The eternal style lessons to learn from Sir Paul McCartney
Style, songs and a sheepdog. What more could we ask for?
Paul McCartney has long held a flair for fashion – from back in the 1960s through his mastery of modish looks with The Beatles, right through to today as he sits on the front row of his daughter Stella McCartney’s fashion shows. Today, the iconic musician and member of the Fab Four is celebrating his 79th birthday, so we’ve seized the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane, sartorially. Herewith, 12 leading fashion lessons from the man who proved song and style go hand in hand…
Cummings Archives1/13You need a knitted tank top
Good news, knitwear fans: chunky garments aren’t just for winter. As long as the upcoming summer forecast isn’t for sweltering (highly unlikely – this is Britain), a knitted Fair Isle tank top will slot perfectly into your new-season attire. The best way to style it? Alongside relaxed formal pieces, as demonstrated here by McCartney in 1967. Worn with a crisp white shirt underneath (CC Margaret Howell 2020) and wide, striped trousers, the look was simple yet stylish. Trade the kecks for tailored shorts if you fancy it.
Ron Galella2/13Monotone styling works wonders
While a lot of musicians were out performing in bold disco gear during the 1980s (not a bad thing, by the way), Paul McCartney was sticking to what he knew best: sophisticated essentials. For this New York-based event in 1988, he took two of his all-time favourites – a button-down shirt and some workwear trousers – to make a brilliant monotone statement. Worn a little relaxed and sealed with a slim leather belt, his single-shade styling still looks epic.
Keystone3/13Keep the collars sharp
One of the easiest ways to draw attention to your look is with a statement collar. Case in point: this look from Paul McCartney in 1978, where he teamed his black blazer and knitted tank top with an Italian-style knit. Pulling his pointed collar out over those satin shawl lapels was a powerful style trick and he earns extra points for his use of primary colour.
Keystone4/13You need a good leather jacket
Very few menswear items live up to a classic leather jacket. The low-key outerwear essential is a vital investment as it’s one you can rely on at any age. You could go for bomber, you could opt for a tailored take, but if you want to make like McCartney, then opt for a motorcycle style. Zipped up, collar upturned and worn with go-to accessories (note the Ascot knot for his scarf – very nice), it’s a straight-up signifier of all things cool.
5/13Have some fun with your suit
Most people see airport settings as an excuse to dress mega louche, but for McCartney, it has long been a leading runway. See here for proof: rocking up to Heathrow in 1968 with Lennon by his side, he sported a striking suit (single-breasted, notched lapels). The colour separation of his blazer slimmed the silhouette perfectly and styled with straight-cut tailored trousers (turned up the perfect amount, FYI), he brought a bold take to an otherwise classic suit. The tip? Brave the Beatles statement suit.
6/13Top off the look with a cape
How to communicate the powerful status of your style? Adopt a superhero stance, but keep it hip. So, basically, emulate this look by McCartney. He took the layering game to a whole other level with this sleeveless garment, finishing a formal look of a shirt, tie and suit with a classic black hue. The devil's in the details with this one: sealed (or not so sealed) with a royalist fastening, this was the ultimate look of effortlessness. The cape is a timeless addition to your wardrobe – just make sure to wear your layers wisely.
7/13Every man should own a set of braces
He has a guitar strap slung around his upper half most of the time, so it shouldn't come as much surprise that McCartney also embraced some sartorial suspenders. For us Brits, that means braces. The accessory has been used for practical reasons over centuries (to this day where they've resurged across Wall Street businessmen), but as for a cool and casual look... few musicians have attempted it, but McCartney embraced it with ease. Boding well with his long-sleeved polo shirt, this was an elegant finish that also brought the right amount of nonchalance.
8/13A double-breasted blazer is timeless
Boxy shoulders, notched lapels, double breasted, all clad in a clean cream material – this is proof that sharp dressing is easy. Here, McCartney was arriving to a press call before the recording of “All You Need Is Love” at Abbey Road Studios. And clearly, the charming context of the track was being referenced through his floral shirt beneath – subtly exposed and with a turned-up collar that allowed his big lapel statement to speak. Find yourself a blazer like this, ground it with a blossoming shirt and you'll be emulating the coolest members of Britain's Sixties subculture.
9/13Dress like you’re heading to Glastonbury
It's just around the corner, so if you're in search for some style inspiration, look no further than Paul McCartney circa 1971. He may be wearing those oh so famous Beatle boots, but with thick, knitted socks layered over and cord trousers tucked in, he appeared more than ready to hit the field. So here's the approach to take: stick to simple pieces across your bottom half and embrace a statement shirt (Western influenced ideally) on top. As for the accessory? Well, a suitcase may not be the most practical, but if you dare to try looking as hip as this, you'll certainly stand out.
10/13Match your shirt to your shoes
Summer's just around the corner, so for a timeless approach to the sun-drenched season, use this look as a reference. McCartney was relaxing in his father's home up North in this attire, but frankly, he would have also been fit for an outing of some afternoon drinks. White shark collared shirt (stamped with simple polka dots), straight-cut tweed trousers and simple tennis trainers, he just looks inherently stylish. If he headed out afterwards, we're guessing he threw on a straight-cut blazer and pulled out his collar for the ultimate reveal. You know what to do.
11/13You need some horse bit loafers (and a sheep dog)
Songs, style and a sheepdog – what more could we ask for? We're sticking to style here, though, so let's zoom in on those horse bit loafers. Simple in shape and topped with a timeless detail, they served as a brilliant formal companion alongside McCartney's laidback formal attire. As for the additional socks... there has long been a big question mark as to whether it works or not, but for a bright summer statement, we say go for it. Partner your leather loafers with a white layer beneath and you can say you're channeling Paul McCartney. Who's going to argue with that?
Ron Galella12/13Make a denim jacket your go-to throw on
Attending the “Sound Action” Earth Day Concert at Hollywood Bowl in LA in 1993, Paul McCartney threw on a denim jacket, making a case for it being the easiest jacket to use for layering. Our advice? Go a size up for a relaxed feel.
13/13Bring a balanced blend of tailoring and athleisure
The Beatles may have been associated with those slim suits and cool takes on traditional formalwear, but they balanced the genres of their clothing well. Exhibit A: McCartney's infusion of tailoring and sportswear. Evidently a fan of the striped suit, his baseball trainers injected a relaxed stance to the base of his outfit. And for accessories, a long, slim scarf worked wonders. If you're looking for something to wear right now, this is what we'd advise. The reason? National stripe day is coming up on 21 June.
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