Meet the 34 most stylish people in Britain (and one very stylish dog)

There are various myths about style that endure in even the most modern minds. There’s the idea that style correlates with wealth, for instance – the assumption that it’s expensive to look as good as the 34 people you’re about to meet. Or the idea that a person must be young to be stylish, that style inevitably dissolves with time, like muscle mass or the desire to please. And there’s the idea that one must look like a catwalk model – skinny, pouting, 6ft tall – in order to get away with, for instance, “a vest”. All bollocks, of course, these silly myths, and yet they insist on returning and repeating themselves to many of us, particularly when we are looking in the full-length mirror by the door and already late.

Like a sexual fetish, I believe a style influence imposes itself at an early age. Sometimes it’s a celebrity star that gets you – a glimpse of David Bowie one night on telly – but often it’s a snazzy cousin at Christmas, or the swishy gait of an art teacher, the way they belt a coat or tuck in a sock, a certain swagger. For me, it was Debbie Harry’s T-shirts, the suits my mum wore in the 90s, John Waters’s Hairspray, the Carry On films, the girls upstairs on the bus who got crisps stuck in their lipstick. You copy them at first. And then, as years pass, you discover your own language, the ways to shop, and style, to look the same but different, and to feel comfortable walking through your life in colour.

For many of us the confidence to dress comes and goes in waves. My own battle with personal style happened to coincide with having children. My beloved clothes (largely vintage, many pieces having stayed with me faithfully since my early 20s) now fit awkwardly, but more importantly they suddenly seemed to tell the wrong story about who I was and who I wanted to be. Identity can be such a bastard, especially when you’re very tired and entering a new stage of self. When my daughter was a toddler, I was invited to “refresh my style” by signing up for a fashion subscription service where they send you clothes to keep or return. “Ooh,” I thought. “Someone to guide me back to myself! For under £30!” Following a phone consultation with a stylist, in which I found myself offering a nice stranger a series of quite raw anxieties about my ambitions, shifting identity, taste and body image, I waited excitedly to see myself reflected in their expert eyes. When the box arrived, with its elasticated slacks and two silky tops, I was mortified. Was this who I had become? My experience revealed I should perhaps have saved that £29.99 for an actual therapist.

The funny thing is, looking at the people pictured here – sorry, the people and one very chic dog – works as a kind of therapy. Doesn’t it? Seeing a kind of confidence and artfulness so defined yet so casual, rules ignored, myths debunked, the odd wacky hat. It is joyful and inspiring, and an invitation to consider the self we each choose to offer the world. Sometimes you put on a coat to become somebody else. Other times, to become yourself. Eva Wiseman

What are you wearing? A custom tailored jacket I made, a friend’s Adidas jacket, Uniqlo trousers, vintage M&S shoes, and a digital camera keyring I bought in Osaka

How would you describe your style? Intentional, understated, expressive... I like clothes that feel effortless but still say something: basic tailoring mixed with streetwear.

How has your style developed? As a skater, everything I wore was baggy and slouchy. Over time I’ve added tailored elements, moved away from loud logos and branding and big graphics apart from the occasional Stussy tee. My style is an amalgamation of all my interests.

What are you wearing? A tank top I made myself on a knitting machine, jeans and belt from Vinted, and a bag I made from an old kilt I bought at Charity Supermarket.

What does style mean to you? Style is about self expression. For me it’s entwined with creativity because it’s about sewing. It’s taken me a few years to realise it’s what you feel comfortable in that matters.

How would you describe your style? I think it’s always changing. I think shopping secondhand you have to work with what you have so it’s useful to sew, if you can sew and you can alter clothes it makes it so much easier, you can buy anything and make it yours.

What are you wearing? A Maximilian Raynor jacket, a white shirt from River Island, Asos faux leather trousers, and a thrifted doctor bag that a friend customised with a vintage Gucci scarf.

