David and Victoria Beckham are masters of simple but (very) effective couple dressing

Posh and Becks have raised the bar for couple dressing, here’s how they did it

As soon as someone mentions the Beckhams, what do you think of? Style, in every sense of the word? Well, you’d be right. As soon as the couple met back in the Nineties, they set an impeccably high bar for couple dressing. Ask anyone. There were plenty of iconic looks in the early days – namely those Matrix-vibe leather looks to complement curtain haircuts (huge, yes) – but since then, we’ve come to know and love them for their sharp and simple approach to fashion.

Not a day goes by where David and Victoria’s looks aren’t synonymous in some way – whether they’re each wearing suits or complementing each other through minimalist hues. They are both designing clothes now, after all, so there’s a lot to be taken from their shared sartorialism. So ahead of tomorrow’s fashion awards, which is set to celebrate the most talented contributors to the industry, we’ve embarked on a masterclass with the pair who are constantly setting the benchmark for couple style. Over to their greatest lessons…

James Devaney

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NEW YORK CITY, MAY 2021

With David Beckham in neutral-tones by Ottaway Style x Benson & Clegg, Victoria added some zig-ah-zig-ah to date night in varying shades of yellow.
James Devaney

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NEW YORK CITY, MAY 2021

The Beckhams boast the best bag collection in the world. Case in point: seen in New York City Victoria flaunted a hard-to-buy Hermès Birkin, while Golden Balls showed off an impressive, fresh-out-the-box Goyard travel case.
David M. Benett

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ATTENDING THE 2019 GQ MEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

When: 3 September 2019 Why it works: Taking home the Editor’s Special Award at this year’s GQ Men Of The Year Awards, Beckham was channelling a good bit of Bond in his Tom Ford evening suit: a single-breasted honeycomb cocktail jacket worn with straight-cut mohair trousers and a classic bow tie. Classic tailoring was a clear point of call for the evening, as alongside him Victoria opted for a white double-breasted suit, ever so slightly lengthened in trousers for a nod towards easy elegance. The tip to take is simple: approach your formal event in tailored black and white suits and you’ll both share a sharp evening.
Victor Boyko

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OUT AND ABOUT DURING LONDON FASHION WEEK

When: 17 February 2019 Why it works: You know those Christmas gatherings that aren’t strictly formal but still require some form of smart dressing? This is the way to approach them. Victoria’s verdict: a louche black suit, teamed with an elegant silk shirt. Easy. As for David’s? He’s sticking to earthy tones: grey tailored trousers (made from wool – it is winter after all) styled with a simple white T-shirt and camel cashmere coat. There’s a couple of casual touches in there too: leather lace-up boots and a tweed flat cap for the journey home. Don’t fall victim to the Christmas jumper tragedy this season, keep it sophisticated like the Beckham’s instead.

James Mason Photography

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COHOSTING GQ’S CLOSING DINNER AT LONDON FASHION WEEK MEN’S

When: 8 January 2019 Why it works: David Beckham has been pretty influenced by the Peaky Blinders‘ wardrobe this year. In January he collaborated with Kent & Curwen for a Tommy Shelby-inspired collection during London Fashion Week Men’s, after which he hosted GQ‘s Closing Dinner alongside Dylan Jones. His look for the evening? A tasteful nod to the show’s signature wardrobe: a double-breasted tweed charcoal suit boasting some fine finishing touches. Wide-peak lapels on his jacket, cuffed hems on his trousers and the ultimate satin tie added up to some dapper formalwear that we’ll be emulating, stat. Shoutout to Victoria’s romantic ensemble too: a lace blouse and wide velvet trousers was a winning combination.
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When: 11 January 2017 Why it works: There’s no couple who do fashion week better than the Beckhams. Back in 2017, the pair selected every staple one could possibly think of and piled them into a winning couple combo. Knitwear, slim leather trousers, old-school pleated kecks and, of course, a heck load of neutral tones. For a pop of colour, Victoria wrapped a shade of love around the waist, and both sported pure white shoes. Opt for opposing knits that complement through shade and your shared selections will be golden.
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When: 5 May 2014 Why it works: White = winner. Especially in the Beckhams’ case, who took the 2014 Met Gala by storm when rocking up in the purest styles. His and hers is a pretty perfect slogan to stamp onto this arrival – the heavenly hue looks just as stylish now – five years later. In case you haven’t yet gathered, the Beckhams are avid admirers of black and white. And to date it’s granted them nothing but success.

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When: 19 May 2018 Why it works: Ever the elegant couple, Posh and Becks kept it timeless and traditional when attending a royal wedding. For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s celebrations, the Beckhams proved their power couple status through sharp shoulderwear. Victoria’s cape-topped dress boded well with her husband’s three-piece suit, and they injected a hint of glam through silver details such as a buckled neckline and waistcoat chain.
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When: 6 January 2019 Why it works: Attending David Beckham’s latest show with Kent & Curwen, the couple slotted well into the Peaky Blinders scenario. Both took to dapper tweed suits, tailored to masculine and feminine vibes. As with everything, these looks are all about what lies beneath. For men, a sharp waistcoat is certain to do wonders. For women, a ruffled pastel shirt with a Victorian edge adds sophistication.
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When: 26 February 2012 Why it works: The key to the high-scoring look here is formal accessories. Men, hit up the bow tie. Women, wrap it up with a slim leather belt. The Beckhams showed the Oscars the best way to wear a tailored suit and a strapless gown.

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When: 18 January 2018 Why it works: For Virgil Abloh’s debut menswear collection at Louis Vuitton, the Beckhams sat well in the setting of Paris’ Palais Royal. The couple co-ordinated with knee-length coats in earthy tones (David: khaki; Victoria: beige). The outerwear wasn’t the only thing going hand-in-hand, as they styled them with loose trousers. Couple dressing tip: layer up the simple pieces for a très chic effect.
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When: 23 November 2015 Why it works: How to make an entrance at the British Fashion Awards? Easy: strike with sharp black suits. The idea of sartorial twinning may sound daunting, but if you’re both tailored from head to toe, you can’t go wrong. See the Beckhams for proof, mastering monochrome complemented by patent shoes and pointed stilettos. Extra points for David’s slick grooming and Victoria’s up-do.