirt and fabulous shoes — I keep at least one pair of heels under my desk just in case.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Wear what suits you, not what looks good in magazines. Don’t be a slave to fashion, instead be a slave to style. No outfit is complete without jewellery.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I do most of my shopping online.
We will never see you wearing...
Neon colours.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Osman is one of my favourite designers — I just love the subtle use of colour and clean lines in his FW13 collection. Also, Stella McCartney and Temperley London are great for feminine silhouettes — a beautifully cut dress or coat.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her jewellery.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A vintage silk skirt with hand embroidered flowers from my mother, my favourite jeans and a blue floor length Temperley dress.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Stella McCartney, as mentioned above.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Accessories. They can instantly transform the most ordinary of outfits into something extraordinary.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not at all, I am most comfortable wearing my jewels and a chic blouse.