How would you describe your style. I’m a bit of a chameleon: street luxe meets tailoring and fun. Every time I dress up I want to feel like a popstar.

What does style mean to you? It’s the way your head works, it’s your choice. No one else gets to choose this for you – you get to express yourself in ways that words can’t.

What are you wearing? Mostly thrifted pieces. Growing up fat it was very hard to find clothes that fit – it was easier to go charity shopping, which I did with my nan, who was also a plus-sized woman. I would ethically and morally prefer to buy secondhand where I possibly can - anything I could ever want already exists in the world.

How would you describe your style? “Maximilism”, “clown-core”, “Ugly Betty”.

How has your style developed? I used to dress like a tomboy. I grew up in the early 2000s, super heroine chic vibes, and there wasn’t much on offer for a plus sized person in the shops. Now I’m dressing how I wanted to dress as a kid and I experiment all the time. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t – nothing is permanent and nothing really matters. I just have fun with it.

What does style mean to you? Style is identity, it’s art, it's about story telling and being able to express who you are and step into yourself. I’m dressed insanely and I love that.

How do people react to your look? Some people can be cruel. I got married last year and my wedding GRWM (Get Ready With Me) went viral because everyone hated how I looked on my wedding day. That only fuelled my fire. The other day I went to a kid’s birthday party and they thought I was the hired entertainment. I was like, ‘No, I just dress like this!’

What are you wearing? A Morrocco football shirt (my other half  is Moroccan – I’m representing), Prada jeans, and Travis Scott X Nike trainers. I wear a lot of sportswear for comfort – you’ll always find me in a tracksuit bottom or loose fitting jeans.

How would you describe your style? Elevated casual. I have to be comfortable but keep it elevated with a jacket or an accessory. Accessories are really important. I might wear a white t-shirt and jeans – but the footwear has to be a 10/10.

How would you say your style has developed? I’ve grown into myself, I'm more comfortable in my clothing, I wear what I wear even if it’s not on trend. I’ve matured.

What are you wearing? My necklace and some of my rings were made by my auntie, a very talented silversmith – one of the rings was made from a silver teaspoon we found in my grandma’s house when she passed away. A couple I made, including one that says “gay”.

How would you describe your style? Colourful, queer… playing with clothes that are associated stereotypically with certain genders. I wear a lot of skirts and kilts, crop tops, but I also love wearing a suit.

How has your style developed? In my teens I was in the closet – I didn’t dress like myself at all really. But even when I was younger I was fascinated with stylish figures on the TV. When I came out in my 20s I could embrace who I was – and I definitely leaned into that. I like to be loud and proud and let people know who I am.

How would you describe your style?  I’m attracted to very archetypal things like glamour and sexiness but I enjoy subverting them – and that’s the throughline.

How has your style developed?  It’s evolved – it depends where you are in life. There have been moments when I’ve followed fashion, moments when I’ve tried to really fit in, moments when I’ve felt so much joy from getting dressed. That’s what it comes down to: joy. Style is what makes me feel good. Some days that’s a tracksuit and lots of cashmere, on other days it’s a pair of really, really high heels and a pencil skirt.

What does style mean to you? I don’t think style is about clothes, it’s about things that make your life richer and happier and more full. It’s not the most important thing in the world but it can make mundane moments feel special.

What are you wearing? A Samsøe Samsøe ponyskin jacket, a Lacoste white vest, Levi’s baggy dad jeans, Schuh loafers, a Mulberry bag with a mini bag charm from Puma that I keep my ear pods and my wired headphones in.

How would you describe your style? Laidback and easy.

What does style mean to you? It’s a way to show our differences.

What are you wearing? Half of my brother’s wardrobe. This blazer is from his year 10 formal dance. Shorts are by Adidas.

Describe your style. I like to mix feminine and masculine. The masculine leans to 13-year-old school bully in a high school movie or finance bro. Those are the two things I’m ping ponging between. The feminine things I like to be a bit unexpected. I like texture, I like pattern. Whatever happens when I clash those two together is my style.

