Is it wrong to write a fashion post about a movement that essentially rejected all forms of materialism? Hmmm… In my defence, the beatniks might approve of the rebelliousness of this act. Nevertheless, I’m really only writing this because I like the beatnik look. It’s something akin to that French unkempt style we all love so much (but with a touch more artistic gloom).

You probably already know the beatnik look (even if you’ve never heard the actual term before). The beatniks were a reaction to conformity of the post-war 1940s and 1950s. Between the 1950s and 1960s, women threw off those big, voluptuous skirts, cinched waists and colourful tops, in favour of sleek pants, loafers and a dark, melancholy palette. They sat in underground bars, smoking cigarillos and scribbling in their notebooks. They discussed art, literature and revolution, and they did it all to the sounds of Charlie Parker and Bob Dylan.

They were oh so masculine. And oh so chic.

And this is was their fashion arsenal…