What does style mean to you? It means being myself, which is sometimes difficult: who I am changes from day-to-day. I dress exactly how I feel in the moment, which makes it more fun.

How would you describe your style? It’s somewhere between European boy scout and Japanese granddad on holiday

How has your style developed? I went through a bit of a baby phase, with scalloped edges and peter pan collars. I’m not sure I’d do that again. I’m looking forward to embracing full price The Row, Chanel and Hermes, no discounts – a full store shutdown situation. 

What does style mean to you? Style is personality on a platter, it’s how you put yourself out into the world without thinking about it. Whether you choose to embrace that or not is a reflection of whether you embrace your personality.

What are you wearing? I'm wearing a coat that is Our Legacy. The shirt is a collaboration with Boy.Brother.Friend (the magazine I edit) and a designer called Selom A.

How would you describe your style? Preppy – but I like to juxtapose things, question what is feminine and what is masculine.

What does style mean to you? I think style is how we connect. It’s our first point of contact, it’s how you say hello.

Do you have any style icons? My my late dad. He was the chicest man I ever saw. He was beautiful.

What are you wearing? A charity shop denim jacket that I painted, a neckerchief, a lace body, a red knit to match my lipstick, and loud leopard print trousers from New Look.

How would you describe your style? It’s dark feminine with an edge. I like 70s vibes, a little bit rock and roll, I like individuality.

How has your style developed? I’ve been wearing the same kinds of clothes since I was in my teens. I’m a creature of habit: I like what I like and I hope it doesn’t change. I don’t want to dress for my age.

Describe your style? It’s eclectic. I love clashing. I love patterns, colours, a mishmash of  genres, something sporty, something feminine. My wardrobe is a bit of a visual cacophony.

What does style mean to you? It's identity, it's culture, it's the way we live

Is there something you've left behind in the last decade or something you want to adopt in the next? Everything is cyclical, everything comes back. I’ve been wearing a lot more black recently. I like sculptural black things now, which I never used to like. I don’t always wear colour. Sometimes you want to hide a bit – blend in, stand back. When my daughter gets really dressed up I'll subdue myself. It’s okay to want to be different versions of yourself at different times.

How would you describe your style? It’s relatively no nonsense. Words like “minimalist” come up, but I don't think I'm much of a minimalist. I just like to be neutral.

How do you think your style has developed? It hasn’t over the past decade or so. I'm a big believer in a formula – a formula you can have fun with, not spend too much time thinking about

What does style mean to you? Clarity, confidence, and communication. I like the idea that what we wear tells people how to feel about us.

What are you wearing? A Versace shirt and tie. Vintage Ralph Lauren leather trousers I bought on Vinted. An amazing belt I got in Mexico…

How would you describe your style? I’m quite classic. I like Western, I like the 70s and the 90s. I love print but I also love a great jean and denim jacket.

How has your style developed? From a really young age everything was about dressing up. Before I had designer clothes I would make things for myself or I would thrift – I went to a lot of jumble sales with my gran. I had a twink era, I had experimental haircuts that I now realise made me look hideous. In my 30s I had a cherub ere: bleached blonde cherubic curls. I didn’t realise I could grow a moustache until I was about 37. That’s when I felt more like a man – and I leaned into that. I wore to fashion week and that became a signature look that people identify with me.

What does style mean to you? I think it’s when someone expresses themselves authentically. You want style to be original; you don’t want style to be beige.

What are you wearing? A yellow beret, a silk scarf that was a gift, a Chanel print jacket that is my most worn item of clothing ( I wear it 80% of the time), a tapestry bag from Borneo, a dress from Deptford market and African print trousers.

How would you describe your style? Colourful. I like print, I like texture, I like colour. And I like mixing things up – I don't stick to one thing. People think I have tons of clothes but I’ve got very few. I just style them in different ways.

How has your style developed? The ethos of how I dress has stayed the same: I please myself. I've got a bit braver, though. I don't adapt how I dress for any situation: I would wear this for work, to a party, to Aldi.

When did you become interested in style? I spent a lot of time in secondhand shops buying clothes, cutting them up. I had no money so I had to be inventive. Clothes should be fun – they're to be enjoyed.

How would you describe your style? Eclectic. I only wear things that make me feel fabulous.

How has your style developed? My style developed when I was 14. I copied a friend who I wanted to emulate but we were very different and I looked terrible – from that moment I realised I needed to develop my own style.

Something you’ve left behind? I no longer wear MC Hammer pants. I wore them a lot and it drove my father absolutely crazy.

What does style mean to you? It means everything, it means how people see me, how I navigate the world. How I achieve things, what we wear defines who we are. Clothes are not fluffy things, they are everything to me.

What are you wearing? Raf Simons SS03 jacket, Prada trousers and Nike Pegasus sneakers.

How would you describe your style? I’ve loved fashion since I was a kid, I have kept all my clothes since I was about 22.  My taste has changed slightly, I think my style now is a little bit calmer. I wear things for more comfort, but I still love the old stuff and bring it back out. I was very conscious that my [magazine] styling related to my upbringing as a working class Northerner, without it looking ironic.

What does style mean to you? It’s an expression. As soon as you see me you know something about who I am, what my interests are, if I’m connected to a particular tribe or culture.

How would you describe your style? Low key. I try to keep it things classic. As I’ve got older I know what I like and comfort is important. I only wear flats, mostly trainers. I have a uniform: lots of navy cashmere sweaters and lots of jeans.

How do you think your style has developed? I worked in fashion for a long time and remember being much more led by trends. Now I’ve found what I want to wear, what feels good for me, what's comfortable, what suits me and my body. And, because I work with clay, things that machine wash.

Is there something that you've left behind in the last decade? I will never go back to skinny jeans. I mean, never say never – it's fashion.

What are you wearing: With my art work I work on clothes a lot, clothing is the front line in life, it’s the thing you put between yourself and the world.

What made you start wearing your art? I started working on clothes during lockdown. I didn't have any shows so I felt the only show I really had was me wearing stuff and going out for a walk and to the supermarket.

How do you decide what to wear? It's a matter of trying things out, seeing how they go. I get really excited about getting dressed.

How would you describe how your style has developed?  My father was an antiques dealer. He’d buy paintings and books and various artefacts relating to bygone centuries, and I was fascinated by the way those famous people from history dressed: Paganini, Beethoven, Mozart – fantastic dressers. I've kept a little bit of that flavour, mixed it up with a bit of a rock 'n' roll, and kept the panache. Now I’m somewhere between Beethoven's Fifth and The Sex Pistols.

What does style mean to you? I never judge people on their clothes. I think style is in the way you conduct yourself.

What are you wearing? A Community Clothing chore jacket, a neckerchief from Etsy, a Sunspel top, and the shoes are Crockett and Jones.

How would you describe your style? Heavily influenced by workwear. I’m from Birmingham, I’m a metal bashing Brummy. I followed my dad into industry and the factory and was influenced by what they were wearing. It’s workwear with a twist.

How would you describe how your style and how has your style has developed? I use to keep an eye on trends. Now I’m more into craft and provenance – things that are going to last.

Is there a piece of clothing you've left behind? I don’t wear trainers unless I’m exercising.

How would you describe your style? Eclectic. I have so many kinds of emotional attachments to different styles and I never rule anything out, but I think I always have a little bit of an irreverence to things.

How has your style developed? I think the core has always been there. I love things that make people look beautiful or interesting.

What does style mean to you? I love style. I just love it. To me, it's just part of life, it's your surroundings, If I stay somewhere, I'll kind of redecorate the room and I feel that style extends out. 

Do you have any style icons? I love those old but rather sad pictures of Billy Holiday when she's singing.

What are you wearing? A CP Company coat, a top from Japan, I think it's for snowboarders, my shorts are from All Saints and my Tabi shoes are from Sou Sou Kyoto. My jewellery is from everywhere. I used to be a glass artist, I made some of these rings.

How would you describe your style? Very sporty. I’m going to the gym regularly, and I take resistance training once a week. My style reflects what I do.

What does style mean to you? Style is a representation of yourself.  I think it's nice to present yourself in the best way. You're like a flower in daily life and it's nice to have a nice smelling flower.

What are you wearing? A Comme des Garçons shirt, Jil Sander leather panel jeans, a bracelet that I’ve had since 1989, and vintage German biker boots

How would you describe your style? Confident. I don’t follow fashion – I buy what I feel is right for me.

How has your style developed? I grew up in a mining village in Scotland. I was the village weirdo, I loved David Bowie, I was a punk. I would hide my punk outfit in a plastic bag behind a septic tank on the way to youth club and get changed back into my dad’s shirt to go home. When I first became a coal miner I had to have a medical. Everyone else arrived in donkey jackets and jeans. I turned up in a pale blue double breasted suit, platforms, and a shiny polo neck with a big satin scarf and a David Bowie haircut. I came out in 2002 and felt relieved and I’ve been able to develop my own style.

How would you describe your style? I used to call it tomboy chic. It’s kind of dumpy masculine. I’ve always worn clothes nuns would wear.

How has your style developed? I used to wear red lipstick – that was part of my look. But I don't wear makeup at all anymore. It stopped looking good, and I don't mind my face aging, so I don't want to cover it up.

What does style mean to you? It's a creative thing that you can do every day and I always consider what I’m wearing, even if it’s very casual, or I'm going to the gym, I still consider how I look.

How would you describe your style? I can’t let go of the 80s. I still wear shoulder pads, the bigger the better. The woman of the 80s was a woman who could take on men, women, government – whatever came at her. When you maintain your strength, no one has power over you.

Who has been influential to your style? Chrissy Hynde – she’s that bitch. Vivienne Westwood was my hero, When the 90s hit my life I became a Margiela girl.

What does style mean to you? People say it’s effortless – they’re lying. It doesn’t matter what’s going on right now – what matters is how you interpret it

How would you describe your style? Hatty. My style is Hatty.

How has your style developed? Clothing isn’t what I am, it's what I want to be. It's the perfect drag for all of us.

Is there a hat for every occasion? Absolutely. There's a hat to wear in the morning, a hat to wear in the afternoon, a hat to wear while walking the dogs. There's a hat for everybody. Experiment!

How would you describe your style? It depends on whether I'm working. This is a working mode, though I love wearing suits away from work as well. I think great design should never shout for attention, and it should withstand scrutiny.

How has your style developed over the years? In the early 80s I wore a lot of double breasted suits. I went through a phase of wearing a lot of bow ties. The more I’ve learned, the more restrained I’ve become. Craftsmanship is crucial – it gives longevity. The suit i’m wearing now is 30 years old.

Is there an item of clothing you’re happy to have left behind? I think jettisoning bow ties was a good move.

How would you describe your style? It changes with how old you are, what your experience of life is. I like to dress how I feel in the morning. I love colour. I love different fabrics. In my 20s I wore extreme fashions. Now my style is more muted.

How do you think your style has changed over the years?  I was always interested in clothes. As a girl in the 50s I’d refuse to put on a dress. When I was 10 we lived in rural Scotland and I decided I wanted to dress like a beatnik. As a teenager and a schoolgirl I loved everything about the swinging 60s. I’d go on pilgrimages to London and buy clothes from Biba.

How has your style developed? I don’t know if it’s developed, it’s probably got worse. I’ve left long hair behind. Heels have gone. I’m into trainers now. A uniform.

What does style mean to you? I like that quote from Coco Chanel: “Fashion fades but style lasts forever”. Chic in french has two meanings: “beautifully turned out” and “morally correct” – there’s a representation in clothing of the kind of person you are.

Is protest chic? Protest is deeply chic. If you don’t protest you’re complicit, which is very unchic.

What are you wearing? A magnificent nehru suit from India, the material is handwoven silk.

How would you describe your style? My work is about joy. Open your heart, have fun. We’re here for such a short time – joy is the important message.

How has your style developed?  As a student at Oxford in the 60s I was at the school of architecture and I started going to jumble sales and discovered a whole new world. You could buy extraordinary things for 5p. I could use a sewing machine so I’d convert them into contemporary pieces. Even then I looked for bright colours. I loved the 70s, which were fun and joyful. And then slowly capitalism took over. That’s the world – it changes.

What does style mean to you? It's a way of life. You don’t need money – it's how you put things together.

What are you wearing? An Edwardian cape that I bought from a lady who had been left a trunk of mourning clothes.

How would you describe your style Boho. I’ve always worn antique clothing. It’s called vintage now, but my clothes were always the real deal: Victorian petticoats, bloomers, a bit of Yves Saint Laurent.

How has your style developed? It’s more eccentric. When you get to a certain age you start not caring. Now I’m dressed as me; I don’t aspire to be anybody else,

What are you wearing? I’m wearing all my own prints. Most of my jewellery is from India. I always wear a Ganesha necklace because it’s lucky. My trainers are Puma and they remind me of Scottish dancing shoes with the laces. I’m half Scottish.

How would you describe your style? Colourful. People stop me in the street. I started dying my hair with Henna in the 70s when everyone was doing the same – it smelt like a farmyard. Then I was red for a period, then purple, now pink. There’s so much black everywhere – it’s upsetting.

How have people responded to your choices? I think what I wear is more acceptable now, but my father didn’t understand at all. He’d say “Natalie, when I was younger we’d try to look nice. Your aim seems to be to look as hideous as possible.” I don’t know what he’d think now.

What does style mean to you? I don’t really think about it. It’s so personal. I notice that some people look great and other people don’t, and I think what I could do to improve them a bit. They probably think they can improve me.

What are you wearing: [Through a translator] A Labour & Wait bandana. I have a drawer full in all sorts of colours.

I’ve been a fashion editor for three decades, but even I found myself taking notes while listening to the stylish people featured in this piece. You never stop learning.

The thing I learned most? To step outside of my comfort zone and embrace what Andrew Davis calls “dopamine dressing”. It’s about time we all had a little more fun with our wardrobes. Take a leaf from the book of wisdom written by the 70- and 80-somethings featured on these pages. They don’t give a flying fuchsia-pink Fendi bag what others think about what they’re wearing. They wear what they want. Shouldn’t we all do the same?

I don’t think style is about just clothing, though. It’s about what’s going on inside. Style is how you use clothes and accessories to project a personality. You might add a personal piece of jewellery because it holds a particularly important memory, or it’s an heirloom from a family member… Every item says something about who you are.

What do you want it to say?

Spoiler, there’s no how-to guide to be stylish — it’s unique to everyone — but there are ways to hone your style. Finding the right clothes for you gives you confidence and improves your mood — fit and comfort are key. Colour can help, but, equally, monotone uniform dressing can be liberating — think Steve Jobs and Barack Obama.

Keep tabs on what you like and what makes you happy. Train your eye to notice details, take photos, screenshot references, bookmark pages. Style can’t be copied, but you can take inspiration. My best advice to the question posed by my editor, “How does someone become stylish?” is to do more of what you love: watch Wes Anderson’s back catalogue, read more, go to Paris, flick through a magazine, wander round an art gallery.

Taking pride and care in your clothes is part of the package. Steam or press them, hang them up (but not jumpers), polish your shoes, mend things, consider new purchases carefully. Ask yourself: “Does this work with three things I already own?” All these things feed into style. How you then apply them is totally up to you.

All hair and makeup by Molly Lynch using Merit Beauty